📰 What's Making News

Skyview Slowpitch Clinches State Berth at Tri-District Tourney

Big weekend for the Storm. Skyview's slowpitch squad fought its way to the championship game at the District 1-2-4 tournament on Saturday, locking up a spot in the Class 4A state tournament along the way. That's a statement result for a program building momentum at exactly the right time of year. Keep an eye on this group as the postseason heats up. Full recap from The Columbian.

Battle Ground's Lord King Nana-Badu-Weah Takes Flight — Literally

You might know Lord King Nana-Badu-Weah as a cross country runner for Battle Ground High School, but this past summer he traded trails for runways. The student-athlete spent time at Purdue University in Indiana as part of an Air Force-sponsored aviation program, learning to push himself in an entirely new arena. It's a remarkable story about a local kid chasing big dreams well beyond Clark County lines. Read his full story here.

Friday, Saturday Prep Scoreboard: All the Results in One Place

From the football fields to the volleyball courts, it was a packed weekend of high school action across Clark County. The Columbian compiled every score from Friday and Saturday games so you can catch up without chasing down individual results. Whether your household cheers for Union, Camas, Mountain View, or anyone else in the area, it's all right here. See the full scoreboard.

Why October Beats Spring for Planting Trees, Shrubs

If you've been eyeing that bare corner of your yard and thinking "I'll deal with it in the spring," Allen Wilson has news for you: fall is actually the ideal planting window for trees and shrubs in our climate. Cooler temperatures and fall rain give roots time to establish before next summer's heat arrives. His latest Gardening With Allen column walks through what to plant now and how to set it up for success. Get his advice here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

81 Degrees at Pearson Field: Vancouver's October Heat Streak Wraps Up

Thursday's thermometer at Pearson Field hit 81 — a full 17 degrees above normal for mid-October. Enjoy the memory, because cooler, more seasonal temps are rolling back in this week. Full forecast from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, October 18

• IABCA Dog Show — 8:30 AM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The IABCA Evergreen Autumn Sieger showcases top-quality dogs in a premier international-style competition. Meet enthusiasts and celebrate the art of dog showing. More info
• Girlfriends Race — 9:00 AM at Downtown Vancouver Waterfront Park. The 20th Annual Girlfriends Run features a Half Marathon, 10K, and 6K designed for women to get together, do something good for themselves, and support an important cause. Show up by 8:30 AM to get organized. More info
• Howloween at the Zoo — 9:30 AM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Bring your costumed kids for Halloween fun with keeper chats, live entertainment, and exciting activities throughout the zoo. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship year-round farmers market at 8th and Esther St. in the heart of downtown Vancouver. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Enjoy a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, pick a free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), and explore the corn maze. $14–$16. More info
• The Portland MAiZE & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of pathways through the corn, plus a full pumpkin patch experience. More info
• The Halloween Ball with Northwest Children's Theater — 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. A costume parade, interactive live storytime, dance party, and sing-a-long. Shows at 10 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3 PM. Best for ages 4 and up. $16. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4 PM) in Yacolt. Take a hayride down Pumpkin Lane to see dozens of pumpkin people scenes, pick the perfect pumpkin, visit farm animals, and enjoy kids' activities. $6–$8. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM in Camas. Admission includes corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin any size. Dogs welcome on leash. $13 ($11 for seniors 55+). More info
• Photography Hike: Autumn — 10:00 AM at Hummocks Trail #229. Join professional photographer Patrick Aalto and Mt. St. Helens Institute guides for a photography hike through the massive hummocks deposited by the 1980 eruption, with amazing views of the volcanic crater. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners — 10:00 AM. A beginner-friendly class emphasizing skills and tools needed for accurate mushroom identification. Presented by Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $12 on weekends. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Fall Train Rides — 12:00 PM from the station in Yacolt. The excursion chugs through a tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24. More info
• Disney on Ice Presents: Jump In — 12:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland. Dazzling effects, mesmerizing projections, and spellbinding moments from your favorite Disney worlds. Starting at $37.30. More info
• Anime Wonder Tradeshow — 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Exhibitors, artist vendors, anime and video game voice actors, guest cosplayers, cosplay competitions, main stage entertainment, and more. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM in Woodland. A family-sized pumpkin patch on 40+ acres with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Free parking and no admission fee. More info
• Boo Bash at School of Rock Vancouver — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at 1825 S.E. 164th Ave., Suite 120, Vancouver. Live student performances, hands-on music stations, trick-or-treat fun, games, and prizes. Costumes encouraged. Free. More info
• King's Way Christian High School Open House — 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at 3606 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Meet staff and students and learn how King's Way equips students to thrive academically, personally, and spiritually. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 2:00 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The classic musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City — gamblers, romance, and unforgettable tunes. $48.25. More info
• Leaving Iowa with Starbird Theatre — 2:00 PM at The Sherman Auditorium, Vancouver. A heartfelt comedy celebrating the classic family road trip, directed by David Roberts and Gina George. More info
• Wander & Whisk Cookie Class at Windy Hills Winery — 2:00 PM in Ridgefield. Learn step-by-step cookie decorating while sipping wine. Registration closes October 11. $65. More info
• Encore Screening of Our Mr. Matsura — 2:00 PM–4:30 PM at Kiggins Theater, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. See the award-winning documentary by Vancouver filmmaker Beth Harrington about Frank Matsura, the orphan son of a samurai who became a beloved photographer in Okanogan County. Harrington will be in attendance for Q&A. $15. More info
• Piano Extravaganza: Nien-Wei Hsiao Chamber Series — 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Vancouver. Dr. Michael C. Liu, pianist Kathy Charles, and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra members perform Schumann, Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and more. $30. More info
• Southwest Washington Wind Symphony: New Frontiers — 3:00 PM–4:30 PM at Union High School Performing Arts Center, Camas. The 22nd season opener honors the bold spirit and sweeping landscapes of the American West, featuring conductor Patrick Murphy and oboist Chris Sigman. Free. More info
• Sunday Ballroom and Latin Group Classes — 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, Vancouver. Beginning classes at 4 PM, advanced at 5 PM. $15 for ages 12+. More info
• Handbell Musicians of America Presents Distinctly Bronze — 4:00 PM–5:30 PM at Hilton Vancouver. A concert by 115 advanced handbell musicians from around the country, conducted by Griff Gall of the Back Bay Ringers. $5 at the door. More info
• Beginning Swing and Foxtrot Fusion — 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at Vancouver Fitness Studio, 9212 N.W. Highway 99. Lessons followed by social dancing for practice. Couples and singles welcome; no partner required. $15 drop-in. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive main haunted houses, additional haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with high-quality sound and lighting, in-car audio, and monsters in Hollywood-quality makeup. Food and drinks available. Starting at $78.22. More info

Monday, October 19

• Scary Story Walk at Camas Public Library — Walk through downtown Camas and read the winning scary stories displayed in participating business windows. Free. More info
• Preschool Ghost Salt Paintings — 11:00 AM–11:45 AM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults create ghostly apparitions using salt water in this combined science and art activity. No registration required. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Community members are welcome. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00 PM–3:30 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Visitors, non-members, and interested growers of chrysanthemums are welcome. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their parents or caregivers. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. For ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Improve reading skills in 15-minute sessions reading to a therapy dog. For grades 1–5. Registration required. Free. More info
• Finding Balance: Self-Care in Birding — 4:00 PM. Join Birdability Captains Eric Clow and Jayme Boucher for an open community discussion on self-care in birding, kicking off Birdability Week 2026. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art leads you through wet-on-wet blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-like coasters. No experience needed. $35. More info

Tuesday, October 20

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+, tailored from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration required. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years to run, play, jump, and climb while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donate non-perishable food items benefiting the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, and pantry staples. More info
• National Share the Warmth Day at Vancouver Mall — 3:00 PM–5:00 PM. Bring a new or gently worn coat to donate and enjoy Spin-to-Win prizes, hot cocoa, coffee, tea, cider, and craft activities. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Family Arts & Crafts Supply Swap — 5:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Swap your extra fabric, beads, and yarn for new-to-you treasures. Donating isn't required to participate. Bring your own bags. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly group for writers of all levels — dedicated writing time with no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking Spanish in a group geared toward beginning adults. No registration required. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Creative Crafts: Felted Pumpkins — 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn to needle felt an adorable seasonal pumpkin. Ages 13+. Registration required. Free. More info
• Star Trek Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. All things Trek from the '90s onward, with prizes for the top two teams and themed drinks. More info
• Cover to Cover Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A general fiction book club for adults. No registration required to attend the discussion. Free. More info
• Science Pub: Fear and the Brain — 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Dr. Radhika Reddy from Portland State University explores why your heart races before you even know what scared you and how fear is an ancient survival system. Doors at 6 PM. More info
• Le Patin Libre Roller Disco — 7:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Montreal-based contemporary skating company Le Patin Libre hosts a roller disco performance and workshop. Come to watch or skate. Bring your own skates or rent through Skatemobile for $15. Admission is free. More info

Wednesday, October 21

• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic gem at Fort Vancouver. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer. Free. More info
• October Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM. Join knowledgeable Columbia Springs staff or expert volunteers for a guided walk to discover wildlife and native plants along the trails. Great for all ages (trails are not stroller-friendly). More info
• Providence Academy Plaza Dedication — 4:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Join The Historic Trust for the official dedication of Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square, featuring a ribbon-cutting and new interpretive signage. Free and open to the public. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Waltz at 6 PM, salsa at 7 PM. No previous dance experience required. $69 for the five-week session. More info
• Online Spanish Conversation Classes, Levels I and II — 6:00 PM–7:00 PM via Zoom. Practice speaking with a native speaker in a small group — no homework, no tests. $25 per session. More info
• Worm Bin Composting Workshop — 6:00 PM. Learn how to care for your worms and understand different types of worm bins. Hosted by Clark County Composter Recyclers. Free. More info

Thursday, October 22

• Xeriscaping: Landscaping for Dry Conditions — 10:00 AM. Learn how xeriscaping reduces irrigation and fertilizer while conserving water, soil, and time — applicable in any region. Presented by Xerces Society. More info
• Mac's Auto & Diesel Repair Moves to a Larger Location — 4:00 PM at 6309 NE St Johns Rd, Vancouver. Celebrate Mac's Auto & Diesel Repair's growth and new space. Light snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and raffle prizes. More info
• LCNN's Seeds for Education — Seed Sorting & Packing — 4:00 PM at Good Year Farms, 29610 SE 23rd St., Washougal. Join the Lower Columbia Nature Network to sort and pack seeds for local school gardens. More info
• Native Plant Seed Saving with Vancouver Bee Project — 5:30 PM at Gray's Restaurant & Bar at the Hilton, downtown Vancouver. October's Pollinators & Pints topic is native seed saving. Bring your questions and connect with fellow gardeners. More info

Friday, October 23

• Tree & Shrub Pruning 101 — 5:00 PM. A beginner-friendly Master Gardener class led by an ISA Certified Arborist covering the fundamentals of proper pruning for healthier plants, improved flowering, and safer landscapes. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info

Saturday, October 24

• Columbia CX Harvest Cross — Cyclocross Race — 8:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Races for all ages and abilities, including Kiddie Cross on a separate course. Expect grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and the fan-favorite sand pit. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Spend a morning removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and improving the site. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. More info
• Make a Difference Day: Wetland Restoration and Native Planting — 9:00 AM. Join the Water Center and Clark Public Utilities to plant native trees and shrubs, restoring 3.6 acres of wetlands for healthier habitat and cleaner waterways. More info
• Mason Bees Unwrapped: The Art & Science of Cocoon Harvesting — 9:30 AM. WSU Master Gardener Anne Bulger leads an interactive workshop on these non-stinging native pollinators — learn their role in pollination and how to create a thriving habitat. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them into delicious dishes. More info
• Volunteer Gathering & Orientation for Plas Newydd Farm Programs — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Meet current volunteers and learn about volunteer opportunities at this community farm. Refreshments provided. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen — 10:00 AM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver. Help remove ivy and other non-native plants to support a healthy forest. Family-friendly and great for teens. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Nature Days at Columbia Springs — 10:00 AM. Free exploration of the natural world with activities and presentations designed to inspire all ages. Make your own adventure! More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success — 10:30 AM. Learn tips to protect your plants, enrich your soils, and care for your irrigation systems. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• Bat Class at Nature's Haven Nursery — 11:00 AM at 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Learn about Pacific Northwest bat species, why they matter to our ecosystems, and how to make your yard more bat-friendly. Bat houses available for sale. More info
• The Resilient Yard: Battling Climate Change at Home — 4:00 PM. Learn actions you can take in your own suburban yard to reduce your carbon footprint. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• The Rocky Horror Pet Show — 4:30 PM. A Halloween event for dogs (and brave cats!) featuring nosework, bobbing for Frankenfurters, a build-your-own trick-or-treat bag, and a photo booth. Timed entry. $18 pre-sale through Oct. 22, $20 after. More info
• Pink After Dark — Karaoke for a Cause at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. A special karaoke night celebrating women and breast cancer survivors, with proceeds supporting a nonprofit that assists women during treatment. More info

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