📰 What's Making News

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Clark County, Smog Advisory Now Active

If you stepped outside this morning and thought the sky looked off, you're not imagining things. Smoke from wildfires burning in Eastern Washington and Canada drifted into Southwest Washington overnight, leaving a thick haze hanging over the region. The National Weather Service has issued a smog advisory for Clark County, so it's a good day to keep windows closed, limit time outdoors if you're sensitive to air quality, and maybe skip that afternoon run. The Columbian has the full breakdown.

Vancouver Eyes New Green Building Standards

The City of Vancouver is working to develop green building policies that could shape how future construction looks across town. With wildfires burning across the Northwest this summer, the conversation around sustainable building practices feels especially timely. The effort involves the Vancouver City Council and touches on everything from energy efficiency to materials standards for new development in the city. It's still early days, but worth watching if you care about what Vancouver looks like in the next decade. Read more from The Columbian.

Raptors Drop 10-Inning Thriller as Regular Season Winds Down

The Ridgefield Raptors fell 11-8 to the Corvallis Knights in a wild extra-innings game Monday night — the second contest of their final regular-season series. It was a back-and-forth affair that stretched to 10 innings, where Corvallis' Kellen Segel delivered the dagger with a bases-loaded squeeze bunt. Not the ending Raptors fans were hoping for, but there's still time to catch the team before the season wraps. Full recap from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Not enough local items passed our editorial filters today — we'll be back tomorrow with a full Quick Bites section. In the meantime, enjoy your Wednesday, Vancouver!

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, August 5

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free admission.
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (age 60+) stay active. Sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionist exhibit.
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free guided tours available Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic gem, available Wednesday through Friday.
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Littles age 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free.
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 11:00 AM at various FVRL Library locations. A whirlwind of juggling, magic, plate spinning, and physical comedy. Free.
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Shop 50+ vendors at the new temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Every Wednesday, 3–7 PM.
• Preschool Suncatcher Chains — 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–5 make suncatcher chains out of jelly paper. Registration required. Free.
• Kids and Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free.
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free.
• Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library — 4:00 PM. Kids ages 5–9 build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free.
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19. Decks provided. Free.
• 100 Women Who Care Clark County Quarterly Meeting — 5:00 PM at The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar, Camas. Members vote to select a local nonprofit to receive donations. Optional social hour at 5 PM, meeting at 6 PM.
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling for ages 14+. No experience needed and equipment is provided.
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. Hands-on leathercraft for beginners and experienced crafters alike. $40–$45.
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop lessons followed by social dancing. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10.
• Wild Wednesdays at the Zoo — 6:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. A 21+ after-hours evening with themed cocktails, keeper chats, and no daytime crowds.
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights.
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Broadway's six-time Tony Award-winning spectacular brings the wizarding world to life on stage.

Family & Kids

• Kids and Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free.

Thursday, August 6

• East Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM at the Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Every Thursday through September.
• Go With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. See what happens to all the water that goes down the drain. Ages 8+, closed-toed shoes required. Free.
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. A class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50.
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week intro course perfect for newcomers. $10–$50.
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop and Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping for aspiring and published authors. Free.
• Ridgefield Family Story Time — 10:30 AM at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center. Family storytime followed by open trail walking. Free.
• Kids Camp Classic Tie Dye Shirt Make and Take — 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Twist, scrunch, and splash your way to a one-of-a-kind wearable masterpiece. $10.
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. A free monthly gathering for paper crafting enthusiasts of all skill levels.
• Kids and Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toys. Free.
• CREATE A TINY WORLD: Miniature Shadow Box Workshop with artist Lara Blair — 4:00 PM. Build a unique miniature scene inside a shadow box — perfect for adults and kids ages 8+ to create together. $7.
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and good conversation for ages 13–19. Free.
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and dive into Dungeons and Dragons for ages 9–19. Free.
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Meeting — 5:30 PM at Leonardo's Pizzeria, Vancouver. A presentation about the Kiwanis International Convention in Manila. Visitors welcome. Free.
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games to support local off-leash dog parks — and bring your pup along for the covered patio fun. $20.
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Doors at 6 PM, bingo at 7 PM. Win prizes including an overnight lodge stay in the blackout round. Free, all ages.
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the fun — all ages and beginners welcome. $10.

Friday, August 7

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Join fellow gardeners every Friday to keep this community garden thriving — harvested produce is donated to local families.
• Fintastic Fish at the Water Resources Education Center — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Families with kids ages 6–10 explore the lifecycles of salmon and lamprey through hands-on activities. Registration required. Free.
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket. Bike rentals available on-site.
• Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival — 10:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. A free three-day festival (Aug. 7–9) with outdoor stages, local art vendors, family activities, and concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
• Adult and Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free.
• Clark County Fair — 10:00 AM at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Blast Off to Fun with rides, entertainment, food, and hands-on adventures. $8.50–$11.50 admission; carnival opens at noon.
• Clark College Student Exhibit — 10:00 AM at the Esther Short Building, Vancouver. Ceramics, watercolors, photography, and digital art from Clark College students, in conjunction with the Arts and Music Festival. Free.
• Playing Favorites Art Show — 10:00 AM at the Esther Short Building, Vancouver. Award-winning artwork by Stephanie Joy Mitchell, Janine Littrell, Lisa Raymer, and Alison Berkey. Free.
• Vancouver Arts and Music Festival Juried Art Exhibit — 10:00 AM at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Over 100 local artists across diverse mediums — vote for your favorite for the People's Choice Award. Free.
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon to 1:00 PM.
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: The Big Fire and How Downtown Changed — 12:00 PM starting at the Esther Short Park Fountain. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores how fires shaped downtown Vancouver, plus the backstory of the Pioneer Mother Statue. Free.
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A creative gathering every Friday from 1 to 3 PM. Free.
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 and caregivers team up to battle monsters, avoid traps, and discover treasure. Free.
• Teen DIY: Dino Trinket Dish — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in 6th–12th grade shape air-dry clay into dinosaur trinket dishes. Registration required. Free.
• Arts and Community Vitality: A Conversation on Culture, Health, and Connection — 3:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra hosts a chamber music performance featuring cellist Julian Schwarz, followed by a panel on arts in civic life. Free.
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free.
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12. Free.
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more. $5–$10 admission.
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield — 4:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine, and stroll as participating businesses stay open late with special sales and activities. Free.
• Adult Nature Lovers Book Group — 4:00 PM at White Salmon Valley Library (also online). Discuss Ocean by David Attenborough with fellow nature enthusiasts. Free.
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors for the monthly art walk. Free.
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ enjoy unlimited climbing for 1 hour and 45 minutes at multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. $3–$41.
• ZooNights — 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters on a gorgeous summer evening. $13–$26.
• Friday Night Movies in the Parks — 5:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Activities before the movie, then Fantasia (1940) at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free.
• Columbia River Triathlon and Endurance Sports Festival — 5:00 PM at various Columbia River locations. A weekend of triathlons, duathlons, a sunset 5K/10K, a kids triathlon, and more with stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.
• Camas Comic Con — 5:00 PM in Downtown Camas. The fan-favorite fourth annual event brings comics, cosplay, anime, and family-friendly fandom fun on First Friday. Free.
• Lost and Found: Inner Light Photographic Society Exhibit — 5:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery, Vancouver. Over 20 photographers celebrate the society's 40th anniversary with works shot on everything from vintage cameras to smartphones. Free.
• Community Art Night — 5:30 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Drop in and create whatever you want with provided materials. Suggested donation $5–$10.
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling for ages 14+. No experience needed.
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Shiloh Mae plus food from Venue 1903. Free admission.
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Sculpt your own mug, vase, gnome, or animal — no experience needed. Staff fires and glazes your piece. $50.
• Journey Theater presents Into the Woods — 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. The beloved Sondheim musical follows a baker, Cinderella, and Jack on an intertwined fairy-tale journey. $22–$26.
• Midland at the Clark County Fair — 7:00 PM at the Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Grammy-nominated Americana country band Midland hits the Toyota Grandstands. Reserved seating $38–$48 (includes fair admission).
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live music on the pet-friendly patio.

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