📰 What's Making News

Vancouver's Historic Black Church Joins State Heritage Register

A proud piece of Vancouver history just earned long-overdue recognition. A Black community church that sits at the boundary between the city's earliest footprint and its eastward expansion has been added to the Washington State Heritage Register. The designation honors the congregation's deep roots in Vancouver's story — but the church is also looking ahead, hoping to welcome new worshippers through its doors. It's a reminder that preserving history and building community go hand in hand. Read the full story in The Columbian.

Alistair Docherty Tees Off at the British Open

Vancouver's own Alistair Docherty stepped onto one of golf's grandest stages Thursday, competing in the first round of the British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Docherty shot a 3-over-par 73, finishing the day tied for 106th. It's still early — and just seeing a Vancouver name on the leaderboard at a major championship is worth celebrating. Follow his progress at The Columbian.

Washougal National Hits 45 Years, Still the Northwest's Longest-Running Pro Motorsports Event

Mark your calendar for July 25: the Washougal National returns for its milestone 45th edition at Washougal MX Park, cementing its status as the longest-running professional motorsports event in the Pacific Northwest. This year's race doubles as the American motocross Military Appreciation Race, honoring active-duty service members. Expect big names on the track — Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence, Haiden Deegan, Levi Kitchen, and Jorge Prado are all part of the Pro Motocross Championship field. If you've never experienced the roar echoing off Horsepower Hill, this is the year. Get the details from Clark County Today.

Blueberries, Ice Cream, Classic Cars: Five Things to Do This Week

Summer in Clark County is stacking up nicely this week. The Columbian's roundup highlights the Shoestring Circus, Battle Ground Harvest Days, the Hockinson Blueberry Festival, Cruise the Couve, and the Scooped Ice Cream Festival — five solid reasons to get outside and soak up the season. Whether you're chasing live entertainment, farm-fresh berries, or a perfectly topped cone, there's something for every corner of the county. See the full list at The Columbian.

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

$719K Flows to 15 SW Washington Nonprofits

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington awarded $719,000 in Focus Grants to 15 organizations — including the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Project Access, and the Ethnic Support Council — covering everything from specialty care to translation services. The next funding cycle is now open.

Pearson Field Hosts Free Aviation Festival Aug. 15

Mark your calendar for "A Flight Through Time" at Pearson Field, featuring flight simulators, static aircraft, vintage cars, a paper airplane competition, and the unveiling of a freshly painted Compass Rose mural by The 99s. The event is free, family-friendly, and includes shuttle service. Full details here.

Clark County Homes Lingering Longer on the Market

The usual summer slowdown is here, but this year houses in Clark County are sitting on the market noticeably longer than in recent springs. If you've been watching listings, this trend is worth tracking.

Seahawks Staying Put Under Khosla Family Ownership

Good news for fans on this side of the river: an analysis lays out three reasons the Khosla family won't be relocating the Seattle Seahawks after completing their purchase. Read the breakdown.

Washington Gets $547K From 23andMe Data Breach Settlement

Washington state is set to receive $547,000 as part of the $46.8 million class-action settlement over the 23andMe data breach. Former customers statewide may also be eligible for individual payments. Details on the payout here.

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, July 17

• Birding-in-Place: Accessible & Inclusive Outing with VAS – 7:00 AM at Hockinson Meadows Community Park. Grab a chair and join Vancouver Audubon Society leaders Kiara Way and Sam Cable for a stationary bird outing focused on unique behaviors and songs. Space is limited — email Sam at scable@vancouveraudubon.org to register. More info
• The Scottish Ride – Meet at 5:30 PM, ride at 6:00 PM from Columbia Square. A tartan-themed community bike ride along the "Scottish Corridor" of McGillivray, MacArthur, and McLaughlin Boulevards — about 7 miles ending at Marshall Park with Cranachan (vegan and GF options available). Helmets required. Free. More info
• Mount St. Helens Trail Jamboree and Campout – WTA Day Work Party – 8:00 AM. A weekend of trail stewardship on the east side of the Monument with Washington Trails Association and Mount St. Helens Institute — complete with guest speakers, s'mores, and camping. Bring the family and join for one, two, or all three days. More info
• Upper Lewis River Flyfishing Outing with Clark-Skamania Flyfishers – 8:00 AM at Forest Road 90. Join Don and Carol Kohler for an overnight camping trip focused on wading for trout on the Lewis River. More info
• Community Whitewater Rafting: Deschutes River with AWOL – 8:00 AM. A road trip to the Oregon high desert for beginner-to-advanced whitewater rafting. Ages 8+, sliding scale pricing ($80–$150), group size 8–12. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM–9:30 AM (and 10:00–11:00 AM) at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Free evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. More info
• Pathways Clinic Baby & Maternity Sidewalk Sale – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at 2926 E. St., Washougal. Hundreds of gently used baby and maternity items — clothing, gear, toys, books, nursery essentials. Fill a cinch bag with clothes for $10. Proceeds support Pathways Clinic. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Urban Abundance needs eager gardeners every Friday to keep this community garden growing. Harvest produce goes to LULAC. More info
• Family Mt. 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 or season pass at Timberline Bike Park. Rentals available on-site. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this beautifully restored historic home. Book your time online. More info
• One-Day Book Sale – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. The Friends of Washougal Community Library are selling 700 science fiction, young adult, fantasy, manga, graphic novel, and paranormal books. More info
• SHIFT Mt. Bike Event – St. Helens International Festival of Trails – 10:00 AM at Marble Mountain. Northwest Trail Alliance's weekend of trail work and mountain bike riding with social rides and camping all weekend. More info
• Willow Flower Weaving Workshop – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at 29610 SE 23rd St., Washougal. Join Good Year Farms and Erin from Frog & Twig to learn basketry skills and create a handmade willow flower. 12-person max — registration required. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Vancouver's First Suburbs & Early Retail District – 12:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum. Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly to explore the hidden stories and housing styles of North Vancouver, platted in 1883. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering. Free. More info
• Brain Health and Dementia Awareness – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Hope Dementia Support leads a community conversation about brain health, aging, risk reduction, and local resources. Free — RSVP on Eventbrite. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00 PM–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens – 3:00 PM at Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center, Toutle. Scenic trails, hands-on activities, and art for the whole family on the volcanic landscape. $275. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout – 4:00 PM–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12 (snacks courtesy of Friends of Vancouver Community Library). Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $10 adults / $5 kids 4–13, veterans, and seniors / free for ages 3 and under. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Create a character and play Pathfinder 1E — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Family Bingo Night – 5:00 PM–6:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Totem Pole Room. Winners receive a Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome — registration required at CamasPL.org/BINGO. Free. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ — multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary. $33 resident / $41 non-resident. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — plus local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed — equipment provided. Paddlers must be 14+. Free through October 3. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Bring your hero and roll dice in this weekly battle game night. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at 17806 SE 1st St., Vancouver. Singer-songwriter Anica Stemper performs live with food by Venue 1903 on-site. Free admission. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers – 6:00 PM at OMSI Kendall Planetarium, Portland. A heart-pounding laser experience set to RHCP hits. 60 minutes. More info
• Beginner Surf Open Surf (Women Only) – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at Agate Beach, Newport. A road trip for a free open surf session followed by a bonfire, hosted by Babes on Waves' Kayli. Bring your own board and wetsuit. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Amboy Bingo Night – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. Enjoy bingo on the third Friday of every month — all are welcome. Proceeds support veterans' assistance programs in North Clark County. More info
• Shoestring Circus: Dreamland – 7:00 PM at Hazel Dell Commons, Vancouver. Aerialists, acrobats, and delightful oddballs under a vintage big top for a limited run July 17–26. $17–$55. More info
• Mysteries of the Mind with Brian Ledbetter – 7:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. A live theatrical experience of mindreading, psychological illusion, and audience interaction. $20. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Hell's Kitchen (the Musical) – 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The new Broadway musical from 16-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys — a New York City coming-of-age story. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Archer – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Live music in downtown Vancouver. More info
• Bat Chats at Tryon Creek – 8:00 PM at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland. A free, family-friendly evening of bat viewing and learning about Little Brown Bats, Silver-haired Bats, and Big Brown Bats. Bring a picnic blanket. More info

Saturday, July 18

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Battle Ground Harvest Days – Starting at 7:00 AM in downtown Battle Ground. Pancake breakfast at 7 AM, parade at 10 AM, Harvest Market 11 AM–6 PM, BMX Bike Show 10 AM–3 PM, main stage entertainment 12:30–6 PM, capped off with fireworks. Free. More info
• Back Country Horsemen of Washington Annual Fun Ride – 7:00 AM–5:00 PM at Kalama Horse Camp, Cougar. Free breakfast, riding, lunch available, and 80 raffle prizes. Proceeds support local horse camp and trail maintenance. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market since 1990 — fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes. More info
• Hockinson Blueberry Festival – 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Hockinson Community Center, Brush Prairie. Live music by the Thilo Kluth Trio and Kirby Swatosh, pie baking and eating contests, a kids' area, 29 local vendors, and heaps of fresh blueberries (they sell out fast!). Free. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families tackle playful hands-on challenges. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Battle Ground Walking Tour – 9:00 AM (early) or 11:00 AM (late) starting at Dev's Coffee Bar, Battle Ground. Discover how the town got its name, stroll past the 1928 Sacred Heart Church and other landmarks with Clark County Historical Museum guides. $10. More info
• World War II Living History Encampment – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Living History Group Northwest shares the stories of America's WWII fighting forces with a living history encampment. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your barcode. More info
• Sunny Days and Blooms Summer Market – 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at Living Hope XChange Church, Vancouver. 100 local artisans, makers, boutiques, and food vendors hosted by Women of Warrior Strength. Free admission. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Eruption Hike with MSHI – 9:00 AM. A guided nature hike through the hummocks created by the May 18, 1980 eruption, winding up to the Boundary Trail. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at 9612 NW Lower River Rd. Join Clark County Public Works for a litter cleanup at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. All tools provided — wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. More than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site — assume the role of a passenger and explore life aboard the Titanic. More info
• Art in Nature – 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Kids ages 6–10 and their adults explore colors, shapes, and patterns in nature, then create temporary art along the Columbia River's edge. Free — register online. More info
• Canyoneering 101 – Beginner – 9:45 AM. A road trip with the Adventure Society to explore a pristine river canyon in the PNW. Swimming required, wetsuits recommended, no ropes needed. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, historic airplanes on display — STEAM education through aviation for all ages. Free. More info
• Avian Super Powers Presentation – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at CASEE, Brush Prairie. Brandon Burger of Backyard Bird Shop shares amazing bird adaptations — why woodpeckers don't get concussions, how hummingbirds get nectar, and more. $15. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver waterfront. Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Lavender U-Pick and Farm Stand – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Ridgefield Lavender, 6203 NW 172nd St. Pick your own lavender bundles, sip lavender lemonade, and browse handcrafted lavender products. Free. More info
• Froglandia – Frog & Amphibian Class – 10:00 AM in Camas. Learn about the native Pacific chorus frog with Erin of Frog & Twig at Good Year Farms — supportive habitats, frog hotels, and backyard ponds. Registration required. More info
• ForestFest at the World Forestry Center – 10:00 AM–6:00 PM in Portland. A free, family-friendly day with live music, photos with Smokey Bear, community vendors, food, drag hikes, and a Moon Tree dedication. More info
• Food Forests Workshop – 10:00 AM in Portland. Dan Sloan of the Portland Food Forest Initiative covers how to design and install an urban food forest. More info
• Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 11:00 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man. Free. More info
• NW Children's Theater Alumni Presents: Robin Hood – 11:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. A fast-paced, comedic adaptation with swashbuckling silliness featuring NWCT alumni. $20–$25. More info
• Scooped Ice Cream Festival – 11:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. 50+ flavors of all-you-can-eat ice cream, live music, vendors, roller disco dancers, and fun for everyone. July 18 & 19. $29. More info
• The La Center Historical Museum – 12:00 PM–4:00 PM at La Center Historical Museum. Free admission — run by volunteers and donations. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 12:00 PM departing from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and visit Yacolt Falls at Moulton Station. $18–$24. More info
• Cruise the Couve & Chrome & Craft Market Alley – 12:00 PM–10:00 PM in Uptown Village, Vancouver. Classic cars cruising Main Street between 28th and 15th, plus a curated maker market on 19th Street (3–8:30 PM) with local artists and small businesses. Free. More info
• Triathlon Run Through with NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM. Contact Katie Vroman at pdxvanprogramsteam@nwaba.org for details. More info
• Artist Talk at Art at the Cave – 1:00 PM–2:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Hear from artists in the current exhibit, "Rising Out of the Shadows: Stories of Resilience." More info
• Water Resources Education Center: Pollinator Power – 1:00 PM–2:00 PM. A free drop-in program at the Water Center — all ages, no registration required. Explore the air-conditioned exhibit hall and shaded gardens while you're there. More info
• Wildcrafting at Mt. Hood Meadows – 1:00 PM at Mt. Hood Meadows. An educational hike with wildflower expert Jesse Eaton to learn about identifying plants for culinary and medicinal uses (no picking allowed). More info
• Sprinkle Bash at Next Dough Neighbor – 2:00 PM–3:00 PM in Camas. A free monthly birthday party for kids ages 5–9 with July birthdays — doughnut decorating, games, and a prize wheel spin. More info
• Family Movie at Ridgefield Community Library – 3:00 PM–5:00 PM. A family-friendly movie and free popcorn. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers – 3:00 PM–4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room: Reality ReWritten – 3:30 PM–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Can you go back in time and fix a rogue AI post before things get worse? Registration required (closes at 3:30 PM day-of). Free. More info
• Live Music – Cellar Rats at Windy Hills Winery – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM in Ridgefield. Local band plays under the tent with drinks and Steakburger on-site. No cover, all ages. More info
• Family Paint Night: Seahorse at Drip Drop Art Studio – 5:30 PM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Step-by-step painting with pre-traced outlines — all ages can succeed. $25. More info
• As You Like It – 6:00 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. MPA's Community Theater performs its 8th annual summer Shakespeare touring show. Free. More info
• Saturdays in the Park: Fortunate Gold – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Sternwheeler Park, La Center. La Center's family-friendly concert series features this CCR & Neil Young tribute band. Free. More info
• Jesus and Friends: Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at Gathering Church, 2500 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free (donations encouraged). More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Birds of Battle Ground Lake – 7:00 PM–8:00 PM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Interpretive volunteer Simmone Williams presents on the feathered friends who call the lake home. Bring folding chairs. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info
• Hot Summer Nights: Christopher James Pickett – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield. Live music, food, and craft cocktails. $5 cover. More info
• Improv at Magenta Theater – 7:30 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Family-friendly comedy sketch show fueled by audience suggestions. $10. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info
• July OMSI Star Party – 9:00 PM. Rose City Astronomers, OMSI, and Oregon Parks host a summer stargazing event with telescopes of all sizes, an OMSI presentation, and views of planets, the moon, and more. All ages. More info

Sunday, July 19

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI Geologist – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit — this climb includes insights from an MSHI geologist along the way. More info
• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp – 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Full-body muscle and cardio workout at various scenic Vancouver locations. All fitness levels welcome — fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before attending. More info
• Vancouver Community Library Renaissance Fair – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at 901 C St., Vancouver. Costumes encouraged! Morning: juggling, poetry open mic, yarn spinning, herb workshop. Afternoon: mushroom foraging, potions workshop, drop-in D&D for teens, live Celtic music. Free. More info
• Photography Hike with MSHI – 10:00 AM. Professional photographer Patrick Aalto leads a photo hike to Spirit Lake with a naturalist guide — capture wildflowers, waterfalls, and the sun-bleached logs floating since 1980. More info
• Intro to WA Native Frogs – 10:00 AM at Nature's Haven Nursery, 6403 NE 277th Ave., Camas. Learn about the Pacific chorus frog — supportive habitats, frog hotels, and backyard ponds. Free (registration required). More info
• Renaissance Faire: Herb Workshop with Garden Delights – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn how to preserve herbs for yourself or as gifts. Supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. More info
• True Impressions Car Show – 11:00 AM–3:00 PM on Main Street, Battle Ground. All cars and motorcycles welcome. Vehicle registration $20, spectators free. Raffle prizes and awards in 20 categories. More info
• Renaissance Faire: Mushroom Foraging for Beginners – 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room. Naturalist Rebecca Lexa teaches where to find edible mushrooms and how to tell them from toxic look-alikes. Free. More info
• Sandsations Sand Sculpture Festival at Long Beach, WA – 8:00 PM. A road trip to one of Pacific County's most cherished traditions — professional and amateur sand sculptors, competition, and coastal fun. More info

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.