Clark County is set to host a series of events that cater to a variety of interests for residents and visitors alike, starting from hiring events for local veterans to cultural festivals celebrating diversity in the region.
On Wednesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Clark College will be the site of the WorkSource Veterans Hiring Event. This event invites local veterans to network with employers and is an opportunity for them to present their resumes and dress appropriately for job interviews. It is highly recommended that candidates create an account at WorkSourceWA.com prior to attending. For further inquiries, Joshua Jackson, the WorkSource veterans representative, can be reached at 360-735-4978.
Shortly after, the Four Days of Aloha event will take place from Thursday to Sunday, July 25-27 at Esther Short Park, located at 605 Esther St. in Vancouver. This vibrant community event will celebrate Hawaiian culture with a variety of food, performances, workshops, and more. Tickets can be purchased online at 4daysofaloha.com.
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of FVRLibraries on Saturday, July 26, with a special performance from Rescue Dogs in Action, happening from 10-11 a.m. at Old Yacolt Town Hall, 105 E. Yacolt Road, Yacolt. Trained Border Collies will showcase their herding and sporting skills under the guidance of their trainers, providing entertainment for all ages.
Later that Saturday, residents can join a guided walking tour titled Wander Clark County, with two sessions at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., starting from 316 E. Main St., Battle Ground. The tour, hosted by the Clark County Historical Museum, invites participants to explore Battle Ground’s rich history as they stroll past notable landmarks like Sacred Heart Church and the Stith Home. Tickets are priced at $10 for non-members while museum members can join for free, but an RSVP is necessary. More information and ticket purchases can be made online at shorturl.at/gc3.
Also on Saturday, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, located at 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland, will host its Blueberry Pancake Day at 12 p.m. Visitors will enjoy delicious pancakes made with fresh, local blueberries.
The Friends of the La Center Community Library are hosting a book sale on Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., continuing again on Sunday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The sale will occur at 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road, La Center, and will feature used fiction, non-fiction, DVDs, and more, coinciding with the annual Our Days Celebration. On Sunday, participants can fill a provided bag for just $5. For additional details, Patty Somdalen can be reached at either 360-263-3484 or 360-798-7502.
On Monday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a Cellphone Class for seniors will be offered at the Battle Ground Event Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. The class aims to help seniors learn how to effectively use their cellphones. For more information, reach out to Sharon Wodtke at [email protected].
Following that, on Wednesday, July 30, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Woodland Community Library, located at 411 Lakeshore Dr., Woodland, will host a Community Resource Fair. This fair is designed to showcase local resources available for residents of all ages, addressing needs related to education, employment, and more. Limited refreshments will be provided while supplies last.
From Thursday, July 31, to Saturday, August 3, Esther Short Park will be the venue for the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, celebrating local musicians and artisans. This free festival, brought to life by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the City of Vancouver, will feature over 40 performances and 110 artists. For more updates, visit the festival’s website at vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com.
On Friday, August 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., the Battle Ground Community Library will host a No-Bake Dog Treats Workshop. This engaging workshop will teach participants basic kitchen techniques and how to prepare practical recipes suitable for the warm weather. All necessary supplies will be provided.
The highly anticipated annual Clark County Fair is coming up next, running from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 10, at the Clark County Fairgrounds, located at 17402 NE Delfel Road in Ridgefield. Attendees can enjoy carnival rides, live music, animal exhibits, and much more, with various contests for children and adults throughout the event. Information and ticket purchases can be made at clarkcofair.com.
On the other side of the summer, the O’Keefe Farms Sunflower Festival will bloom from August 1 to 17. Open Fridays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., this sixth annual festival celebrates summer with admission fees of $10 for those 13 and older, $5 for ages 6-12, while children under 5 can enter for free. Admission includes two cut sunflowers. For further details, visit shorturl.at/XAZuY.
Mark your calendars for a special concert on the lawn at the La Center Community Library as they celebrate the end of summer. The End of Summer Concerts on the Lawn will take place on Wednesday, August 13, from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring a performance by the Vancouver Community Jazz Band. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics to enjoy the evening.
Following that, on Saturday, August 16, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will commemorate its 200th anniversary. Starting at 10 a.m., this event will include a variety of historical educational activities with entry fees waived for attendees. For additional details, visit shorturl.at/xjlU3.
For those interested in environmental activities, a Pollinator Water Stations Workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Battle Ground Community Library. Participants will learn how to craft safe watering stations for bees and butterflies.
A Jane Austen Birthday Celebration is scheduled for Friday, August 22, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Battle Ground Community Library. This event will honor the 250th anniversary of the distinguished author’s birth with Pride and Prejudice-themed parlour games.
The Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival will follow, taking place from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24 at Esther Short Park. The festival runs on Friday from 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can partake in live musical performances, wine tasting, and art exhibitions, whether in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Online tickets are available for purchase at vancouverwinejazz.com.
In a civic engagement initiative, the Woodland Community Library will host a Teens and Adults Pizza and Politics event on Friday, August 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy free pizza while learning about government structures and processes, initiated by the Office of the Secretary of State’s Civic Engagement Program. Additionally, strategies for local and state civic participation will be provided during the event.
Ridgefield will also be holding its own Multicultural Festival on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ridgefield Overlook Park, located at 113-131 S. Main Ave. This free, all-ages event aims to celebrate the rich diversity of Ridgefield through live musical performances, shopping, and more. More details can be found at shorturl.at/Hqb34.
The Battle Ground Community Library will again host the Teens and Adults Pizza and Politics on Friday, September 12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This exciting event allows participants to enjoy another free pizza day while engaging in discussions about government and the importance of civic involvement.
In addition to these special events, a range of ongoing community activities are available for residents of Woodland and the surrounding areas.
The Woodland Seniors Widows Group meets every first and third Monday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Woodland Community Center, where local seniors can socialize and connect.
Another ongoing program is the Woodland Seniors Walking Group, which meets every Tuesday and Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Horseshoe Lake Park. This event encourages exercise among local seniors in a friendly environment.
Seniors interested in pickleball can join the Woodland Seniors Pickleball group, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Woodland Middle School. The group offers a non-competitive and beginner-friendly space for participants.
The La Center American Legion gathers every second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. to discuss community initiatives and create bonds of fellowship among veterans at La Center Church, located at 111 E. Fifth St.
Mothers looking to connect with peers may consider the Manic Monday Mama Group. This is a weekly gathering every Monday at 9:30 a.m. hosted at North County Wellness Collective, featuring a sharing circle, gentle stretching, and activities for children. A suggested donation of $10 per family is appreciable. For more information, email [email protected].
Every second Thursday of the month, the Southwest Washington Woodturners host meetings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Friends of the Carpenter in Vancouver, welcoming all skill levels interested in woodturning.
Similarly, the Battle Ground Toastmasters convene every Tuesday from noon to 1:15 p.m., providing an opportunity to enhance communication skills in a fun setting. Participants can join either in person at Legions Realty or online via a provided link.
Seniors are invited to a coffee social hosted by Battle Ground Senior Citizens, held every fourth Monday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Battle Ground Event Center, allowing local seniors to connect over coffee.
The Thursday Walkers program takes place every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Kiwanis Park, organized by Battle Ground Senior Citizens for those who enjoy walking in a group.
Woodland Seniors Fun & Games meet at the Woodland Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, encouraging social interaction through games.
The Woodland community also participates in meetings to discuss planning for the annual Planters Days Celebration. These meetings take place at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.
Horticulture enthusiasts can attend the Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Monthly Meeting, held at 2:40 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at 78th Street Heritage Farm, where members learn about caring for chrysanthemums.
The Battle Ground Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., hosting gatherings that foster fun and volunteering opportunities in the community.
Those in Ridgefield can join the Ridgefield Lions Club, which meets for breakfast every second Tuesday of the month and holds a business meeting the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Meanwhile, the Battle Ground Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to discuss community projects and volunteer opportunities.
For seniors looking for gentle exercise, the Woodland Seniors Chair Yoga class meets every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Woodland Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.
Residents aiming to maintain or lose weight can participate in Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings. The Battle Ground chapter meets every Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while the Woodland chapter meets every Tuesday from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m.
For those interested in dance, the Columbia River Square Dancers hold lessons on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. and dances on the first and third Fridays of each month.
Seniors can also partake in free virtual fitness classes through Silver & Fit, which occur daily at 10 a.m. offering various types of exercises targeted at seniors.
For networking opportunities, professionals can join the Virtual Professional Connections Weekly Meeting held every Monday at 11:45 a.m., facilitating connections among like-minded individuals across various career fields.
Family caregivers are welcome to the Kinship Caregiving Virtual Support Group, meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month on Zoom.
The in-person Kinship Caregiving Support Group occurs the second Wednesday of the month at the Bridgeview Resource Center and the fourth Wednesday on Zoom, connecting caregivers who are relatives to children for support and resource sharing.
Lastly, the Vancouver Sons & Daughters of Italy meet every second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. celebrating Italian heritage at Family of Christ Lutheran Church.
In addition to scheduled events, community members are urged to stay engaged with local developments by attending meetings held by city councils and school boards.
The Battle Ground City Council convenes on the first and third Mondays each month at 7 p.m. in Battle Ground City Hall, often conducting study sessions prior to regular meetings.
La Center City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at La Center City Hall.
Ridgefield City Council hosts meetings every second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Assembly Room.
Additionally, Woodland City Council gathers the first and third Mondays at 7 p.m.
School boards, including Battle Ground Public Schools, Ridgefield School District, Woodland School District, and La Center School District, hold regular meetings to discuss educational initiatives and community engagement.
Residents of Clark County are encouraged to participate in these vibrant community events, local meetings, and ongoing programs that aim to enrich lives and foster connections throughout the region.
image source from:thereflector