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Travel: Take Your Pick of the Hood River County Fruit Loop

The Hood River Valley County Loop explores the heart of the area’s agricultural scene, and this gorgeous 35-mile scenic drive has something for everyone. The route passes by gorgeous pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards, as well as numerous farm stands, wineries, cideries, alpaca ranches and lavender farms.

The Fruit Loop really comes into its own in summer and autumn, with a highlight being the numerous u-pick opportunities – strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pears, flowers and more. Hood River County Fruit Loop Stands offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fruit pies, jams, syrups, fruit smoothies, local artisan gifts, all around the county.

In addition to the fruit stands and vineyards, enjoy local lavender, alpaca, and chestnut farms, plus you can experience our seasonal Blossom Festival, fruit celebrations, and fabulous eateries, including Hood River Cherry Days in July and Gravenstein Apple Days in August.

Top tip: Avoid the crowds by planning a mid-week trip, or by exploring farms on the Fruit Loop’s eastside.

To learn more, go to hoodriverfruitloop.com to find a calendar that lists what’s in season, along with a full calendar of farm events and a searchable map. Head to hoodriver.org for a listing of u-pick farms and a suggested Fruit Loop itinerary.

Some Fruit Loop Area Attractions

Hood River County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
The Hood River County Visitor Center welcomes visitors from around the world and provides information about all the things to see and do in Hood River.

720 East Port Marina Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-386-2000
800-366-3530
www.hoodriver.org

Hood River U-Pick Organic
Open:
Cherry season through Apple Season
8am-5pm daily
A Certified Organic Family Farm.  It’s all Organic U-Pick – Cherries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Heirloom Tomatoes, Honey Crisp Apples, Wedding Dahlias, Roses.  A fun day!
4320 Royal Anne Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-359-4481
www.hoodriverupick.com

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Travel: Car-Free Exploration of Hood River Wineries

Hood River is known for its active lifestyle, and is rapidly raising its profile as one of America’s unique wine areas. (It was named a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine). Visitors can experience both of those things at once with these fun cycling and horseback winery tours:

MountNBarreL: Hood River Wine Country Bike Tours. Bringing together two Gorge favorites – cycling and wineries – MountNBarreL is Hood River’s first wine country bike tours company, offering all-inclusive wine-tasting tours. Their standard tour is a leisurely seven-mile exploration of Hood River Valley’s west side. Pedal past orchards and breathtaking views of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood, and stop at three wineries – Phelps Creek Vineyard, Cathedral Ridge Winery and Marchesi Vineyard – with vineyard tours and food pairings. There are also seasonal stops for u-pick lavender, berries, vegetables and flowers. Owner Ali McLaughlin also offers custom bike tours of the Hood River Valley for up to 17 participants.

MountNBarreL
4480 Post Canyon Drive, Hood River
mountnbarrel.com

Wine

 

Self-Guided Winery Tour by Electric Bike: Oregon E-Bikes. New to Hood River’s cycling scene is Oregon E-Bikes, the Gorge’s first electric bike shop. Visiting local wineries is no sweat with these electric-assist bikes. Wrap up your e-bike adventure with a trip to the scenic, car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between Hood River and Mosier.

Oregon E-Bikes
207 Front St., Hood River
www.oregon-ebikes.com

Bike

 

Double Mountain Horse Ranch Wine Tours. Explore Hood River vineyards on horseback! Double Mountain Horse Ranch’s portfolio of original tours includes a Wine Tasting Tour. Relax on horseback along fruit orchards and vineyards with views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Stretch your legs on the banks of the Hood River and then head to a variety of renowned local wineries.

Double Mountain Horse Ranch
3995 Portland Drive, Hood River
ridinginhoodriver.com

Wineries

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Dayley Dance Academy Presents “On a Journey”

Washougal, WA — Dayley Dance Academy is presenting their end-of-year performance, “On a Journey,” this weekend at the Washougal High School Auditorium. Show times are Friday, June 2 at 7 pm, and Saturday, June 3 at 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm.

The students have worked all year for this performance, which comprises a variety of dance genres and routines. They are in a variety of dance genres and routines. Brayden Meza will be performing his first place competition routine with Jenni Whitmeyer.

Tickets $11 (purchased ahead) or $12 at the door.

About Dayley Dance Academy and their Journey

Dayley Dance Academy was founded in 2007 by Mark & Sarah Dayley in Vancouver, WA.  Sarah has been teaching & coaching local area dancers and dance teams since 1996.

In 2007, a persistent parent group urged Sarah to open a studio that could provide more intensive technique classes to go beyond the dance team season. They had humble beginnings (in their garage studio) and quickly grew to capacity.  They expanded to reach not only East Vancouver, but also Camas/Washougal, serving two locations.

In spring of 2011, Dayley Dance Academy opened their second dance studio location in Washougal Washington and have been warmly welcomed by the area schools & community. This studio is growing quickly, and performs and participate in many local events, parades, and venues.

To learn more, visit www.dayleydanceacademy.com

Dance

Brayden Meza and Jenni Whitmeyer.

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Camas Boys, Girls Track and Field Teams Clinch 4A District Championship

Vancouver, WA — In a wet and cold second day of final Track and Field events, Camas clinched both the Boys and Girls  GSHL 4A District Championships Thursday night at McKenzie Stadium.

Track Coach Alisa Wise said the dual victories were a combination of “depth, strength, resilience, and consistency.”

Here are the results:

Nkem Aduka won the discus title for Camas with a distance of 115-6. She was the only competitor to throw over 100 feet.

Alexa Dietz won the Long Jump event Thursday, after winning the Triple Jump a day earlier. Her best leap was 16 feet, 4 inches.

Cooper McNatt placed second in the High Jump, clearing 5-10, which qualified him to compete at bi-districts.

Daniel Maton won the 800m run, while Papermaker Cade Greseth took third; both will compete at bi-districts.

Track

Daniel Maton won the 800m event at Districts.

Ellie Postma and Rachel Blair placed second and third, respectively, in the 800m run; both will compete at bi-districts.

William Sun won the 300m Hurdles event.

“I thought I was going to be behind Union,” said Will Sun, who won the 300m Hurdles event. “But the Union runner hit a couple of hurdles, and I was right there with him. This win feels really good.”

Track

Will Sun won the 300m Hurdles event at Districts.

Cambryn Gulzow bested the 300m Hurdles event, and heads to bi-districts.

Track

Cambryn Gulzow is the 300m Hurdles District Champion.

For a complete listing of all events and times, go to https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=311961#450

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Camas Track and Field Competes at Districts

Vancouver, WA — Several Camas Track and Field athletes are heading to bi-districts following a string of top-tier finishes at Wednesday’s GSHL 3A/4A District Championship Meet. This was the first of a two-day meet at McKenzie Stadium.

Here are the results:

Papermakers Emily Karkaren, Aliya Ponder, Cambryn Gulzow and Karsyn Quade earned second place for Camas in the 4×00, qualifying them to move onto bi-districts.

Daniel Maton won the 1600m run, while Yacine Guermali placed third. Both move onto bi-districts. Shortly after, Emma Jenkins won the 1600m run, and Rachel Blair won second place. Both girls also head to bi-districts.

Track

Daniel Maton won the 1600m event at Districts.

“We represented Camas well,” said Jenkins. “We practiced, met many of our goals, and we worked as hard as we can. I’m excited. I’m working toward a better time as we get ready for bi-districts.”

Blair said she’s had a rough year, but her game plan was to stay positive. “I’m excited about bi-districts,” she said.

Track

Emma Jenkins won the 1600m event at Wednesday’s 4A Track and Field District Championship. Rachel Blair is just a few steps behind her.

Union’s Michael Ugarov won the 110m Hurdles, while Papermaker Will Sun finished second in the 110 Hurdles, while Emma Ware earned second in the 100m Hurdles. Ahmika Kluka took second in the Javelin throw.

Madison Peffers tied her personal best high jump of 5-4 and was the only competitor in the field to clear 5-1. Peffers won the event and heads to bi-districts. Alexa Dietz clinched the Triple Jump championship with a personal best leap of 35 feet, 11.5 inches. Cade Greseth grabbed the 400m event for Camas.

The meet continues on Thursday, May 11 at McKenzie Stadium. Events begin at 3 pm.

For a listing of all times for all events today, go to https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=311961#450

Track

Union’s Michael Ugarov wins the 100m sprint event at Districts.

 

Track

Will Sun finished second in the 110m Hurdles at Districts.

 

Track

Will Sun hands off the baton to Zach Terry during the 4×100 event at Districts.

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Camas Plant and Garden Fair This Weekend

The 20th annual Camas Plant and Garden Fair continues to grow with more offerings, new vendors, and a variety of activities this Saturday, May 13 in downtown Camas from 9 am to 4 pm.

The event is always held the day before Mother’s Day, and provides a great opportunity to get into Spring.

Shoppers can browse through the products from local nurseries, garden artists, and farms. The annual event is filled with many outdoor gift items, such as trees, plants, garden art, furniture, planters, tools, metal art, hanging baskets, stone art, sculptures, herbs, and more.

While you shop, you can relax at one of many quality downtown Camas eateries and coffee houses.

The fair offers a free potting station where volunteers will help shoppers pot plants in containers purchased. Experts will be on hand to teach about plants and effective gardening techniques.

Visitors are encouraged to look for the Yellow Sun signs at designated booth locations to learn more about attracting birds and butterflies to your garden and other outdoor living spaces.

Children can enjoy the “Find the Ladybug” game, played throughout participating downtown businesses. Players can earn tickets to win a Family Gardening Basket for each ladybug found. The strolling Jugglemania Show will feature a giant rose puppet and themed juggling. The Kids’ Zone—open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—will include seed planting, making Mother’s Day cards, painting ladybug rocks, a ladybug habitat, a worm bin, seed exploration, and kid-friendly garden planting ideas. Returning this year is the free petting zoo, open all day.

A new addition this year is the Birch Street Wine Garden, which will be open from noon to 4 pm at 311 NE Birch Street.

To learn more, visit www.cwplantfair.org

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Clark College Jazz Ensemble: 6th Annual Big Band Bash

VANCOUVER, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Ensemble hosts the 6th Annual Big Band Bash on Saturday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. in the Gaiser Student Center on the Clark College Campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.  The concert is free to the public.

“We’re excited to have the Clackamas Community College Jazz Ensemble directed by Lars Campbell, join us on stage this year,” says Richard Inouye, Clark’s Director of Bands. “And we’re also featuring the community group, VanPort Jazz. If you like the sounds of the Big Band era, you’ll love this concert.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

About the Clark College Music Department

Clark College offers an Associate in Music DTA/MRP degree with courses in music theory/ear training, instrumental and vocal performance training, and ensemble experience. Classes are designed to prepare the music major for advanced studies at a four-year institution while providing the non-major with the skills and background to fully enjoy music as a cultural pursuit.

Ensembles on campus include three choral groups, orchestra, concert band, and jazz ensemble. Three tenured and several adjunct faculty, provide professional instruction to the 500+ students that pass through Beacock Music Hall each year.

Jazz

Clackamas Community College Jazz Ensemble.

 

Jazz

Clark College Jazz Ensemble.

 

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“Gnome and Fairy Gala” for Camas May First Friday 2017

Camas, WA — For First Friday, May 5th, downtown will be having a “Garden Gnome & Fairy Gala” in honor of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair the next week. Events are from 5-8pm.

Find those mischievous gnomes and cute fairies in each participating location and see what kind of fun each is having! You’ll earn tickets to win great prizes for each location you go to!

Other activities will include:

  • Find the fairy houses through town and feed the fairies! (get the fairy food at the DCA tables in Journey! :))
  • S’mores roasting with iQ Credit Union (weather permitting!)
  • Get your picture taken with our friendly gnome family!
  • Enjoy the “Secret Garden” window display at Camas Antiques.
  • Fairy flower crowns! Plus 3 Crafting will be selling very cool flower crowns to fit our theme! In Journey.
  • Art gallery shows and receptions with refreshments:
    • Attic Gallery: Encaustic paintings by Sheary Clough Suiter and Tyler Marchus. Free “Painting With Encaustic” demonstration by Sheary Clough Suiter; Live music
    • Camas Gallery: featuring paintings by Katey Sandy
    • Second Story Gallery: Douglas Keith – painting & sculpture and Earlene Holmstrom – soft pastels
    • Watch a craft beer brewing demonstration by the group Drib Pro Quo in honor of National Homebrew Day; next to Caps N’ Taps, 337 NE 4th
    • The movie “Labyrinth” at the Liberty Theatre at 8pm
    • Gnome and fairy kids’ crafts at the DCA tables in Journey
    • *Cinco de Mayo Celebration hosted by Mesa unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the weather. They will be having a fun celebration inside though! Thank you for understanding!
    • After Hours Shopping–get a ticket to win for every $10 spent in downtown!
    • Much more!

The fun begins at Journey, 304 NE 4th; May 5th, 5-8pm (Some activities are weather permitting).

Information provided by the Downtown Camas Association. To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

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“Images from the Interior” Art Exhibit Opens Friday at Camas Library

CAMAS, WA — “Images from the Interior” is a dual art exhibit from two artists who were introduced when they were selected by Second Story Gallery for its May show.  Both use their chosen tools to explore beyond the surface.  Often that surface begins life as a portrait but goes deeper to capture an inner quality.
Interior
Earlene Holmstrom sticks to pastels to capture the spark.  She will be joined by Douglas Keith who paints and sculpts to get to the interior of his subject matter.  They will unveil their recent works at a reception on First Friday, May 5, from 5 to 8 pm in the gallery. Keith experiments with a variety of textures and styles to capture his subjects, but he also notes his ideas and images come to him for some internal source.  He says he suspects they may come from the same place where dreams and myths originate, and that capturing them becomes a dialogue between the creator and the created.  His pieces range from dreamy landscapes to what could be death masks from an ancient–or alien–civilization.  His mediums include mesh, wood, basalt, molded cloth and paper.
Interior
While Keith looks inward for inspiration, Holmstrom spends her time observing passersby.  She says she loves the challenge of capturing subtle nuances in each face as well as the emotional message in the figure.  Nothing inspires her painting more than the people she encounters daily, she says. Holmstrom spent her teen years working at the Ringling Art Museum in Florida but only recently settled on soft pastels for her own style.  She says she loves the vibrancy, the layers that can be built on paper and the feel of them in her hands.  Walking into her studio, she says, is like walking into a rainbow. Both artists have turned to their mediums after careers in other fields.  Their combined show, a mix of images that delve into the interior of each subject, will open May 5 and continue through May 27 in the Gallery, upstairs in the Camas Public Library.  In addition to the artists, keyboardist Brad Jensen will be at the First Friday reception with live music. To learn more, visit www.camaslibrary.org
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Camas DECA Makes History at International Conference

Anaheim, CA — The Camas High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) team had its best showing in history at this week’s International Career Development Conference, which concluded on April 29.

Finalists from Camas are as follows:

  • Liz Schwartkopf placed 1st in Automotive Services Marketing Series;
  • Ashley Miles placed 1st in Restaurant and Food Service Management Series;
  • Kevin Chen and Cami Kirby placed 2nd in the Creative Marketing Project; and
  • Skylar Becerra and Xiansheng Yan placed in the top 10 in Business Service Operations Management.

All these competitors qualified for finals in the morning at Achievement Awards Ceremony.

On Wednesday, April 26, nearly 20,000 DECA members, advisors, business partners and volunteers came together in Anaheim, Calif., for the largest-ever conference the organization has ever held.

The conference itself is an opportunity for each attendee to show his or her uniqueness and value the diversity of DECA membership, while coming together to celebrate as #OneDECA.

This year’s conference theme was Own Your Future, and included a message of unity – coming together as #OneDECA to support the organization’s mission, which is to celebrate personal strengths, to appreciate the diversity that each of our members represents, and to signify a strong organization that members want to be part of.

About the organization

Camas DECA strives to integrate learning into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to businesses, and promote competition. We are preparing the next generation to be academically prepared, community orientated, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. The club’s adult advisors are Dave Johnson and Suzie Downs.

To learn more, visit www.camasdeca.com

DECA

Some of the Camas ICDC qualifiers with Meyers Leonard, of the Portland Trail Blazers at the LAX airport.

 

DECA

Kevin Chen and Cami Kirby placed second in CMP.

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