The Washougal Art Festival will once again transform Washougal’s Reflection Plaza into a gallery of fine works of art.  The event, presented by Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA), will feature 29 professional regional artists, Saturday August 10 from 9 am to 4 pm at the plaza, 1703 Main Street, Washougal.

“More than 50 artists applied to be a part of the festival this year,” said Janice Ferguson, WACA Board Member. “A jury of local art professionals selected the individuals who were invited to participate.  We are delighted with the high caliber of art that will be on display and for sale and excited to showcase these amazing artists.”  This year the festival increased the number of artists from 25 to 29.

For a preview of artists and their work, visit the WACA website at www.WashougalArts.org.  Artists are Linda Andrews-Riggs, watercolor; Mark Amerman, acrylic & mixed media on canvas; Kathy Beckman, acrylic & mixed media on canvas; Eric Berlin, hand sculpted animal porcelain; John Broughton, photography; Marilyn Estenes, fiber and photography; Anni Furniss, acrylic on canvas; John Furniss, wood work; Katy Fenly, jewelry; Chrissie Forbes, recycled robots, oils; Josh Hancock, blown and sculpted glass; Beck Lipp, wooden boxes & spoons; Brenda Lindstrom. oils and acrylic; Toni McCarthy, jewelry; Glo McCollough, acrylic on canvas & prints, Savannah Mendoza, photography; Annette McCabe, oil on canvas; Nokes Anderson, custom leather work; Liz Pike, oils on canvas; John Reylea, reclaimed wood art; Karen Reule, silver filigree jewelry; Pam Sharp, watercolor; Faun Scurlock, photography; Gary Suda, ceramic pottery; Cyndee Starr, mixed media; Patricia Thompson, mixed media fiber; Ray Tufts, wood work; Erskin Wood, photography; Barbara Wright, pen, pencil, water color, graphite.

Washougal Art Festival
At one of the festival’s booth.

Performance artists are also being welcomed back to the festival this year.  The line-up features Jay Koder and Al Perez, performing from 10:30am -11:45am, Daniel and Lindsay will present a dance performance at noon, Wayne Havrelly plays from 12:15-1:30pm and Rain and Shine Trio will perform from 2:00-3:30pm.

The work of prolific local muralist, Travis London was selected as the image for the 2019 Washougal Art Festival poster and advertising.  “We love how this stunning watercolor image features the beauty of downtown Washougal,” said Jim Cooper, WACA president. “Each year our festival committee seeks out a work of art that is ‘Washougal inspired.’  We are thrilled that Travis created this for us!” London’s local mural work includes the WACA-funded “Historic Lager” on the side of the Big Foot Inn in downtown Washougal.  A limited number of signed 2019 WAF posters will be available for purchase at the festival for a $20 donation.  He will also have a booth at the festival. 

The festival is family-friendly and features The Paint Roller – Mobile Paint Party who will be offering free, fun, artistic projects for children.  “This has been a very popular part of our event,” said Ferguson. “We love providing kids a chance to explore their creativity and leave with artwork of their very own.”

New this year will be a silent auction for works of art donated by participating artists.  “A goal of the festival is to raise funds to bring more public art to our city,” explained Chuck Carpenter, WACA board member.  “This auction is one way we do that.  We appreciate the generosity of our festival artists for their donations and the participation of festival attendees to bid generously on these wonderful items.” 

Proceeds from this year’s festival will help fund an original Heather Söderberg casting, “Dreaming,” to add to the public art of Washougal.  “This life-sized bear is amazing in its character and detail and is certain to become a community and visitor favorite for taking pictures with,” said Carpenter.  “Like the bronze Seaman sculpture in Reflection Plaza, this too will be large enough for people to sit with for pictures and will add more charm and interest to our downtown.”

The festival welcome back local restaurant, Alex Smokehouse, as the main food vendor at the event.  They will be serving their popular barbeque items and other fare.  The Washougal Lions will also be on hand selling delicious root beer floats with proceeds benefitting their community work.

While in Washougal, visitors are encouraged to discover works of public art using the WACA art map http://washougalarts.org/local-art/ which provides locations, artists name and the year for more than 30 installations around town.  Maps will be available at the raffle table.

WACA Board Members and Festival Committee members working alongside Cooper, Ferguson and Carpenter are Joyce Lindsay, Rene Carroll, Suzanne Grover, Kelli Rule, Susan Warford and Alex Yost.  The Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.  Other event sponsors include The Paint Roller – Mobile Paint Party and Camas Gallery.

“Our past festivals have been such a success for us, our artists, and the community that we are excited to host the event again,” Ferguson said. “We are pleased to provide accessibility to original art in such a fun, festival environment.”

The art of paper cutting exhibit, “Animalibris,” will be on display from July 5 through July 27 at Camas Library’s Second Street Gallery. The exhibit showcases the hyper-detailed artwork of Muriel Wheatley and Levi Greenacres, who together are known as Lovebirds Paper. 

Both artists will be in the gallery at an opening reception on First Friday, July 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm, with music by Rob Lewis.  For the remainder of the month, the papercut art will be available for viewing during regular library hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.  To learn more, called 360-834-4692  or visit www.secondstorygallery.net

The Art of Paper Cutting

There is an art to paper cutting as demonstrated by July’s show at Second Story Gallery.  Their name, Lovebirds Paper, is a mash-up named for the subjects, mostly animals, and their surroundings.

The “Animalibris” show draws much of its focus from botanical and biological illustrations, capturing a number of creatures in their most playful environments, according to the artists.  The results are silhouettes, often layered with colors but with at least one of those layers carefully cut to reveal the others.

The two behind Lovebirds Paper have been collaborating on paper cuts since 2015.  They say they draw from a wide variety of modern and historic influences, including Art Nouveau, screenprinting and woodcarving styles.  Wheatley is a librarian and paper enthusiast who patiently cuts all of the designs by hand.  Greenacres, a Portland  tattooer and children’s book author, draws all of the Lovebirds designs. 

So, mark your calendars! “Anamalibris” opens with a First Friday reception for the artists from 5 to 8 p.m. July 5.  Live music will be provided by Lewis, who also has a whimsical talent, playing the electric marimba.  

Paper Cutting
Call 360-409-3167
This work will be on display beginning July 5.

Tamale Festival lovers — this is for you! The Southwest Washington Tamale Festival is returning to downtown Washougal on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 1 to 9 p.m.  Presented by the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens (SW WA LULAC Council 47013), the family-friendly event will celebrate the richness of Latin culture and is free and open to the public. It will be held in Reflection Plaza located at Main St & Pendleton Way, Washougal.

The history of the tamale is as old as the Aztec and Mayan cultures and played a significant role as a food staple that traveled well.  Becoming a traditional food for celebrations in more modern times, they are now an important part of Central and North American indigenous culture.

“We are very excited to host the second annual SW WA Tamale Festival in partnership with the City of Washougal,” said Hector Hinojosa, SW WA LULAC Council president and festival organizer.  “It will be wonderful to share our heritage with the community through delicious foods, a beer garden, exciting music and dance entertainment, tamale cooking and eating contests, a children’s activity area, information booths from local businesses and organizations and handmade crafts for sale.”

Last year’s festival was overwhelmed by large attendance and suffered long lines to purchase tamales.  “This year we will have many more food vendors so lines will be shorter and there will be plenty of tamales for everyone,” Hinojosa assured.  “In addition, pre-orders for frozen tamales to take home with you will be available for pick up at the festival.”  Orders must be placed online at www.swwatamalefest.com.  There is a June 10 deadline for tamale pre-orders and all must be picked up during regular festival hours.
Act now!

Tamales Festival
Tamale Festival
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“There is an amazing line up of musical and dancing entertainment for the festival,” said Monica Rech, festival entertainment coordinator.  “One of a Kind Drumline starts everything off with a dynamic performance at 1:00pm. Son de Cuba Quartette will perform at 3 pm and then again at 3:50 pm. Gerardo Calderon will be playing traditional Mexican/South American/Peruvian folk music starting at 6:30 pm.

Throughout the afternoon beautifully costumed and energetic dance groups will also perform.  “We have several Middle Eastern dance groups performing six to eight-minute routines each,” said Rech. “They will feature traditional dances from Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Persia. There will be dances from Vancouver Ballet Folklorico and Flamenco/Belly Dance Fusion as well.”

Adding to the fun, the event will feature a tamale contest that is open to restaurants and homestyle cooks.  

“We are inviting contestants to show off their tamale cooking skills,” said Hinojosa. “Tamale recipes are a big source of pride among families. The tamale contest will be a lot of fun and give some bragging rights to the winners!”  Entries will be judged by a celebrity panel in three categories; Meat, No-Meat/Veggie and Sweet/Dessert.  Winners will be determined based on taste, technique, appearance and overall quality. A $100 prize will be awarded for the winning entries. For contest rules and entry form, go to the event website.  There is a $20 entry fee per category. The deadline to enter is June 10, 2019.

Are you hungry for tamales?  You may want to enter the Tamale Eating Contest sponsored by Javier Navarro, State Farm Insurance. The challenge will be to consume as many tamales as possible in two minutes.  Contest will be limited to the first 10 participants to register, 18 and over only.  Registration is $20 and can be done online on the event website. Prizes provided by Navarro are $200 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

For more information about the SW WA Tamale Festival go to www.swwatamalefest.com.

Proceeds, entry fees and donations collected from the event will support future scholarships and stipends for local youth programs.  Contact the festival at swwatamalefest@gmail.com for more information and follow them on Facebook.

Event sponsors include SW WA LULAC, Javier Navarro State Farm Insurance, Riverview Community Bank, Law office of Eulalia Soto, Vancouver Brewfest, Molina Healthcare, Uniweb Digital, Remax Equity Group and Cleanpot Portable.  It is also funded in part by City of Washougal Lodging Tax Funds.

The annual Camas Car Show is coming this Saturday! Come stroll the beautiful streets of historic Downtown Camas and enjoy the many classic and custom cars and trucks that fill the town. Old favorites and new discoveries in this 14th annual event. Always an exceptionally fun time!

This event will be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 from 3-8:00pm.

ALL SHOW CARS ENTER AT 5th and ADAMS. Due to the popularity of this event, we have some exciting changes to smooth flow this year! Parts of 5th Ave. will be used for staging cars that arrive earlier than noon.  We are not staging in the Georgia Pacific lot this year. Staging will be guided by parking attendants. Cars may start entering car show area at 12:00 noon. This time may flex a bit depending on volume of cars.

Admission is FREE to spectators.

Awards will include Best in Show, People’s Choice and a variety of Sponsors’ Picks (see list at bottom of page). Best in Show car will be featured on next year’s Camas Car Show poster and promotions! Goodie bags to first 100 cars and dash plaques to first 250 cars.

Raffles, live music by Bluez Cruizer, dance by the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio and other family friendly entertainment including balloon art!

Car Show
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Kids’ Coloring Contest! Color a cool car pic for a chance to win fun prizes–three age categories: 3-6 years, 7-10, and 11-14. Winners will be announced right before car awards. Free Hot Wheels car to the first 100 coloring contest participants!

Our Car Show benefits the Camas Washougal Treasure House Food Bank. Bring two cans of food and get a free raffle ticket!

Thank you so very much to our sponsors for this year’s Camas Car Show event possible! iQ Credit UnionBirch Street Uptown LoungeCountry Financial–Courtney WilkinsonExcavator Rental ServicesCarla Edwards–RealtorPrune Hill RealtySchlecht Constructionand the City of Camas.

We’re looking forward to another great car show in Downtown Camas!Here is a list of the trophies that will be awarded in addition to Best in Show and People’s Choice:

  • Best Ford
  • Best Mopar (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth)
  • Most Original Paint
  • Most Authentic Vintage
  • Best Interior
  • Most Creative Paint
  • Best Bike
  • Best Custom
  • Best Original American
  • Best Backside
  • Best Topless
  • Best Pre-1950’s
  • Top Truck
  • Best Daily Driver
  • Shiniest on the Block
  • Best Work in Progress
  • Most Racy Import
  • Best Wheels and Tires
  • Best Muscle Car
  • Best Chevy

For First Friday, May 3rd, we will have a “Garden Gnome & Fairy Gala” in honor of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair the next week! 5-8pm with so much going on!

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! :))
  • Find the Toadstool Game sponsored by Carla Edwards, Realtor! Mini toadstools will be posted around town.  Find up to 5 and get free raffle tickets to win the Garden gnome and Fairy-inspired baskets donated by Carla Edwards. So much FUN!!
  • S’MORES with IQ Credit Union
  • Mini-pots are coming this First Friday (May 3rd) to downtown Camas businesses compliments of Norris Arts. So far, (in semi-geographic order) Hidden River Roasters, Natalia’s Cafe, Arktana, Attic Gallery, Caps ’n Taps, GOW, Lily Atelier, Nuestra Mesa, The Artful Attic, One Beer at a Time, Mill City Brew Werks, Cafe Piccolo, Camas Gallery and the Soap Chest have all agreed to hide some pots. Each will have a $5 coupon for classes or retail items at Norris Arts studio AND you get to keep the mini-pot!
  • Free May Day Baskets from Camas United Methodist Church!
  • Art gallery shows and receptions with refreshments:Attic Gallery: 421 NE Cedar St.
    Camas Gallery: 408 NE 4th Ave.
    Second Story Gallery: 625 NE 4th (upstairs library)
    Free gnome and fairy airbrush face painting by Mandi Straub and Ian Needham of mandi MOON Artistry in front of Journey. They’ll be dressed as garden gnomes for photo ops as well.
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  • Have a talent? Come share at Journey’s very first “Open Mic Night” during First Friday. Sing a song. Play guitar. Do a comedy skit or stand up. Doors open at 5:30pm, performances between 6 – 8pm.  Performers will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Signups begin when doors open at 5:30pm.  This is a family-friendly event – kids/youth welcome to participate!
  • Three ribbon cuttings:
    • Coventry Gardens of London, 602 NE 3rd Ave. at 5pm – Coventry Gardens will have a drawing for a floral bouquet and a British Tea Basket, too!
    • Envyago, 602 NE 3rd Ave. at 5pm
    • Fuse at Flow Hot Yoga (Cycle and Barre), 321 NE 4th Ave @ 5:30pm
  • Gnome and fairy kids’ crafts, games and fun at the DCA tables in Journey
  • Painting with the Paint Roller in front of Journey!
  • After Hours Shopping–get a ticket to win for every $10 spent in downtown!
  • Much more!

Join us! Start at Journey, 304 NE 4th, and pick up your passport and activity list. May 4th, 5-8pm. Let’s have fun together in our downtown!

Join us for a celebration of our Camas history and Spring! We will make our history come alive! First Friday, April 5th, 5-8 pm.

The fun includes:

  • Play the “Guess About Camas” history game around town, learn about why Camas is so great, and be entered to win prizes!
  • Play the Legacy Square Game for raffle tickets!
  • Mill historians will show us why our mill is cool–make paper with them at the Mill Interpretive Center! Just confirmed…one of our local, favorite Camas historians, Virginia Warren will be there between 5:30 and 7:30 pm to talk about about beloved town. Stop in and listen to her wonderful stories!
  • Two Rivers Historical Museum will be in Journey with cool artifacts about our town – come with questions, they will have answers. 
  • S’mores roasting sponsored by iQ Credit Union! –NOTE: We’ll be moving this to May so weather will be better! 
First Friday
Downtown Camas in the mid-1960s.
  • Art Shows and receptions at all our art galleries
  • Ribbon Cuttings:
    5pm: Dr. Jennifer Stebbing, DO, Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine, 602 NE 3rd, Suite
    5:30pm: Petal and Thorn, Naturopathic Wellness Center & Apothecary, 233 NE 6th, owner Dr. Avery Colby, ND
  • Natalia’s Cafe will be going retro with hamburger and fries for $4.99, hot dog and fries for $3.99 and milkshakes and malts for $2.99! YUM!
  • Do the History “Course” and earn tickets to win! GP Toilet paper Toss, Camas Cornhole, Camas History Plinko, Prune Drop and the Camas Chalk Board Challenge. Win each of the games in the history “course”and get a roll of GP toilet paper.  10 rolls that night will have a golden egg in them which wins you a paper prize package! Everyone who does the “course” is entered to win a mega paper prize package!
  • Guess the “Spring Eggs” jar to win.
  • Come taste the candy that was created in 1967, the year our beautiful, large trees were planted along 4th Ave.  Also, you can taste a bite of something from our town’s history, hmmm – wonder what it will be?
  • Kids’ crafts–make a paper Millie dog and Spring Newspaper Snails
  • Plus all the great shopping and dining in Downtown Camas!
  • For every $10 spent on food, wine, merchandise – anything, get a FREE raffle ticket to win items!

Pick up your participation and activity list at Journey, 304 NE 4th. Come find out all about the town we love!

Washougal, WA — Washougal area artists are once again opening their studio doors to offer a fascinating and art-filled family outing for Mother’s Day weekend.  The 2019 Washougal Studio Artists Tour, to be held May 11-12 from 10 am to 5 pm, will include 11 stops and features 19 local artists representing a vast array of creative works and mediums.

“We were delighted with the success of our first tour last year,” said Angela Ridgway, mixed media metal artist and event coordinator. “We received great interest and support from the local community and welcomed many visitors from the Portland area and beyond.  Some on the tour were discovering Washougal for the first time.”

The Washougal area has long been a hidden wealth of high-quality professional artists.

“I was thrilled last year that so many artists wanted to participate in the tour,” Ridgway said.  “Being invited into an artist’s studio is a wonderful way for the public to see where the magic of creating art happens and learn about both the art and the artists.”

Scholarship
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The tour route, which winds along the scenic Washougal River and through the Washougal foothills, is nearly as beautiful as the art found in the studios. 

“We heard many compliments from visitors last year on how scenic the tour drive was,” said Ridgway.  “Washougal is such a beautiful place that it is no wonder it attracts and inspires so many talented artists.” 

Adding to the tour experience, many artists will be conducting demonstrations of their artistic process.  A list of participants and a schedule is located on the event website at www.WashougalStudioArtists.org

Featured tour artists are: Angela Ridgway, mixed media metal; Anna Norris, oils and acrylics; Anna Wiancko-Chasman, clay/mixed media; Anni Furniss, acrylic painting; Char McHugh, ceramics; Charlene Hale, glass, ceramic, pen  and ink; Chris Brodigan, functional ceramic art; Cyndee Starr, mixed media; Deborah Roberts, watercolor, colored pencils, pastels; John Furniss, woodworking; Kathy Beckman, acrylic and multimedia on canvas; Kathy Marty, handwoven eco-friendly rugs; Katy Fenley, sterling silver, glass, and gemstone jewelry; Sharon L Ballard, acrylic paintings; Shirley Bishop, fused glass; Suzanne Grover, pastels, watercolor, mixed media; Tamara Dinius, mixed media; Toni McCarthy, original beaded jewelry; Tracy Simpson, encaustic, oil, jewelry.

Preview their work and see the tour map on the Washougal Studio Artists website.   You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  Participating artists will also have copies of the map available, as well as many local businesses.

Washougal Studio Artists Tour is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal hotel/motel tourism tax fund.

Artist
Artist Shirley Bishop.
Artist
Artist Ani Furniss.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer TYA is the irresistible story of a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in the heartland of America, based on the classic novel. Filled with foot-stomping, toe-tapping songs by Don Schlitz (“The Gambler”) and a book by Ken Ludwig, this musical adventure is a tale of thrilling escapes, comedy and inspiration for the whole family.

Set in 1840 Missouri, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer TYA is the tale of young Tom Sawyer and the neverending mischief of which he so often finds himself a part; whether it’s matching wits with Aunt Polly, tricking his friends into white-washing a fence for him or narrowly escaping the clutches of a murderous villain. Along with his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, and his love interest, Becky Thatcher, the greatest Tom Sawyer exploits are plucked from the book and plopped on the stage.

Performances are February 15-24, 2019 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661.   Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Pre-sale adult tickets are $12.  Youth and senior tickets are $10. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.  Saturday, February 16 is family day with all tickets at $10.

Public Performances

Friday, Feb 15 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 16 – 7:00 pm

Friday, Feb 22 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, Feb 23 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, Feb 24 – 2:00 pm

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About Journey Theater Arts Group

Our mission: “Growing youth in character, confidence and creativity, in a Christ centered community.”  Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more.   In addition, we produce 12 Broadway style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer.  Journey is a nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684.  Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.

The Camas Public Library has some fun upcoming events!

TEEN OVERNIGHT MOVIE LOCK-IN!

Teens, spend the night in the library! Vote for and watch movies all night long. More information and permission slip. Deadline for turning in the permission slip is Tuesday, January 29th.

We are still looking for adult chaperones! Email emiles@cityofcamas.us if you are interested and want more information.

BOOK TO ART, JR.

A new book group for students in grades 6-8 and their adult. Pick up your free copy of the book at the Library. Read the book, make some art, meet at the Library to discuss both, and then you get to keep the book for free!

We will be discussing The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett on Thursday, February 28th at 6:30pm. Sign up required, and space is limited.

Call the Library at 360.834.4692 to sign up.

NEEDLE FELTED BIRDS

A workshop for teens and adults. Led by visual artist LeBrie Rich. Supplies provided; sign-up required. Saturday, January 26th at 1:00 

 

OREO COOKIE CHALLENGE

Can you guess the flavor? For 6th through 12th grade. Friday, February 15th at 4pm.

MAKE ME!

A fun drop-in craft opportunity for teens! Every month we will make something different. Middle and High School students welcome. Tuesday, March 27th 4-5:30pm.

 

TEEN ZINE CLUB

Are you the creative type? Come to our Teen Zine Club! Work alone or in groups on zines, comics, artist books, or other paper projects. The first Wednesday of every month 4-5:30pm. For 6th-12th grades.

CROCHET CLUB

All ages and skill welcome! Instruction and yarn provided, and loaner hooks available. Thursdays at 3:30-5pm. Led by Laurinda Reddig from ReCrochetions.

 

ALL AGES BOOK SWAP

Trade your used books with others, and take home as many as you bring. Saturday, February 23rd at 3-5pm. Come any time!

 

JAPANESE ANIME AND CULTURE

Teens! Take a look at Japanese anime and learn the connections it has to modern Japanese culture. Come if you love anime or want to learn about Japan! Japanese snacks provided. Tuesday, March 5th at 4:30pm.

Presented by Camas High School Senior Megan Shellman.

 

Camas, WA — Chocolate treats, fun themed activities, art shows, crafts, games,  prizes, and more will all be a part of this 12th annual “A Chocolate Affair to Remember” First Friday event in Downtown Camas on February 1.

Downtown businesses will be serving and selling chocolate goodies and other romantic gifts with wine tastings and specials at select locations, as well. The event, from 5-8pm, is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and downtown merchants.

In addition to the fun that is traditionally had at this First Friday event, this year there will also be a celebration of the First Anniversary of the First Friday Wedding of Nick & Tami Calais. The wedding was held on February First Friday 2018 in Downtown Camas and was themed “A Wedding Affair to Remember.” The community was invited and it was a strong example of people supporting each other, loving our town and coming together in community.

The evening’s activities include:

  • Guess the candy jar amounts in each participating location and be entered to win the candy and other great Valentine’s themed prizes!
  • Find “Nick & Tami” and get your picture taken with them and be entered to win a romance prize basket.
  • Art receptions with refreshments and live music: Attic Gallery; featuring Camas artist Mike Smith and a jewelry trunk show with Leslie McMillan who will be showcasing hearts in silver leaf and contrasting metals for Valentine’s Day; Camas Gallery featuring painter Gary Watson and complimentary sangria and champagne; and Second Story Gallery upstairs at the Camas library featuring 24 artists in the show “From the Heart”.
  • FREE ballroom dance lessons with certified ballroom dance instructor Daniel Martinez in Lisa Le Properties, 418 NE 4th.
  • Kid’s Valentine’s crafts and games at the DCA tables in Journey
  • Take the Candy Bar Challenge. Guess the candy bar types and win one
  • FREE hair glitter strands & sparkles at The Wild Hair, 418 NE Cedar
  • Kissing Themed Photo Booth at The Artful Attic, 217 NE 3rd, as well as FREE Valentine grab bags with every purchase
  • FREE chair massages by Therapeutic Associates-Camas at Arktana Shoes, 415 NE 4th
  • Special Sales and chocolate treats throughout downtown shops and restaurants
  • Earn tickets to win for every $10 you spend in downtown!

“We’re of course excited to taste delicious chocolate around town,” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director for the DCA, “but also be able to wish a Happy 1st Anniversary to the darling wedding couple Nick & Tami Calais from the February First Friday wedding last year! They still come to every First Friday and this time they’re bringing all their friends to join in again! We’ll have some new games and activities as well as the beloved candy guessing game in the businesses and truly spectacular art shows in the galleries. Come enjoy with us in Downtown Camas!”

Passport & Activity lists are available at the DCA tables in Journey.

First Fridays are Art, Activities, Dining, and After Hours Shopping themed family friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and develop community. For more information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/chocolate-affair-remember or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page