Washougal, WA – Pirates will once again storm downtown Washougal for a free, family-friendly, festive community event featuring lively music, delicious food, beer garden, fire dancing, a pet parade and costume contest and more! The Pirates in the Plaza event returns for its third year on Saturday, September 15 from 2 pm – 10 pm at Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal.  The event is sponsored by a generous donation from Mary Jane’s House of Glass and City of Washougal Lodging Tax funds.

The event coincides with the upcoming “Talk Like a Pirate Day” celebrated each September 19 and attendees are encouraged to come in pirate costume!

The evening concert will feature the musical mayhem of the Bilge Rats & Pyrettes from Portland performing at 5:30 pm and again at 7 pm.  Entertainment will also be provided by Flamebuoyant Productions, featuring belly dancers, fire dancing and more, plus Dayley Dance Academy from Washougal. For a complete schedule of the day’s activities go to cityofwashougal.us.

Presented by Downtown Washougal Association (DWA) and City of Washougal, the event proceeds will support DWA and the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS).

“The local humane society is a great organization doing such important work in our community that we are happy to help support them,” said Heena, DWA President.  “Although the event is free to attend, we hope people will come ready to have a good time and make a donation to WCGHS.”

WCGHS also brings family and pet fun to the day from 2-5 p.m.  Activities include a wading pool of plastic balls with dog treat treasures for dogs to “dive in” and find, a service dog demonstration, and photos with your dog.  A pet parade and costume contest will be held at 2:30 p.m. with winners selected for best pirate themed costume, cutest costume, and most original or unique costume.

The Vancouver Walking Club, will help kick off the day by hosting a “Talk Like A Pirate Day Walk” starting in the Pendleton parking lot between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., finishing by 4 p.m.  Walkers, invited to be in their favorite pirate costume, will walk through the heart of the city to Hathaway Park and Boat Launch then return and walk on the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail along the levee to 54-40 Brewing and back.  The walk will include a visual treasure hunt.  The club will be accepting donations (treasures) for the West Columbia River Gorge Humane Society.  For more information go to http://www.vusav.club/.

Additional family fun will be provided by Washougal Library face painters from 3-5 p.m.

Once children and pet activities wrap up, a “grog garden” will be provided by DWA starting at 5 p.m.  The beer selection features local breweries including 54-40 Brewing, Doomsday Brewing and Grains of Wrath. The 21-year and older area will be open until 10 p.m.  Food vendors will include Washougal’s Alex Smokehouse and area food truck vendors.

Volunteers are needed!  If you’d like to help out, contact DWA at [email protected].

For more information on more events and activities in Washougal go to www.Visitwashougal.com

Pirates in the Plaza Schedule (Times subject to change)

8:00 am–4:00 pm             Talk Like A Pirate Day Volks Walk

2:00–5:00 pm                    WCGHS Activities (Pet Parade/Costume Contest at 2:30)

3:00–5:00 pm                    Washougal Library Face Painting

5:00–10:00 pm                  Beer Garden

5:00 – 8:00 pm                  Entertainment: Dayley Dance Academy, Bilge Rats & Pyrettes, Flamebuoyant Productions.

 

Camas, WA — For the first time ever, Downtown Camas is hosting the Hoops 360, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. The event stems from a long tradition of outdoor 3 on 3 events that have averaged, over the years, 200+ teams of fun basketball competition from youth to elite athletes.

According to the Downtown Camas Association, this event has been happening locally for over 20 years. Games will start Friday, August 17 at 8 pm, and conclude at 10 pm. Saturday games begin at 10 am, and end at 5 pm. Games will resume Sunday at 10 am on Sunday and conclude by 3 pm.

Shoot 360, which owns Hoops 360, is the facilitator.

“We are a tech firm for basketball development,” said Brad Butterworth, who represents the company. “We have facilities all over the country. We use a tech platform to teach basketball skills — ball handling, shooting and passing. The company began in 2012 in Beaverton. Then they opened in Vancouver, then LA, Indianapolis, and we are opening a second California location soon.”

Shoot 360 recruited Butterworth, who is a former coach, after he started his own tech firm.

“I really believe in Shoot 360’s mission,” said Butterworth. “It’s incredibly powerful. We engage a positive way to teach our kids. And, it’s a very intriguing and powerful company.”

Their business model is member-focused, and boasts a membership of 500 in SW Washington.

“We are using technology as a coaching tool and resource,” said Butterworth. “It’s like Fortnite for basketball.”

Their Vancouver site is located at Fourth Plain in Orchards. To learn more, visit www.Shoot360.com

“Currently, every year we run a 3 on 3 event, which used to be Hoops on the River,” he said. “They closed shop. We wanted to keep that 3 on 3 thriving, so we rebranded it Hoops 360 3 on 3, and we ran it at Marshall Park, near Clark College. This year, we are moving it to Camas, so we’re really excited. We’re turning all of 5th Ave. from Adams to Dallas into an outdoor basketball venue.”

Hoops

Three men jump battling for the ball in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held on the streets.

The events will happen on Birch Street between 5th and 4th, and on Cedar, between 5th and 4th — all of which will be basketball courts for three days.

Event organizers anticipate 4,000 people, and the City of Camas said it would be the second largest event behind Camas Days. They’re expecting 275 teams, most of which come from Clark County, but a few are coming from Seattle.

Hampton Inn and Subaru of America are key sponsors, who are helping them market and spread the word. In addition, there will be 12 vendors on hand, and they will be playing basketball movies at the Liberty Theater. A beer garden will also be available.

“We are trying to make it an entire family affair,” said Butterworth. “We want it to be a vacation-like experience. There will be live music playing. We’re bringing in people from Savannah to play. It’ll be fun!”

 

Washougal, WA — Tickets are now available for an event that raises money to help bring a new library to downtown Washougal.

The sixth annual Dinner in White on the Columbia will be held Saturday Sept. 8, from 4 to 10 pm, at scenic Marina Park at the Camas-Washougal Port, 24 S. A Street.

The riverside event—modeled after the original “Diner en Blanc” started in Paris 30 years ago—brings people together to celebrate in all-white attire ranging from casual to elegant, to raise money for the Washougal Library Building Fund.

The Washougal Library was built in 1978 to support the needs of 1,500 residents and must be updated and expanded to meet the needs of Washougal’s growing population.

Rachael Ries, branch manager of the Washougal Community Library, says, “A library is an important cornerstone in our community because it provides training, resources, and education that encourage imagination, uncover options, and create possibility.”

Rick Smithrud, executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, reports the FVRL District has earmarked $1 million from its capital reserves for a new library in Washougal, and $153,000 has been raised by local donations and fundraising efforts by The Friends of the Washougal Community Library.

An anonymous donor has agreed to provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000 for donations pledged during this year’s Dinner in White.

Attendees bring their own food, plates, serving ware, white napkins, and all-white table decorations. Tables, chairs, and white tablecloths are provided.

A catered meal option is available from a collaboration between local businesses, Foods in Season and Lenny’s Smokehouse and Catering. Salmon, pork, vegetarian lasagna, various sides, and a brownie bar will be offered.

Sparkling wine, craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks will be available to purchase. Guests may not bring alcohol to the event.

The fun begins with attendees decorating their tables followed by the traditional “waving of the white napkin,” dinner at 6 pm, dancing to DJ’d music, and a silent auction.

White

Celebrating at the Dinner in White on the Columbia.

Prizes will be awarded for “Best Dressed Man,” “Best Dressed Woman,” “Best Dressed Couple,” and “Best Table Decoration.”

Four local artists will paint on-site, and their original art work will be auctioned at the event. The artists include Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Heidi Jo Curley, and Kasia Teegarden.

Jeffree White, founder of the Washougal School of Music, will play acoustic stringed instruments.

Author Holly Jones will be available to sign her books, “I Want Everyone to Like Me,” and “I Want Everyone to Love Me,” which are based off her experience growing up in Washougal during the nineties.

The first “Camas in White” was held in 2013 in Downtown Camas and benefited the Camas Mural Project. The event was moved to Marina Park in 2016.

Terri London, planning committee chairwoman, says, “Dinner in White is more than a fundraiser, it’s an experience. Local residents and business sponsors come together for an evening of friendship, creativity, great food, music, and so much more. The sea of white tables and guests all decked out in white and dining on the shore of the Columbia River is a sight to behold.”

“Over the years, three generations of London’s have enjoyed the library and now the fourth generation of London’s look forward to a new library. It’s an honor to be a part of this local event and to help raise funds for our new Washougal Library.”

Event organizers have secured 22 sponsors so far. Ryan McDonald, owner of McDonald Excavating says, “As a small local company, we feel it is our duty to give back to a community that has supported us. Washougal is in dire need of a library with updated services and technology that can support our growing community. This is a fun way to donate and get involved.”

General admission tickets for Dinner in White on the Columbia are $30 per person. A deluxe ticket with a catered meal is $70 per person. A reserved table of eight is $300. A deluxe reserved table of eight with a catered meal is $620. Attendees must be 21 years or older.

For more information or to buy your tickets, visit www.dinnerinwhiteonthecolumbia.com or www.Facebook.com/dinnerinwhiteonthecolumbia.

White

Dinner in White on the Columbia.

Camas, WA — The annual Camas Days is upon us, and we’ve included a schedule of events for people of all ages.

FRIDAY
10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more!

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!

11:00 am – 8:00pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin.

12:15pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS

5:00 pm – 11 p.m. (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 – 7:00: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: Wise Guys

Baseball

Call 360.696.9877

SATURDAY

7:30 am – 11:00 am BLUEBERRY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Camas United Methodist Church at 14th & Garfield.

10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more!

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!

USED BOOK SALE at the Camas Library Friday 10 am-6 pm; Saturday 10 am-3 pm.

Days

The Camas Days Parade.

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Celebrating Papermaker History” themed parade! 4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.

1:00 pm BATHTUB RACES 4th & Franklin. Organized by Lutz Hardware.

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 – 7:00: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: Wise Guys

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Steak Feed at Grove Field: Field BBQ your own steak! (chicken available)
Dinner includes 6 oz Steak, Salad, Baked Potato, Lemonade, Pork & Beans, & Cake $15 per person (PRICE INCLUDES INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP IN CWAA). Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!

SUNDAY
8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT ASA sanctioned “D” tournament at Ione & 19th.

10:00 am-4 pm Grove Field Open House: Raffle, plane rides @ $25, Airplane displays, soft drinks.

12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY Watch from the 3rd Ave Bridge on the Washougal River as the C/W Rotary Club launches all its ducks and a grand prize winner is chosen!

Images

 

 

 

 

 

Hood River, OR — 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the Hood River County Fruit Loop – the popular 35-mile scenic drive that provides the ultimate self-guided tour of the area’s acclaimed agritourism, with numbered stops at farm stands, u-pick farms, wineries, cideries, and lavender farms. New for 2018: Updated number signs that makes finding each stop even easier!

To get there from the Portland Metro area, take I-84 Exit 64 and head up Hwy 35 towards Mt. Hood. To get a feel for the variety of agriculture that defines Hood River Valley, stop at Panorama Point where you’ll also have a view of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams on a clear day.

We recommend you stop at all the locations on the Fruit Loop map, but here are some suggestions to help get you started: The Gorge White House is a working pear orchard that offers wine tasting from most all of the Gorge region wines. Here you can also sample and purchase local fruit, u-pick berries, and u-pick flowers.

Fruit Loop Fun Facts:

  • Started in 1993 with 19 stops
  • Of the original members, four are still on the Fruit Loop today: Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Mt. View Orchards, Smiley’s Red Barn, The Farm Place (formerly Rasmussen Farms)
  • Current number of stops: 28
  • In addition to the self-guided driving tour from April through November, the Hood River County Fruit Loop also offers annual special events, including Cherry Days (June), Lavender DAZE Festival (June), Summer Fruit Celebration (August), Gravenstein Apple Days (September) and Pumpkin Patches (October).
  • Things you can do on the Fruit Loop: Pick (fruit, flowers, pumpkins), sample (fruit, cider, jellies, pies, and more!), sip (cider & wine), pet (baby goats, bunnies), swing (Draper Girls Family Farm), picnic, photograph (orchards in bloom, Mount Hood & Adams, fruit galore), fill (growlers of cider, stomachs), relax, recharge.

More food for thought:

  • The lavender farms offer u-pick lavender starting at the end of June, all the way through October.
  • The upper valley offers berries in July and August, and Heirloom Apples and Pears in the fall.
  • The Fruit Loop is beautiful year round, but be sure to visit during the April Blossom Fest time to see acres of orchards in bloom, and the Fall harvest when the fruit is piled high in the bins.

The Fruit Loop is also famous for its many festivals. Get all the details here: http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/

Washougal, WA — Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Performances are July 27 – Aug 5, 2018 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671.   Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Pre-sale adult tickets are $18.  Youth and senior tickets are $12.   Our “family day” performances are July 28th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm with all tickets $12 in advance.  Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Public Performances

Friday, July 27 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, July 28 – 2:00 pm

Saturday, July 28 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, July 29 – 2:00 pm

Friday, August 3 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 4 – 2:00 pm

Saturday, August 4 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, August 5 – 2:00 pm


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.

 

Camas, WA — The annual Camas Poker Tour is always a fun night! And, it’s happening today, Friday, July 6th, 5-8pm. The 13th annual Camas Poker Tour, is sponsored by Camas Antiques, throughout participating businesses:

  • Collect a “poker card” from each participating merchant
  • Turn in your cards to the dealer at Camas Antiques by 8:00pm
  • You will be dealt playing cards to match the number of business “poker cards” that you have (the more businesses you visit, the more chances for a great hand!)
  • Great prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the 5 highest hands! Good Luck!

Enjoy other family-friendly games throughout town and earn tickets to enter to win a prize basket from the merchants!

  • Jackpot Plinko!
  • Lucky Rollers
  • Spin and Win
  • Downtown Dice
  • Card War
  • Toss it in
  • More!

 

Poker participation and activity lists can be found at the DCA table at Journey Church and at participating shops.

Other activities for First Friday include:

  • Ribbon Cutting at 5pm to welcome Hey Jack to Downtown Camas!

 

Poker

A salmon entree at Hey Jack,

So much going on all over town! Shop, dine, enjoy the galleries, listen to live music, and more!

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Washougal, WA – The Southwest Washington Tamale Festival is a new event to celebrate the richness of Latino culture in Southwest Washington.   Presented by the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens, the family-friendly event will be held in downtown Washougal on Saturday June 30, from 1 to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Tamales are a traditional and delicious part of Latino food culture and are the perfect focus for a festival,” said Carmen McKibben, SW WA LULAC immediate past council president and event organizer. “As you would expect, we have vendors offering delicious tamales to purchase and enjoy while supplies last. We will also have other food offerings with a Latino flair, a beer garden, lively music and entertainment.”  Entertainment will include guitarist Benjamin Rose at 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.; Ballet Papaloti Dancers at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and Son de Cuba performing at 7 p.m.

The event will also offer a craft area for kids, lead by student volunteers from LULAC National Education Services Center Vancouver.  “We will be doing lots of fun crafts with a cultural theme for elementary-age kids,” said event volunteer, Pat Cano.  “Activities will include making Ojos de Dio crosses with Popsicle sticks and yarn, creating paper masks and painting plaster Day of the Dead skulls.  It will be a whole lot of craft fun! Some cutting, weaving, painting and coloring!”

Rounding out the fun, there will be a tamale contest open to professionals such as restaurants, caterers and food trucks as well as individuals with their own family recipes.  Entry deadline is June 22, 2018 and details can be found at www.swwatamalefest.com.

Entries will be judged in three categories; Meat, No-Meat/Veggie and Sweet/Dessert.  Winners will be determined based on taste, technique, appearance and overall quality. Prizes will be awarded for the winning entries. Contest judges include Washougal Mayor Molly Coston and Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

“Tamale recipes are a source of pride not only with restaurants but among families as well,” said Hector Hinojosa, SW WA LULAC council president and tamale contest organizer.  “This contest will be a lot of fun and give some bragging rights to the winners!”

Event sponsors include SW WA LULAC, BNSF, Law office of Eulalia Soto, Molina Healthcare, IQ Credit Union, Riverview Community Bank and Vancouver Brew Fest.  It is also funded in part by City of Washougal Lodging Tax Funds.

Proceeds and donations collected from event will support future scholarship stipends for local youth.

For more information, contact the festival at [email protected], check their website  www.swwatamalefest.com or follow them on Facebook.

“We are excited to share our rich Latino culture with festival guests and start a new local tradition,” said McKibben.

Tamale

People are looking forward to this event.

Camas, WA — June’s First Friday celebration is all about the Dog Days of Summer. Running this Friday, June 1st, from 5-8 pm, participants will get to enjoy a fun talent and fashion show with prizes, along with vendor booths, children’s craft stations, a dog breed guessing activity in participating businesses, and so much more.

There will also be a dog and owner look-alike contest! Bring your favorite pooch (leashes required) and make a fun night of it. The Downtown Camas Association thanks Naturally Healthy Pet in Downtown Camas for sponsoring this event.

The Doggie Fashion Show & Owner Look Alike Contest starts at 6 pm; and the Doggie Talent Contest starts at 7 pm. For the Fashion Show, the judging will be for Funniest, Cutest, and Most Creative. For the Talent Contest, the judging will be for most clever, most difficult, and cutest talents. Sign up when you get to First Friday at the DCA table, up to 15 minutes before each event. The contests, crafts and other fun will be between 4th and 5th on Cedar Street. No cost to enter.

There will also be vendors! Dog Specific Vendors coming to the “Dog Days of Summer” are:

PNW Visiting Vet

Must Love Dogs NW

Polka Dot Paws

Deborah’s Creations

Wigglin’ Home Boxer Rescue

Pup Town Cafe

High Expectations Dog Training

WCGHS (West Columbia Gorge Humane Society)

Other activities for First Friday include:

So much going on all over town! Shop, dine, enjoy the galleries, listen to live music, and more!

Washougal WA — Camas and Washougal community members are being asked to help make an impact on the lives of school families who need a little help with summer meals.  IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal), organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, will be held on Sunday, June 10 from 11am to 2pm at Parker’s Landing Historic Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal, to collect donations and fill food boxes.

“We are asking the community to drive up and drop off their food donations,” said Beth Raetz, Impact CW Committee Member and Church Office Secretary. “If they can, we’d love to have them stop for a while, help fill boxes, enjoy a free BBQ lunch and listen to an outdoor concert by the Camas-Washougal Community Orchestra.”

St. Matthew Pastor Bob Barber started the event and continues to be a driving force. According to Raetz, the event grew from a sermon series “Be the Difference,” which culminated in going shopping and packing boxes during the Sunday morning worship service for the first event.  Barber is the 2018 Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s selection for Citizen of the Year.

Although many people are conditioned to make food donations around the holidays, Raetz explains that there is another critical need at this time of year.  “We are targeting families in the schools who receive free breakfast and free lunches and are a part of the backpack programs,” she said. “When school stops for summer those meals end.  These kids may get into a summer meal program but there could be several weeks before they start.  These meals will help to bridge that gap.  It just gives them a boost.”

Now in its fourth year, IMPACT CW is growing. “This year we are continuing to invite groups to get involved and help out,” said Raetz.  “We have high school students working on their community service hours, scout troops, church groups, businesses and families volunteering to help.  It is so wonderful to see families from little ones to big ones all helping to fill up boxes.”

Once the boxes are filled, they will be packed in a U-haul truck and on Monday morning will be delivered to Camas and Washougal schools who will then connect the boxes with families in need.

Schools are currently working to identify those families who could use some help.  “Last year we made 140 boxes,” said Raetz. “This year we expect the need will grow to 200.”

Non-perishable food donations can be made in advance of the event and dropped off at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 716 Washougal River Road ,Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 1:00pm.  Financial contributions can be made through www.gofundme.com/impactcw or checks made out to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533.