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Camas Public Library is Turning 100 — With Many Events to Celebrate

Camas, WA — “A century in the books!” That’s the slogan that will help the Camas Library celebrate a momentous occasion – turning 100 years old. And, library administrators have organized multiple events to commemorate this milestone. 

The library’s official birthday will be celebrated April 4, 2023; however, the library has a full slate of activities throughout the entire year to mark this amazing feat. And it all starts with a special edition centennial library card, which is only available during 2023. For those that already have a library card, you may swap your current one out free of charge.

Upcoming Events

History Speaks (Speaker Series)

Six speaking engagements will take place throughout the year to inform citizens and to illuminate Camas’ illustrious past. The first in the series is the official kick-off for the centennial year.

Women Who Shaped Camas

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 pm, Garver Theater

Barbara Baldus, a founder of the Library’s Second Story Gallery; Nan Henriksen, former mayor of Camas; local historian Virginia Warren, and Carrie Schulstad, executive director of the Downtown Camas Association,  will lead a panel discussion moderated by Bradley Richardson, executive director of the Clark County Historical Museum. 

Other Speaking Events (All at the library):

  • The Forgotten Front: Gender, Labor, and Politics in Camas, Washington, and the Northwest Paper Industry, 1913-1918 (April)
  • Will the 2020s Roar like the 1920s? (May)
  • A Promise Not Yet Fulfilled: The Chinook Struggle for Recognition (July)
  • Legendary Locals Author Event with Rene Carroll (September)
  • Whiskey and Wiretaps: The Northwest’s Rumrunning King (November)

The Library Turns 100

Tuesday, April 4, 10 am–8 pm

Stop by the Library anytime during open hours to celebrate the Library’s big day. There’ll be music, goodies and giveaways.

Second Story Gallery

Each of the Library’s six Second Story Gallery shows will have a connection to the centennial in 2023. Read below for the first two shows, covering January – April.

Read All About It (January & February)

This show will consist of reproduced cover pages from the local newspaper, which was originally called LaCamas Post and is now The Camas-Washougal Post-Record. The headlines will be drawn from the first 50 years of the paper’s life, 1908-1958. The reproduced cover pages will reveal to patrons a snapshot of what was happening in our community throughout these years, while also highlighting the local coverage of regional events and reporting on national headlines. The opening reception is Friday, Jan. 6, 5-8 pm.

A Century in the Books (March & April)

This exhibit will showcase a timeline of Library milestones over the past 100 years. From the initial conception for a public library space to the current building on 4th Ave., enjoy a walk-through time to see historical photos and learn interesting facts from the past century. The opening reception is Friday, March 3, 5-8 pm.

This just a sampling of the upcoming year, which will include programs for all ages, events around town, and historical documents you may explore online. Residents interested in taking part can also be on the lookout for upcoming library story and memory requests. 

More information at https://www.cityofcamas.us/library

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Camas Gallery Features New Works by Blue Bond in November Show 

Camas, WA — The public is invited to view recent works by local artist Blue Bond at Camas Gallery throughout the month of November. Camas Gallery, located at 408 NE Fourth Avenue in downtown Camas invites area residents to attend the First Friday Art Walk Reception to honor Bond and his work on Friday, November 4th from 5 pm to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. 

“We are thrilled to feature Blue Bond this month,” said Marquita Call, co-owner of Camas Gallery. “Blue Bond is a Northwest artist who has over 40 years of experience in the art field, painting in oil and acrylic. His bold, colorful, realistic portrayal of people, animals, and vast panoramas are vivid; evoking emotion and depth.”

In 2005, Bond was honored by being commissioned to do an oil painting commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, “America Celebrates Freedom,” which took place in Vancouver, Washington, was the largest held in the United States, and sponsored by the United States Department of Defense. Bond’s painting appeared on memorabilia and the original is on display at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust in Vancouver. 

Another great highlight was an invitation to paint a portrait of one of the “Beautiful Lives Lost,” commemorating those who died in the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017. Blue chose to paint Rocio Guillen Rocha, a 41 year-old mother of four. Her youngest child was only six weeks old when she was killed. It is with great pride that the family has her painting as a gift, forever honoring her short life. Blue enjoys commissioned portraits, and strives to create the best possible picture of the subject. 

Camas Gallery has been open in Camas for more than a decade and is an award winning gallery owned by Marquita Call and her daughter Jennifer Senescu. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and represents about 16 artists including three new artists to the gallery: Suzanne Grover, Sandra Longmore and Virginia Bittler.

Bond

 

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Downtown Camas November First Friday: ‘Thankful for Pie’ Theme

Downtown Camas will be celebrating gratitude for the season during the “Thankful for Pie!” themed First Friday on November 4. There will be pie raffles and tastings, gratitude activities, s’mores roasting, fall crafts, games, and the fan favorite Pie Walk Dance Party, with a selection of prize pies. This event also includes fall-inspired dining and cocktail specials, after hours shopping and art shows.

The Second Story Gallery, located upstairs at the Camas Library, will unveil the first exhibit from the newly formed Artisans’ Guild of Camas. The Guild strives to inspire enthusiasm for arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities, and they often participate in artful community engagement at Downtown Camas First Friday events. This exhibit, titled “The Gift of Art,” will feature 18 local artists in many different 2D and 3D mediums. Event goers can enjoy pie and an artist reception at the gallery from 5 pm-8 pm.

Additional activities include:

  • Pie Raffles in participating Downtown Camas businesses
  • Pie Tastings with the DCAat Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch
  • The Pie Walk Dance Party, sponsored by Carla Edwards, local Realtor, starting at 7pm with the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) in Journey Church, 304 NE 4th — win a delicious pie or other treat
  • S’mores Roasting (weather permitting) sponsored by IQ Credit Union
  • Fall Crafts for kids at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, and inside Journey Church  
  • Fill out the “Gratitude Passport” and be entered to win fall themed prizes from the downtown merchants
  • Art Shows & Receptions at Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th and Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar, in addition to the Second Story Gallery reception listed above.

Pick up your First Friday passport and activity list for the evening at the DCA tables in Journey starting at 5pm.

“This First Friday is such an incredible celebration of both gratitude and pie, and who doesn’t love pie?” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “This event has something for all ages and truly brings people together in a way that they can support local, have fun together, and have tasty treats. We are so appreciative for our community that shops local during the holidays, and this event is a great way to kick that off.”

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 bring the community together. For all the information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/november-first-friday-thankful-for-pie  and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday

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Art Gallery Opens on 2nd Floor of Lara Blair Photography Studio

Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s grand opening of The Loft art gallery will be August 27, 2022 in her studio located at 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. The inaugural show is titled A Sense of Place and features two exhibits, Aloft and Confectionery Landscapes.

In addition to running a portrait studio, Blair is a working artist who has featured her fineart photography and mixed media work in Northwest galleries and business establishments. The gallery on the upper floor of her studio will be a permanent home to display current work four times a year.

These two exhibits represent an energy and a rhythm to the streets we walk, fields we run through and horizons we take in. Confectionery Landscapes is a collection of candy colored architectural scenery and iconic buildings. Aloft is a series of large mixed media pieces featuring a bird’s eye view of farmland. The overall vision of the show is: whether standing in front of a man made structure, or taking in the vast picture of the world from above, we feel the spirit within it.

The opening celebration is open to the public at 7 pm on the 27th. There will be music, beverages and portrait studio giveaways.

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New Artists, Offerings Will Delight at Camas Vintage & Art Faire

The 13th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire will return to the tree-lined streets of Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 27, from 9 am-3 pm. This event will feature over 60 vendors including local artists and artisans in a variety of styles and mediums, as well as merchants featuring vintage, antique, and repurposed items.

Artists will showcase their professional paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled works, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, metal work, and more. Vintage vendors will feature a wide variety of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, as well as vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. The event is located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, near Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue.

Washougal fabric, multimedia, and collage artist Sandy Moore of Sandy Moore Arts will join the faire for the first time this year. Her portrait and seascape collages combine hand dyed fabric, paints, ink, and free-motion stitching. Other new art vendors include Kary Lane Photography, who features images from the Pacific Northwest. Recycle With Soifer offers creatures made from upcycled metals and other materials. Keith E. Russell showcases realistic paintings of classic cars and other automobiles. Other returning art vendors include, Girl in the Pearl, Liz Pike Art, One Little Blackbird, Windy Hill Weavers, Women, Wine & Words, and many others.

Belle Flower Farm is also a new vendor at this event. Pam Richey Curtis offers home-grown flowers in vintage vessels. Her designs feature vintage teapots, bushel baskets, and curated antique vases. Lady Outlaw Antiques will add a Western flair to the faire with her collection of vintage boots, cowboy hats, and jewelry.  Moltwear, who creates apparel and accessories from vintage lace, buttons, and textile remnants will return for 2022. Other returning vendors include fan favorites like Dora Louin her vintage pink and white travel trailer, H Street Alley Antiques, Dickey’s Décor, Lil Red Barn and many more. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Bret Malmquist will play jazz guitar from 10 am-12 pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30 pm-3 pm. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, BlackDog Hotdogs, Doug’s Kettle Corn, and treats and pastries by Truly Scrumptious.

“We so look forward to this event each year. It’s such a lovely combination of funky finds and truly breath-taking works of art, all on the streets of our dynamic downtown.” Says Jan Carter, Event Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association. “Chatting with local artists and collectors from all walks of life is one of the highlights of our whole Summer.”

Vintage Vendor registrations are still being accepted and registration information can be found here: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

The Downtown Camas Association hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire,  and the event is sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  

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Fern Prairie ART FEST Features 10 Local Artists July 30-31

Fern Prairie, WA — The third annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31 from 10 am to 4 pm. The ART FEST is staged in the peaceful and tranquil setting of Shangri-La Farm, located 1.5 miles north of Lacamas Lake just outside the city limits of Camas, Washington. A total of 10 artist booths will be featured in the juried show.

“These fine artists are excited to show and sell their work at ART FEST,” said organizer and local artist Liz Pike. Liz will be joined by artists Sarah Bang, Bev Birdwell, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Suzanne Grover, Charlene Hale, Amy Jan Ernst, Cheryl Mathieson, and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, pottery, fused and enamel glass, jewelry, pen and ink, and copper mixed media.

The public is invited to take in original works of art surrounded by the beautiful gardens at Shangri-La Farm. Attendees will park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may either walk the 1/4 mile trail through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take the free “Sunflower Mobile” shuttle service. The Sunflower Mobile is an art piece all on its own, hand painted by Liz Pike in oils on fiberglass in her signature sunflower motif. The free shuttle will be available to transport attendees from the airport parking lot to Shangri-La Farm on both days, Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 between 10am and 4pm.

For more information, contact Liz Pike at 360-281-8720 or email pikeadvertising@comcast.net. 

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Camas Days Parade Features Marquita Call as Grand Marshal on July 23

Following two years of pandemic related restrictions, the Camas Days Hometown Festival is roaring back to life on Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24th. One of the highlights is the Camas Days Parade which attracts more than 10,000 spectators. This year, Marquita Call will serve as Grand Marshal. Marquita was named business person of the year by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce in 2021. 

Marquita Call was raised in Camas and has deep roots here. Her dad, Art Gaiani, built more than 50 homes in Camas. Her grandmother Marie Eymer played piano at the Liberty Theatre when it opened in 1927. Marquita graduated Camas High School in 1962. Her first job was at the Ideal Corner Cafe at the age of 15. She also worked at Dairy Queen with classmate Denis Hayes, the International Chairman of Earth Day. She and her friends started the first recycling center in Camas in the late 60s. She taught Sunday school at Zion Lutheran Church for 20 years, where her mother Lenora Gaiani served as superintendent. 

Marquita has owned Camas Gallery for the past 12 years. Her gallery has been voted Best of Clark County for seven years in a row. In 2012, the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) honored Marquita with its “Something New” award and then in 2013, the DCA presented her with its “Spirit Award.” 

Marquita is known for her infectious personality. She welcomes visitors to her gallery with warmth and enthusiasm and freely shares her historic knowledge of Camas. One visitor claimed Marquita is to Camas what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.

“One thing that will never change about Camas is its sense of wellness,” says Marquita. “I love this very special town,” she said. 

In addition to the popular Saturday Camas Days parade, a children’s parade is on Friday, July 22 at 12:15 pm. Most of the events continue over two days, Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23. Two day events include a beer and wine garden with live music from 5 pm to 11 pm along with a street festival featuring more than 80 artisans and vendors, and family fun on Kids’ Street, open from 11 am to 8 pm. Visit CWChamber.com to download full schedule of events. For more information, contact Camas Washougal Chamber at 360-834-2472. 

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Camas Days: ‘Experience The Magic of Camas’ Schedule of Events

The annual Camas Day celebration is returning Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, with extended events on Sunday, July 24. There will be a special concert on July 21.

Sponsored by Georgia Pacific – Camas Mill, Waste Connections, Wafertech LLC, Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian Newspaper, You Move Me, Minuteman Press Camas, Sip & Paint for Fun Art Farm, Camas Boutique Hotel, The Camas-Washougal Post Record, City of Camas and the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, July 21

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes (Blues)

FRIDAY, July 22nd

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 – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin. 12:15 pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. 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 pm – 7:00 pm The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Caddies

Camas Days

SATURDAY, July 23

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 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Experience the Magic of Camas” themed parade.

4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.

Immediately following the grand parade – SENIOR ROYALTY LUNCHEON honoring Camas Days’ Royal Queen, Molly Coston, at Zion Lutheran Social Hall 3rd and Garfield.

1:00 pm BATHTUB RACES 4th & Franklin. Sign up sheet is on the Chamber website.

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. 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 pm – 7:00 pm: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Hot Shots

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm STEAK FEED AT GROVE FIELD: Flyit Hangar, Grove Field Airport CWAA Steak Feed!

$30.00 per plate!
A 12 oz. top sirloin steak barbecued to how you like it!
Baked potato, salad, and rolls.
Cake for dessert.
Barbeque Auction!!
The Ever Popular Pie Auction!!!
First 100 Steaks to sell, first-come, first-served!

Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!

SUNDAY, July 24

8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, contact George Eckman (360) 713- 2510.

11:00 am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.

12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY drawing at the Picnic in Color!

Camas Days

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Events: Camas Summer Concerts in the Park to Kick Off July 7

CAMAS, WA — For the 28th year, Camas Parks & Recreation is set to host the popular Summer Concerts in the Park series in Crown Park. This free concert series offers family-friendly performances in a variety of musical styles.

The free Summer Concerts in the Park will take place every Thursday in July from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at Crown Park, located at 120 NE 17th Ave.

This year’s first act will be CJ Mickens, July 7, featuring his iconic Pop/Urban/Contemporary style. 

The 4 Kings with their amazing Soul-Jazz groove follows July 14. On July 21, Kevin Selfe & 

The Tornadoes bring award-winning Blues music to the stage. 

Finally, Shades of Huey will wrap up the series July 28, featuring the well-known cover songs of Huey Lewis and the News.

Food concessions will not be available this year, however, you can support your local restaurants by purchasing take-out meals from a variety of Downtown Camas restaurants or from Top Burger, located across the street from the park. Picnic dinners are always welcome.

The Summer Concerts in the Park series is coordinated by Camas Parks and Recreation. The concerts are offered to the public for free due to the generous support and sponsorships from Riverview Community Bank and Camas Parks Foundation. No alcohol, dogs or other animals are allowed in the park. 

For the concert details, closer to the events, visit www.cityofcamas.us/parks and click on “Special Events.”

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Celebrate, Preserve Local History: Attend First Annual Parkersville Day

Camas-Washougal, Washington – Do you have pride in your city or family heritage? Do you enjoy learning about local history? Whether you are new to the area or have deep family roots in Washougal, Camas, or Vancouver, here is your chance to enjoy and preserve local history.

A new event, Parkersville Day, on Saturday, June 4, from noon to 3 pm at Parker’s Landing Historical Park near the Port of Camas-Washougal, will celebrate the area’s rich history. A Chinookan blessing, storytellers in period clothing, the playing of historic family games, a display of student art, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, display booths, and even a high school brass band performance will round out the day’s activities.

Parkersville Heritage Foundation is sponsoring the event. Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Clark County Historical Museum, Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance and park partners will have display booths. Park partners donate time and materials to help preserve and beautify the park. This year’s partners are the Soroptimist Club of Camas-Washougal, Cascade Tree Works, LLC, ColumbiaOutdoor.com, Camas Lions Club, AllPhaseConstruction-remodeling.com, JTR Artworks & Construction, and Affordable Ponds.  

Parkersville

“Even the event’s location holds special significance to the area,” said Susan Tripp, the event coordinator with family history in Washougal. “Parker’s Landing Historical Park at Parkersville National Historic Site commemorates the Chinook tribes who lived and visited there and early milestones in Washington’s history.” 

“We are inviting the community to be a part of history by purchasing a legacy brick for engraving and placement at Parker’s Landing Historical Park,” Tripp added. “But hurry, only a limited number of bricks are still available!” 

Bricks are a $75 tax-deductible donation and support the nonprofit Parkersville Heritage Foundation, which oversees park history preservation. Receive a brick order form email phfbrickorders@gmail.com. 

For more information, email ParkersvilleHeritageFoundation@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark

Parkersville

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