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New Heepsy Study Identifies Top 10 Fall Destinations, Including Mt. Rainier

A new study by Heepsy identified the top ten fall destinations in the U.S. by analyzing factors such as the number of Instagram hashtags and Google searches, the number of visitors, the average temperature, and the popularity of these places. 

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is the most popular fall destination, with 12.8 million online searches and hashtags combined and attracting over 4.3 million visitors. Napa Valley in California not only has an impressive 3.6 million visitors but also stands out for having the warmest average fall temperature at 60.9°F.

The study focuses on their popularity, accessibility, and natural beauty. Data collection involved six key factors: the number of Instagram hashtags, the number of Google searches to measure social media appeal and public interest, a combined online popularity score reflecting a destination’s digital presence, the annual number of visitors indicating real-world accessibility, average fall temperature for seasonal comfort, and unique features that set each location apart. 

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado ranks first with the most online popularity at 12.8, making it the top fall destination in the U.S. With over 4.3 million visitors annually, it is by far the most visited location on the list. With its stunning golden aspens and abundant wildlife, it also has approximately 3.5 million Instagram hashtags, the second-most in the list. 

Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada takes the second spot. It has a combined online popularity of 9.02 million, primarily driven by 8.7 million Google searches—the second highest in this study. It offers a milder average fall temperature of 50.2°F, ideal for exploring its red sandstone formations. Despite this, it sees only 250,000 visitors annually, suggesting that while many are curious, fewer make the journey.

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington ranks third with 7.19 million in online popularity, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. Its snow-capped peaks and towering evergreens create an impressive landscape that draws significant attention, with nearly 500,000 Instagram hashtags showcasing its breathtaking beauty during the fall season.

Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, holds the fourth spot. It is a social media favorite, with 3.1 million Instagram hashtags for #LakeTahoe, second only to Rocky Mountain National Park. With crystal-clear waters surrounded by golden aspens, it attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually, making it a top destination for those seeking cozy autumn views.

Napa Valley, California, comes in fifth, with an impressive 3.6 million visitors, the second-highest visitor count after Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its vineyards and beautiful fall landscapes, Napa Valley has the warmest average fall temperature, at 60.9°F, making it an attractive spot for travelers who prefer mild weather.

Buffalo National River in Arkansas comes in sixth. It stands out with its 5.3 million Instagram hashtags, more than any other destination, and an average fall temperature of 61.4°F, the warmest in this study. On the other hand, it has the lowest Google search count of only 61,000. This contrast suggests it’s a hidden gem that thrives on visual appeal, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually.

Columbia River Gorge in Oregon ranks seventh and stands out with 3.6 million visitors annually, rivaling Napa Valley. Famous for its waterfalls and autumn-colored forests, it has become a top fall destination despite having fewer Instagram hashtags than others.

Blue Ridge Parkway, spanning Virginia and North Carolina, ranks eighth, attracting 1.67 million visitors annually. It’s a classic destination for leaf peepers, with 1.3 million Instagram hashtags showcasing its beauty.

Aspen, Colorado, takes the ninth spot with a popularity score of 3.6 million. It gathers 1.9 million Instagram hashtags, demonstrating its large appeal. Despite having fewer visitors, at around 1.42 million annually, it remains a highly recognized fall destination.

Mammoth Lakes in California rounds out the top ten with an online popularity score of 3.14 million. It has the warmest average fall temperature alongside Napa Valley, at 60.9°F, and is known for its mountain views and yellow aspens. Although it only gathers 444,000 Instagram hashtags, it still attracts 1.3 million visitors, proving to be a favored spot for fall enthusiasts seeking picturesque landscapes.

A spokesperson from Heepsy said: “When planning your fall getaway, consider destinations that offer a mix of online popularity and visitor accessibility, as they tend to provide a well-rounded experience. Look for spots that combine breathtaking landscapes with comfortable temperatures to ensure an enjoyable trip. For those who enjoy capturing memories, places with a strong Instagram presence often offer the most photogenic views. Lastly, don’t just rely on the most famous locations; sometimes, the lesser-known gems can provide equally unforgettable experiences with fewer crowds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.”

To access the complete research, please follow the link.

Heepsy
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Travel in Time With Historic Trains, Culture in Sicily

After the remarkable success of the previous editions, for the sixth consecutive year Sicily is gearing up to act as the backdrop for a journey into history and culture, thanks to the historic trains of the Fondazione FS Italiane, which will once again be plying the region’s tracks.

Promoted by the Regional Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment in cooperation with the Fondazione FS and FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the 2024 edition of this program promises to be even richer and more immersive, with no fewer than 33 thematic journeys along the island’s most fascinating railway lines scheduled from 14 September to 8 December.

The aim is to deseasonalize tourist flows, promoting a deeper knowledge of Sicily with itineraries that take in picturesque villages, archaeological parks, and art centers. The legendary ‘terrazzini’ carriages of the 1930s, which marked an era, have been brought back to Sicily to thrill travelers with a journey back in time.

The addition of a baggage car equipped with racks for transporting 50 bicycles will allow keen cyclists to combine the pleasure of traveling with active exploration of their surroundings. The destinations selected embrace a vast heritage of culture and landscape. Agrigento with its Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, will be the star of a special anniversary celebrating 150 years since the inauguration of the Palermo-Porto Empedocle railway that connects it. The final stretch of this railway, from Agrigento Bassa to Tempio di Vulcano and Porto Empedocle, coincides with the Templi Railway, a tourist line included in the ‘Binari senza tempo’ (Timeless Tracks) project.

Caltagirone, famous for its traditional ceramics, will offer visitors a unique experience. Siracusa and its enchanting historic island of Ortigia will offer a trip back into Greek and Roman history, while Modica will not only delight visitors with its Baroque architecture but also entice them with its annual Chocolate Festival, an event that attracts foodies from all over the world. Collaboration with the Circumetnea Railway will also allow visitors to explore the Sicilian hinterland, reaching places such as Bronte, famous for its pistachios.

Rise of travelers on Sicilian historic trains

Since 2018, historic trains have welcomed more than 20,000 tourists, 7,400 in 2023 alone, demonstrating a growing interest in these cultural and tourist initiatives that combine the charm of rail travel with the discovery of hidden treasures and unique landscapes. The data show a 12% increase in tourist presences in Sicily in September-December 2023, with an even greater rise of 21percent among foreign visitors, emphasizing just how effective these initiatives are in promoting deseasonalization. Tickets for this experience are available from all Trenitalia sales channels or can be purchased directly on board, subject to availability.

The history of the Sicilian railways

After the success of the previous editions of the historic trains in Sicily, the 2024 edition sees the addition of new ideas that, in addition to promoting the beauty of this island, also provide a glimpse of its railway past. Construction of the first railway in Sicily dates back to 1863, with the inauguration of the Palermo-Bagheria line, marking the beginning of a new era for transport on this island. In the late 1940s, another huge revolution came about with the introduction of the first electric lines such as the Palermo-Messina and the Catania-Siracusa. This transformation saw Sicily benefit from faster and more efficient connections, contributing to its economic and social growth. Today, historic trains are bringing these moments back to life, giving passengers a chance to travel the same routes that, decades ago, were the main players in the modernization of the island.

Sicily
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Camas Public Library to Host Annual Saturday Spooktacular October 19

Camas, WA — The Camas Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual Saturday Spooktacular, October 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

All ages are invited to participate in this free two-hour event. Activities include crafts, Boo Bingo, scary stories, and a Haunted Library. Little ghouls and goblins can hunt for a limited-edition Reading Dragon card, visit the preschool Pumpkin Playground, or stop by the puppet show.

“The community is in for a treat with an array of activities designed for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a classic scare in the Haunted Library or for festive crafts, this year’s celebration is set to be a fantastic blend of spooky and fun.” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director.

The Library will close at 5 p.m., in preparation for the event. The Haunted Library is recommended for older school-aged children and teens. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged for all ages.

Camas Public Library’s Saturday Spooktacular is funded by the Friends & Foundation of the Camas Library. No registration is required to attend.

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Benefits of Getaways For Your Family During the Fall

You already know that family vacations are lots of fun, but recent studies show they go even further. Getting away from daily life’s routines and responsibilities affords family members a chance to bond and improve relationships while creating special memories that last a lifetime. Family members return refreshed and more productive at work or school.

Families have traditionally scheduled vacations for summer when schools are closed. However, a fall getaway can be quite enticing and possible thanks to fast and efficient travel. As a plus most schools and colleges give students a few fall days for fall break.

Benefits of Fall Travel

The benefits of fall vacations are obvious. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, and in many locales, the period from September to November is known as the “shoulder season” with more affordable airfares and accommodations. Last but not least, you’ll find places bursting with stunning fall colors. Plan your fall getaway today and let the following ideas guide you.

National Parks

Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. It’s loved for its diversity of flora and fauna, breathtaking mountain views, and the colorful Southern Appalachian culture.

Book a stay at a luxury mountain cabin near the national park and attractions around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. Take a day for an auto tour of the park to enjoy the views and visit historic buildings. Don’t leave out a visit to Dollywood’s great attractions like the Dollywood Express scenic train ride, musical shows, shops, restaurants, and more.

For families closer to the West Coast, the Grand Canyon is America’s second most visited park. Fall temperatures hover around the 60s at the South Rim near Flagstaff and 70s near the canyon floor. Fall is also the best time to spot elk in the park.

Washington, DC

Festivals are a great way to experience culture, and the nation’s capital has one of the best in the country. The DC Art All Night Festival takes place for two nights in late September with events from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The festival began in 2011 as a way to showcase local artists and attracted a crowd of more than 30,000 attendees. Over the years the festival grew to include over 20 participating neighborhoods and a crowd of around 180,000.

The events are spread around all of DC’s 8 wards with activities varying each night. They include visual and performing arts from painting, photography, and crafts to dance, literary arts, and theater. Events take place at both indoor and outdoor spaces with a chance to experience each of DC’s wards. Venues include public and private businesses and restaurants.

Before the evening events begin you’ll have a chance to visit the free Smithsonian museums with vast experiences in art, science, and history. Then before leaving DC, sign up for one of the city’s many enlightening tours to learn about the nation’s capital.

Europe

A trip abroad may be a little more difficult for families with children to squeeze in during the fall months. However, you may find that many school systems recognize the educational value of travel and are willing to accept time off traveling as an educational experience.

With that said fall events for families across the pond are plentiful and exciting. Munich, Germany is the most exciting place on the planet to celebrate Oktoberfest. The festivities begin in late September and last through October. It’s the world’s largest folk festival and an opportunity to experience the lively culture of Bavaria.

For another exciting fall event, head to the United Kingdom for the world-famous Bonfire Night also known as Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes was a prominent member of an English Catholic group involved in 1605’s failed Gunpowder plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Fabulous displays of expensive pyrotechnics can be seen and heard all around the UK, England, and Scotland. As a reference, the UK spent £155m on the event in 2017.

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Home: Six Things to Consider in Your Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is the heart of every home, and renovating it can be exciting yet daunting. Adequate preparation and planning enable you to finish the project without straining. Whether you plan to renovate a modern, minimalistic, or traditional kitchen, goals, research, budgeting, timeline, lighting, and permits required will be considered. 

1. Have a Goal

Do you want to change fixtures and surfaces already in your home? Or do you want to improve the functionality of your kitchen to suit your busy family? Make a list of the goals you have in mind, be it more storage, better lighting, or more appliances. Determine the outcome of the renovation. We can get sidetracked by tile patterns and expensive appliances and end up losing our vision of our original goal. 

2. Carry Out Proper Research

Once your goals are set, do market research on what you will need. Involve a reputable interior designer to advise you on the trends in the market so that you can align them with your goals. If sustainability is important to you, be sure to research eco-friendly materials. Engage experts you find to assist you find items that fit your needs, style, and goals. Take note of kitchen layouts and designs in applications such as Instagram and Pinterest. Doing this will assist you in determining what to include in your design and make a reliable budget. Compare estimates from various contractors to find the best value for your investment.

3. Create a Budget

The best way to ensure you save money on your kitchen renovation is to create a budget before starting. This way, you can save money for the project. Liaise with your interior designer. A professional designer has insights and experiences to help you save money in the long run. Remember to include a contingency fund, about ten to twenty percent of the project’s cost. Use your research notes to help you determine which items will fit your budget. Determine your must-have and prioritize this list from greatest necessity to the least.

4. Have Proper Timelines

Are you renovating your kitchen while still living in your house, or will you move out during the project? The project’s timeline should be considered, as you will need to ensure your temporary kitchen or living conditions will suffice during the project. Know the time you will need to finish the project. Can the renovations be done in 6 weeks? Or can you stretch it to 14 weeks? Planning your timeline avoids juggling schedules at the last minute.

5. Ensure Adequate Lighting

Inadequate illumination can cast shadows on your most beautiful designs. While abundant natural lighting during the day is an asset, how does your kitchen look at night? You will need ambient lighting to generally light the kitchen and task lighting to allow you to focus on different chores. The layering of the lighting is what creates the wow factor.

6. Align Required Permits

Bear in mind that certain types of renovations require city government permits. If you want to sell or refinance your property, potential buyers and lenders might want to verify that your home’s modifications follow the relevant building laws and regulations. Adhere to local building codes and regulations to avoid legal or safety issues.

Conclusion

Establish solid ground rules and strategies to ensure your project stays manageable. With planning and adequate preparation, your project will run well, and you may finish under budget. Remember to incorporate sustainable options to go green without compromising style and quality. A functional and aesthetic kitchen is achievable by paying attention to these details!

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Garden State Tile

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Dave Garbot Unveils Newest Works at RedDoor Gallery in Camas

Camas, WA — The public is invited to see the latest works of original pen and ink and oils on canvas, glass, Yupo paper, copper, wood and clay at RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception on Friday, September 6th from 5-8 pm featuring complimentary refreshments and delicious charcuterie.

The art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, features new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7pm and by special appointment.

A signature piece in September titled “One Afternoon” is an original pen and ink on canvas created by Dave Garbot. The large 48” x 36” original will be on display along with several of his other works of art. Garbot is an accomplished illustrator of children’s books. He works predominantly in pen and ink on both paper and canvas.

“I wanted to convey the sense of fun and adventure that these characters were setting off into,” he said. “The drama of the boat bouncing up in the waves, makes me smile and I hope it will do the same for my audience.” 

Garbot says he wants to develop the story much further, and with more drawings. 

“I have to find out where they’re going, and I’m anxious to see where my mind and pen will take them,” Garbot said. This is all part of his simple life, and he is happy to share it with the public.

Experience the joy and transformative power of art inside the RedDoor! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. RDG also includes a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.

In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception from 5 pm to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month, RDG also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

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Camas-Washougal Fire Dept. to Host Open House, Safety Fair Sept. 28

Camas, WA — The Camas-Washougal Fire Department is hosting their Open House, Health and Safety Fair Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Station 42, 4321 NW Parker Street, Camas WA. 

The day’s events will include live kitchen fire demonstrations at 10:30 am and 12:15 pm, a kids interactive vehicle fire suppression demonstration at 11:15 am, a house fire simulation with sprinkler demonstration at 11:45 am, a vehicle extrication demonstration at 12:45 pm, and Clark County Sherriff’s K9 unit exhibition at 1:15. 

Local agencies and businesses will have exhibits focused on health, safety and emergency preparedness, including NW Natural who joins the event as part of their “Get Ready” emergency preparedness campaign.

Exhibits will include fire extinguisher demonstrations, emergency preparedness tips for families, and information on community support after crisis just to name a few. 

This free community event is family friendly with something for all ages.  There will be a balloon twister and face painting for the kids, and ice cream, hot dogs and treats will be provided!  

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Summer Nights Sips & Bites Event Sure to Provide Fun in Downtown Camas

Camas, WA — Get ready for a tropically themed evening of cocktail sips and chef inspired bites as the popular Summer Nights Sips & Bites event returns on Thursday, August 15th, from 5 pm-9 pm. Hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), this 21+ event is a delightful fundraiser supporting downtown efforts. Summer Nights Sips & Bites promises live music, island flair, and festive after-hours shopping throughout Downtown Camas.

After registering and receiving your passport at the DCA tables in the Journey lobby at 304 NE 4th Ave, you’ll set off down the charming streets to explore Downtown Camas. Pop in and out of participating shops, boutiques, and eateries while savoring island-inspired cocktails and bite sized creations from local restaurants. Adding to the tropical atmosphere, Terry Baber will perform live steel drum music, creating an upbeat, vibrant feel for the evening.

This year, even more Downtown Camas restaurants are joining the fun, offering chef-curated bites with a tropical twist. Look forward to delicious treats like Tommy O’s coconut shrimp, Grains of Wrath’s arepas with pork belly and mango salsa, and Feast 316’s truffle mushroom arancini. Don’t miss out on MOB Sauces (formerly Thrive Sauces) at Papermaker Pride with their award-winning sauces.

In addition to these culinary delights, over 15 Downtown Camas merchants are participating in this event. Juxtaposition offers a Grass Skirt Cocktail and 15% off your purchase. Sweet Intention Gift Boutique has a Huckleberry Press and 20% off one item. At Runyan’s Jewelers, enjoy a Sapphire Martini while browsing a large selection of jewelry at 50% off. For a complete list of participants, visit downtowncamas.com/event/summer-nights-sips-bites.

Tropical dress is encouraged! Ticket holders will receive an entry for a special “Summer Staycation in Downtown Camas!” prize, and wearing tropical attire gives you an extra chance to win. Save your shopping and dining receipts and present them at the registration table before you leave for even more chances to win with every $10 you spend.

“We are so excited to add more bites from our fantastic local restaurants for 2024!” says Leah Nichelson, Event and Project Manager for the DCA. “With refreshing cocktail sips, enchanting steel drum music, more tantalizing bites, and sizzling summer shopping specials, it’s sure to create a memorable evening for all in beautiful Downtown Camas. Let us bring the Summer vaycay vibes to you! This is a great way for you to make some Summer memories with friends while supporting the efforts of the Downtown Camas Association, which works all year long to help Downtown Camas thrive!”

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. This event has limited capacity, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time. Summer Night’s Sips & Bites is a fundraiser for the DCA, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and promoting Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification, historic preservation projects, public art engagement, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For more information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit downtowncamas.com

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Artist, Mycophile, Educator Shares Colorful World of Fungi

Julie Beeler Creates Pigments & Dyes from Mushrooms in the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson, WA — Using 40 varieties of fungi to create 825 vibrant natural pigments, dyes and paints, Julie Beeler expresses and educates using mushrooms for color. Layering on natural fibers, Beeler draws on the history of natural dyes to make textiles that are cut, sewn, stitched and constructed to reflect our relationship to the natural world. She shares her process, from foraging and identification to dyeing natural fibers through her studio Bloom & Dye in Trout Lake, Washington and through workshops, retreats and demonstrations.  

Beeler’s journey into the world of mushroom color began with a fascination for the vast and mysterious network of fungi beyond the commonly known edible and medicinal uses. Beeler describes herself as a self-taught mycophile, having spent the past decade delving into uses for these natural pigments. In addition to her studio and educational programs, Beeler developed an online resource The Mushroom Color Atlas to share the colors found in these mushrooms.  

“The universe of colors lurking inside mushrooms mirror the vast array of hues we see in the natural world, yet they are invisible and hidden in an immense underground fungal network of life that represents a new frontier,” expounds Beeler.

Through her work, Beeler was offered an opportunity to collaborate with award-winning publisher, Chronicle Books to create a comprehensive guide to her entire process. The Mushroom Color Atlasbook, written by Beeler and Illustrated by Yuli Gates, releases September 3, 2024.  As an art book, field guide and color distillation workshop, The Mushroom Color Atlas features botanical mushroom illustrations and clear instructions on how to find and positively identify more than two dozen color-filled mushroom species in the wild.

For those looking to experience her work, Beeler will be exhibiting at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington October 12 through November 22, 2024.  Her show, Symbiosis, will transport visitors through large sale, immersive ‘tree totems,’ each displaying the chromatic interplay of hues created from regional fungi. A series of textile pieces, mono prints, and photographs visualize their relationship to the environment and create a portrait of our local ecosystem. 

Beeler will also be conducting a demonstration at the Columbia Gorge Museum entitled Mushroom Pigments, Paints & Inks on October 19 from 1-2 pm as a free event for ticket holders in conjunction with The Stevenson Mushroom Festival.

About The Stevenson Mushroom Festival
The Stevenson Mushroom Festival is presented by Traverse PNW Market in Stevenson, Washington. The festival is designed to captivate attendees of all ages with an array of festivities to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms. Located throughout Stevenson, Washington, October 18-19, 2024. More at: stevensonmushroomfestival.com

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Movies in the Park to be Held at Dorothy Fox Elementary for 2024

Camas, WA — The popular Movies in the Park series, coordinated by Camas Parks & Recreation, will be held at Dorothy Fox Elementary school starting Friday, August 2, with the showing of the exciting Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (rated PG-13). 

Due to the construction taking place at Crown Park, this year’s free movies will take place at Dorothy Fox Elementary, 2623 NW Sierra St., with movies shown every Friday in August.  Movies are family-friendly and begin at dusk with pre-movie activities (crafts and/or games) taking place one hour prior to show time.

This year’s movie lineup includes:

Dungeons and Dragons – Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) – Aug. 2, at 8:45 pm.

Wonka (PG) – Aug. 9, at 8:30 pm.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (PG) – Aug. 16, at 8:30 pm.

Wish (PG) – Aug. 23, at 8:15 pm.

Shrek (PG) – Aug. 30 at 8 pm.

Attendees are welcome to bring dinner, snacks, or they can purchase novelty treats (i.e. popcorn, candy, etc.) on site.  Bring chairs or blankets for seating and note that, to allow fair viewing, chairs are placed in one-half of the park viewing area and blankets in the other half.  Please note, alcohol and animals are not allowed on school grounds. 

This is a free event with no registration required.  Camas’ Movies in the Park series is sponsored by Camas United Methodist Church, Discovery Dental and Queer Youth Resource Center. 

For more information on the annual Movies in the Park series, visit www.cityofcamas.us/parksrec and click on the Special Events button or call 360-834-5307.

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