Vancouver, WA — The Building Industry Association of Clark County presents the 46th annual GRO Parade of Homes, a showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s finest home architecture, design, and construction, September 6-22, 2024 from 10 am to 7 pm at Reserve at Lake River in Felida, WA.

Featuring the latest in high-end home construction from Affinity Homes and Cascade West Development, the GRO Parade of Homes will offer a walk-through experience of three homes on a single site overlooking Lake River. Each home boasts open-air living spaces, and state of the art home technology, appliances, lighting, plumbing, textures, and colors. Trusted builders, designers, and real estate professionals will be on-site to answer questions and offer insights. Food and beverage offerings from local food trucks will round out the experience for all to enjoy.

“No other display of homes in the Pacific Northwest provides this level of craftsmanship in a one-stop touring experience,” says Chuck Neibert, president of the Building Industry Association of Clark County. “Whether you are looking for home design inspiration, embarking on a remodel, or a part of the industry, everyone will walk away inspired and informed about creating the home of their dreams.”

Several special events will be a part of this year’s Parade of Homes.

  • VIP Night – Thursday, September 5th, 5 pm to 9 pm. Celebrate the Parade of Homes
    opening night with a red carpet moment and first access to the home tour. Presenting sponsor
    NW Natural will cater dinner. (21 and over, VIP tickets $75). 
  • Family Day – Saturday, September 7th, 10 am to 3 pm. Enjoy family-friendly activities.
    Kids under 12 are free. 
  • Hero Day – Sunday, September 8th, 10 am to 7 pm. First responders with valid ID get
    $3 off full price admission and active or retired military will receive free admission. Students from Battle Ground High School ROTC program will hold hourly flag salutes from 11 am to 4 pm. 
  • Designer Day – Wednesday, September 11th, 10 am to 7 pm. Industry designers will gain complimentary admission by turning in their business card and photo ID at entrance. A special industry networking happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm will be held for extra purchase
  • Builder and Realtor Day – Thursday, September 12th, 10 am to 7 pm. Local builders and realtors can enjoy free admission with business card and photo ID at entry. A networking event with refreshments will be held from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Homes are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the event span. The GRO Parade of Homes parking and complimentary shuttle service will be located at 4607 NW McCann Road in Vancouver. Tickets can now be purchased for $15 per person at groparadeofhomes.com and on-site during the event.

About The Building Industry Association

The Building Industry Association of Clark County is the region’s leading building industry and small business advocate. The organization promotes and protects the building industry through a multi-faceted approach to government affairs, public relations and professional development.

Parade

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Songcraft Festival will present performances by 24 regional songwriters and three vocal-music composers in their second annual summer festival. Five concerts will be presented, on August 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2024. The second annual songwriting festival expands to Marina Park and Reflection Plaza.

Washougal is a city in Clark County, Washington that is currently without any community performing arts space or dedicated concert venue. The town is rarely host to more than single-day music events. The number of artists and concerts being presented at this summer’s Washougal Songcraft Festival sets a local record as the largest musical event of its kind in the town’s history. All five concerts are free to the public and all-ages.

On Saturday August 10, Washougal Songcraft Festival again joins forces with the annual arts festival of Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA), downtown at Reflection Plaza. Six songwriters will perform between 10 am and 2:30 pm amid dozens of displays featuring the works of regional artists as well as other community groups. Featured songwriters will include Portland’s Doug Shafer and local favorite Brenna Larsen.

Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal is the location of afternoon concerts on August 15 and 16. Overlooking the Columbia River, these concerts will run from 4 pm to 8 pm. Featured performers will include Tevis Hodge Jr., Raven Fables, Leo Moon, Glam Country, the Jack Maybe Project, and Chad Bault.

Saturday August 17 returns to Reflection Plaza for a downtown afternoon concert (3-7 pm) featuring six performers including Laska, Minda Lacy, and The Moonshine.

The festival will end Sunday Aug. 18 with a short recital of composed works for voice at the Washougal Community Center. A collaboration with Cult of Orpheus will present works by composers Lisa Neher, William Toutant, and C. A. Corbell.

Founded in 2023, Washougal Songcraft Festival is a Washington-based arts non-profit whose mission is to promote arts education, to foster, share, and celebrate the craft of songwriting, and to develop the performing arts and creative community of Washougal, Washington and the surrounding region. In addition to a summer festival the group presents monthly intimate song circles in Washougal from October through June.

Full festival details are below, and festival founders Stephanie and Christopher Corbell are happy to accomodate requests for interviews related to the festival, and to provide any other media you may need. They also shared these thoughts about the upcoming festival:

Festival Schedule and Performer Line-Up, with links

Line-up webpage: https://washougal-songcraft.org/wsf/2024-festival-line-up/

Saturday Aug. 10, 10 am – 2:30 pm, Reflection Plaza, Washougal

 – part of WACA Washougal Arts & Music Festival

• Jim Warford 

• Owen Kortz 

• Doug Shafer

• Sunny Pache 

• Brenna Larsen 

• Oh Brother

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/799131455651397

Thursday Aug. 15, 4 pm – 8 pm, Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal

• Aram

• Tevis Hodge, Jr. 

• Raven Fables

• Leo Moon 

• Bex Beloved 

• Glam Country

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502675867274704

Friday Aug. 16, 4 pm – 8 pm, Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal

• Ben Johnson

• James Cook

• The Jack Maybe Project

• Chad Bault

• Gina DeNoble

• Dumpster Joe

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1591342894743521

Saturday Aug. 17, 3 pm – 7 pm, Reflection Plaza, Washougal

• Valdoria 

• Pythias Braswell

• Laska

• Quinton Parker

• Minda Lacy

• The Moonshine

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/393882943039589

Sunday Aug. 18, 2 pm Recital, Washougal Community Center

 – in conjunction with Cult of Orpheus

Composed vocal works by 

• Lisa Neher

• William Toutant

• C. A. Corbell

Performed by:

• Hannah Early, piano

• Dan Gibbs, baritone

• Sadie Gregg, mezzo-soprano

• Aaron Lange, tenor

• Jocelyn Claire Thomas, soprano

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/513233821031834

Fern Prairie, WA — The fifth annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th 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 9 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. Pike will be joined by artists Bev Birdwell, Matthew Clarkson, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Charlene Hale, Gail Haskett and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, hand-built 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, August 3rd and 4th between 10 am and 4 pm. 

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is operating a beer and wine garden starting at noon both days with proceeds benefitting Chamber programs. Diamond Dogs will be selling its gourmet dogs and snacks next to the Chamber’s beer and wine garden.

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

Camas, WA — The 17th annual Camas Car Show, hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) will return on Saturday, June 29th from 2 pm-7 pm. The show will feature a mix of classic and specialty vehicles including cars, trucks and motorcycles lining the historic streets of Downtown Camas. The event offers family friendly entertainment including live music from local band The Stingrays, a special dance performance by Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio and balloon art from Joe Mishkin. Visitors will also find multiple hot food vendors, fun raffles, as well as shopping and dining specials throughout downtown. Admission is free for spectators.

For participating vehicles: $20 cash entry, open event, no preregistration necessary, though it is recommended to fill out the registration form ahead of time to save time at the registration booth. Cars can start entering the car show area at 12:00pm. See information online here for more staging details. Goodie bags to the first 100 cars and dash plaques to the first 250 cars.

Trophies include Best in Show, People’s Choice, and a variety of categories with winners chosen by our 2024 Camas Car Show Sponsors. In addition to the classic categories, Best Supercar and Best GM-Other have been added for 2024. Best in Show will be chosen and presented by Camas Mayor pro tem Bonnie Carter, and the car will be featured on the 2025 Camas Car Show poster and promotions. The 2023 Best in Show winners were Randy and Charlene Crum, with their beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. The 6:30pm awards ceremony, located on the corner of 4th Ave and Cedar St, will be photographed by in-kind sponsor Jon Lanzieri.

Kids can enter to win a car themed coloring contest with prizes in 3 different age categories. Each participant will take home a free Hot Wheels car for participating. The contest will take place at the DCA tables on the corner of 4th Ave and Birch St. Kids can also race hot wheels and play fun yard games, hosted by the staff from event sponsor Lacamas Financial Group.

“Downtown Camas is eagerly anticipating the Camas Car Show!” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “This event showcases an incredible array of cars, trucks and other custom vehicles, making it a must-see for automotive enthusiasts. It’s wonderful to see the community come together over their shared passion. Kids will have a blast participating in the coloring contest, and everyone will enjoy live music, delicious food from various vendors, and beautiful dance performances by Virtuosity. We’re deeply grateful to the City of Camas and our generous sponsors for their unwavering support of this cherished downtown event.”

This event benefits the Camas Washougal Treasure House Food Bank. Bring two cans of soup, mac & cheese, canned tuna, peanut butter, or jam and get a free raffle ticket. The event is sponsored by Signature Sponsor Team 360 Country Financial; Carla Edwards, Realtor; Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s Real Estate; Grains of Wrath; Lacamas Financial Group; Papermaker Pride; Salud Wine Bar; State Farm–Julia Lo; William & Son Jewelers; Ziply Fiber; Dr. Jared Bowyer, DDS; Edward Jones—Robert Barber; Georgia Pacific and the City of Camas. The DCA is grateful for community support.

The DCA is a nonprofit community development organization that 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 about the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com, email promotions@downtowncamas.com, or call 360-953-1326. Get the latest information about what’s happening in Downtown Camas by receiving the weekly DCA newsletter. Click here to sign up.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

It’s time to get to work on revamping your yard for warmer months. Whether you like your current layout or are hoping to change things up completely, it’s a good idea to shake things up at least a little. There’s a whole range of things you can do to sustainably refresh your yard, and luckily, some of them are very simple to carry out.

Add Container Plants

Adding container plants is probably the easiest way to change your garden. If you already have container plants, add more, and make them colorful. Containers are perfect for bright annuals that require no overwintering care, and smaller pots are very portable; you can place them anywhere you want. Consider using containers for smaller edible plants like strawberries and cherry tomatoes as well.

Build Arbors and Trellises

You can increase the greenery in your garden by adding a trellis for vines. You can either buy one or make one; just be sure that whatever you plant will be within the weight limit of the trellis. Be sure to get a strong one because heavy plants such as melon, squash, and other vining vegetables do very well on trellises. You want the structure to be able to hold everything up.

Of course, you’ll want to sit and enjoy all that new greenery, too. What better way to do so than by lounging under a leafy arbor? Place some comfortable chairs and a table there, and you’ve got yourself a lovely spring and summer outdoor dining area.

Hang Feeders and Install Pollinator Plants

If there are sections of the garden you want to redo entirely, look into making them pollinator gardens. You can attract birds, bees, and butterflies, depending on your chosen plants. Consider adding a hummingbird feeder and a bird bath, along with feeders for other birds in the area. Remember that the sugar solution in the hummingbird feeder should not contain dyes.

Increase Privacy With a Shrubbery Privacy Screen

If you’ve got gaps in plantings between your yard and your neighbor’s, fill those in with fast-growing shrubs. If you prefer to block your neighbor’s view of your yard, look for varieties that grow tall and grow out. These can also muffle sounds somewhat. Some shrubs are perfect for screens between your property and busy roads. You won’t be able to block out all traffic sounds, but the shrubs may take the edge off the constant noise.

Make at Least Part of Your Garden Edible

Along with planting strawberries and tomatoes in those containers mentioned before, consider transforming part of your garden into a mini orchard, vineyard, or even a vegetable patch. It can take a few years for fruit trees to produce fruit, but it’s worth it in the end. Imagine being able to go into your backyard to pick the apples you need for a pie or crumble instead of having to drive to a store, or being able to harvest a bunch of peaches or cherries; the taste of freshly picked fruit can be amazing.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Gabion Supply

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Camas, WA — The 17th season of the Camas Farmer’s Market begins on Wednesday, June 5th in Downtown Camas. All are invited to celebrate at the official ribbon cutting with Camas Mayor Steve Hogan and founding Board President Shannon Van Horn at 3pm. The 2024 season will bring back fan favorite farmers, artisan food producers, and prepared food vendors, as well as offer free activities for kids, live music, and abundant opportunities for community connection and healthy living education. Opening day will also feature many health and wellness businesses at the Ripple Wellness Health Fair. The market runs each Wednesday, 3 pm-7 pm, from June 5th through October 2nd. Shoppers can find the market at 625 NE 4th Ave, in front of the Camas Public Library.

The market will feature over 50 unique vendors over the course of the 18-week season and highlights the wide variety of foods being grown and produced within the community. Shoppers will find sustainably harvested farm-to-table produce, flowers, berries, and honey, in addition to hand crafted foods including artisanal breads and treats, locally made wines and vinegars, hot sauces, beef jerky, and probiotic beverages. The selection of prepared food available at the market offers something for every taste, including Greek, Hawaiian, new American, Mexican, Italian, and Columbian. Vendors accept cash and credit cards at their booths and participating farms also accept WIC/Senior benefits cards. SNAP beneficiaries can start their shopping trip at the Information booth at the corner of 4th and Everett, to take advantage of the SNAP Market Match Program, where they can receive up to $25 additional match dollars for fresh market produce.

The market will host two new events in 2024. The community is invited to connect with local aid organizations on June 26th from 3 pm-7 pm at the Community Food & Resource Fair within the market. Anyone interested in finding new and interesting local volunteer opportunities will enjoy the Volunteer Fair on August 21st from 3 pm-7 pm. These events are in addition to the longtime favorite market events including Berry Days on July 10th, Veggie Fest & Veggie Derby on August 7th, and the Harvest Festival on October 2nd. For details about all the events at the Camas Farmer’s Market, visit the market Event Calendar.

Many beloved Camas Farmer’s Market vendors will return. Yacolt Farm and Nursery will be back for their eleventh year, with their fruits and vegetables produced with the aid of draft horsepower, in lieu of modern farming equipment.  Grass fed beef and pork ranchers Windy River Livestock will once again offer cuts by the pound, and in special package pricing. Family-run Melted Crumbs will return with their popular menu of handmade Columbian empanadas and lemonades made with local fruit.

This season will also bring many new vendors to the market. Mark Simpson from Wind Acres will share his love of superfoods, and selling his curated selection of microgreens, mushrooms, and heirloom tomatoes. Artisan bread lovers can take home a handmade loaf from Bakehouse Sourdough, owned by small batch baker Kendra Hofseth. Dining options in the market continue to expand, with the addition of Husubis’ Poke Shop. Founder Kim Ngyuen is looking forward to bringing a taste of Hawaii with a touch of PNW to Camas Farmer’s Market Shoppers.

Visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and connect with their community in the market.  Live music performed by local talent is scheduled each week from 5 pm-7 pm. Kids ages 3-11 can complete a fun educational activity at the Kids Connection Booth and receive a free $2 token good for fruits and veggies from their choice of farm vendors. Community partners will offer different engagement opportunities each week including health screenings, community garden tours, and chef demos.

“We are incredibly excited to be opening our 17th season of the Camas Farmer’s Market!” says Camas Farmer’s Market President Shannon Van Horn. “Each year it continues to get better and better and this year will continue with that trend.  We will be welcoming back many long-time favorites and sure to be new favorites.  We look forward to seeing everyone again and feel lucky to be able to provide local, healthy, sustainable food directly from the farmers, as well as hot dinner options, baked goods, fresh flowers, music, kid’s activities, and our SNAP match program will be back again.  See you on June 5th!”

The Camas Farmer’s Market is generously supported by a grant from the Camas Washougal Community Chest and sponsorships by Title Sponsor Providence Health and Services, Kids Connection Sponsor IQ Credit Union, Partner Sponsors Leaf Guard, Premium Websites, Riverview Bank, the City of Camas, the Downtown Camas Association, Tranquil Tabby Mobil Vet and Washougal Times, and Community Sponsors Blossom Natural Health and Wellness, Fuel Medical, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, Ripple Wellness, and Washougal Sport and Spine.

The Camas Farmer’s Market is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides local and sustainable foods to the community of Camas and beyond. For more information, visit camasfarmersmarket.org and follow the market on Facebook or Instagram. Get up to date information about events and vendors from the Camas Farmer’s Market newsletter, click here to sign up.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

2023 marked an important turning point for tourism in Italy’s art cities. According to the Centre for Tourism Studies in Florence, the year ended with a return to pre-Covid levels, recording 445.3 million stays in accommodation facilities, an increase of 8.1 percent compared to 2022. The hotel segment saw significant growth of 9.3%, while the non-hotel segment experienced a more gradual recovery.

Italian art cities recorded an online accommodation booking rate of 38.9 percent, ranking first in the European Union, ahead of countries such as Greece, France and Spain, and welcoming tourists mainly from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Ten must-visit art cities

Italy’s art cities continue to be a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world. Not only do they preserve centuries of history and art, but they can also be easily accessed thanks to the rail connections offered by Trenitalia. So what are the ten unmissable art cities? We discover them together with True Italian Experience, a hub offering travel experiences designed to capture Italy’s most authentic essence.

World-renowned as the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona offers a romantic atmosphere framed by medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its Roman amphitheater, the Arena, still hosts internationally renowned opera performances, attracting music fans from all over the world.

The fashion and design capital, Milan is a dynamic, modern city that is also rich in history and art. Milan Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic spires, and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, conserved in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, are just some of the treasures on offer in this metropolis.

In addition to its famous Leaning Tower, Pisa boasts the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Baptistery and the Cathedral, splendid examples of Romanesque architecture. It is also a vibrant university city with a history intertwined with scientific and cultural progress.

With its unforgettable waterfront and bustling atmosphere, Naples is a treasure trove of art, history and gastronomy. The city is a crossroads of civilizations that has left a legacy of historical monuments, such as the Castel dell’Ovo and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the world’s most important collections of ancient art.

Unique in the world, Venice is famous for its picturesque canals, gondolas and extraordinary architecture. St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace testify to the Venetian Republic’s glorious past, while the Lido offers some tranquillity with a sea view.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an open-air museum with masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli. The magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its Brunelleschi dome, dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery houses some of the world’s most famous works of art.

Once a powerful maritime republic, Genoa preserves incredible heritage in its maze of alleyways. The historical centre is one of the largest in Europe, culminating in splendid Renaissance buildings along the ‘Strade Nuove’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Siena is world-famous for its ‘Palio’, a horse race held in the Piazza del Campo, the city’s shell-shaped heart. This Tuscan city is renowned for its medieval architecture, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Palazzo Pubblico, which houses the Museo Civico with works of art from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont, is a mix of Baroque architecture, Art Nouveau and modernism. It is home to the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world. The Royal Palace and the Mole Antonelliana, the city’s symbol, are other iconic landmarks that tell the story of Turin’s political and cultural importance in Italy.

The capital of Italy is truly a stage for living history. From its ancient monuments such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon to its Baroque squares and the works in the Vatican, Rome offers a journey through different eras, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Extensive connections to art cities by train

Italy’s art cities are not only known for their beauty and cultural richness, but also for often being chaotic and busy. Getting around by car is complicated, and finding a parking space can be a challenge. This is why tourists increasingly choose to travel by public transport, and to reach Italian cities by train. This is a convenient and fast solution thanks to the extensive network of connections offered by Trenitalia, True Italian Experience’s main partner.

Convenience and sustainability are also combined with affordability thanks to various promotions intended to make train travel even more accessible: the most attractive offers include the Trenitalia pass for foreign citizens wishing to visit Italy on board Frecce, FrecciaLink, Intercity, Intercity Notte and EuroCity Italia-Svizzera on Italy’s domestic routes, and Italia in Tour, a perfect option for those who want to explore different cities in a short time frame, enjoying unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on all Trenitalia’s Regionale trains.

Constantly alert to the evolution of tourism and to travelers’ needs, the Passenger Business Unit of the Italian State Railways Group therefore continues to be a point of reference for those wishing to discover art cities in a comfortable and sustainable way. This is also the mission of True Italian Experience, whose main partner is Trenitalia.

https://trueitalianexperience.it/en

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Stevenson, Washington — Bringing over a decade of industry experience as a true journeyman, Ryan Blasquez joins Walking Man Brewing.  Beginning in the cellar at Three Creeks Brewing, Blasquez’s career led to four years as Lead Brewer at Bend Brewing Co., to large-scale production during his time with Sierra Nevada Brewing. Ryan’s path ultimately returned him to the Pacific Northwest, where a stint at Double Mountain led to the opportunity to become Walking Man’s Head Brewer.  

In his new role, Blasquez will continue crafting Walking Man’s award-winning classics, including their flagship, Walking Man IPA, Homo Erectus Imperial IPA and the fan-favorite Cherry Stout in addition to developing and brewing his own recipes. With small-batch, hands-on production, focused primarily on producing beer for the Stevenson brewpub, Blasquez will manage brewhouse operations, from procuring raw goods to having finished beer ready to be enjoyed. 

“I hope to honor the legacy of the brand,” Blasquez shares, “while focusing on my love for hoppy, west coast IPAs, well-crafted lagers, and classic Pacific Northwest and English-style pub beers.”  

Walking Man Brewing began with the vision of founder and original Brewmaster, Bob Craig.  He wanted to create a place that embodied the old-world essence of a small community brewpub. Beginning with a three-barrel batch of what became Pale Strider Pale Ale in 1999, Walking Man Brewing became the first microbrewery in Washington State’s Columbia River Gorge.  

International recognition donned in 2006 when awarded two World Beer Cup Gold Medals, including one for Walking Man IPA.  Industry awards continued and popularity of the brand grew, making Walking Man a destination for beer enthusiasts. Walking Man remains the quintessential small-town pub for locals and visitors to enjoy. 

“Over the last twenty-four years, we’ve seen the craft beer industry change tremendously.  While we continue to adapt and evolve, Walking Man remains true to its roots. We’re a small pub in a small town with a small team, striving to craft great beer and create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to share what we do.  We are thrilled Ryan is joining us on this journey,“ said Tabatha Wiggins, Co-Owner of Walking Man. 

WALKING MAN BREWING opened the Stevenson brewpub and beer garden to guests in the fall of 2000.  With a 17-barrel brewhouse they produce small batches of hand-crafted beers to serve to guests and distribute in Washington and Oregon.  Open year-round, the pub offers a full menu, seasonal events and a welcoming atmosphere for families, friends and travelers from around the globe. 

Camas, WA — Camas Parks & Recreation and the Camas School District will host the 21st annual Camtown Youth Festival, Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 11 am-4 pm. Due to upcoming renovations to Crown Park, this year’s event will be held at a new site, Dorothy Fox Elementary School, at 2623 NW Sierra St.

The Camtown Youth Festival is a free community event offering a variety of games and interactive amusements, arts & crafts activities, entertainment, food, petting zoo, puppet and reptile shows, a kids’ craft & flea market, and youth-related information tables – all devoted to kids (ages 3 – 17) in our community. 

The Camtown Youth Festival is a partnership between the City of Camas and the Camas School District, and supported by numerous organizations, businesses and individuals. Please note, the Camtown-Forgey Art Show will return to Crown Park in 2025.

For questions or more information: Krista Bashaw at 360-834-5307 or kbashaw@cityofcamas.us

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Camas, WA — On the 44th anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens volcanic eruption, local artist Liz Pike invites art patrons to view an explosion of new art at Camas Cellars. The event marks her second installment of Artful Intersect; titled “Vineyards” – featuring an unveiling of her latest original work in oils on canvas from 5 pm to 7 pm at Camas Cellars, 602 NE Third Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests will enjoy complimentary vineyard inspired appetizers, delicious wines and decadent chocolate truffles. Reservations are required; call or text Pike at 360-281-8720 to attend the 5 pm unveiling.

Earlier this year, Pike launched her first “Artful Intersect,” which is part of a series of art unveilings in local businesses. 

“Beautiful art in local shops is good business,” said Pike. “Camas has always been a great city for art.” 

Pike notes that beyond beautiful galleries, having art on display in local businesses provides an expanded opportunity to wider audiences. 

“It’s a good thing for artists and business owners, and a great way to bring more art to more spaces in our community,” said Pike.

“We love Liz Pike’s vibrant art,” says Debi Debasinskas, owner of Camas Cellars. “We are honored to host this unveiling of her new works in our popular wine bar and bottle shop.”

Pike is a member of Artisans Guild of Camas, Battle Ground Art Alliance, Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Ridgefield Art Association, Society of Washington Artists, Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Camas Association. She is also an artist/partner at the newly opened RedDoor Gallery, located at 411 NE Dallas Street, in downtown Camas. 

RedDoor Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 7 pm and by special appointment. The new gallery features works by Pike along with nine other artists and premiers new works at a swanky artist reception every First Friday from 5-8 pm. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals and has a mini art gallery located at her Shangri-La Farm, a popular destination in Fern Prairie, located at 26300 NE Third Street, Camas, WA. Visit her website at LizPike.Art to view her summer art festival calendar of events. Pike can be reached at (360) 281-8720.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.