Bridge Beyond, a new band featuring Jason Ingram and Steve Dole, is performing live in front of Nuestra Mesa this Friday, August 4 from 5- 8 pm.
Ingram, a local firefighter and longtime Camas resident, set aside his music career for 20 years to raise his sons, teamed up with Dole to collaborate. Dole plays guitar, while Ingram does vocals, piano, and guitar.
“I was working as a musician in the 90s, put out an album and even had air time on the radio,” said Ingram. “As a two piece, we are doing a lot of harmonies, and we are doing an acoustic set. This is a unique sound for what we’re playing. Music is what I’ve been my whole life, and I need to get back into it.”
The name, Bridge Beyond, has a lot of connotations. It’s a bridging of two people from different ages, and also relating to people and connecting with others through music. Bridge Beyond, Ingram says, is symbolic is that there is no end to what their music together can do to connect people.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/04141319/IMG_7283-e1691183853802.jpeg5201284Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-04 14:18:252023-08-04 14:18:33Bridge Beyond Band to Play in Front of Nuestra Mesa For Camas First Friday
Camas-Washougal, WA — Camas and Washougal history will be celebrated and shared at the second annual Parkersville Day, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Parker’s Landing Historical Park in Washougal, located at the Camas-Washougal Port Marina.
Parkersville Day harkens back to the olden days. In May of 1879, a Parkersville event advertised as a “Grand Excursion & Picnic at Catalpha Grove on the beautiful steamer City of Quincy” took place in Parkersville. The activities included swings run by horsepower, an aerial trapeze performance, fat men’s race, wheelbarrow races, croquet grounds, sack race, and greased pig race – all with prizes. There was a large dance floor with a fine brass band playing.
The Vancouver Independent reported on July 8, 1880, that “More than 1,000 people were present at Catalpha Grove at the celebration on Monday, and the festivities did not close until a very late hour.”
Just like the event in 1879, the annual Parkersville Day offers brass bands, croquet and wheelbarrow races plus Corn Hole (bean bag toss) and Quoits (ring toss) – games played in the late 1800s. Scout Troop 562 will be running the event games with the help of volunteers from Lions, Rotary, Journey Church, and Jeff Carlson from the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port. Winners of all ages will receive their choice of historic candy prizes or an event souvenir sticker. Tootsies or Salt Water Taffy – both started in the 1800s – will be the candy choice for game winners. In 1896, Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield started the Tootsie candy in a small New York City shop. He wanted an economical chocolate candy that didn’t melt easily in the heat as an alternative to traditional chocolates. He named the candy his daughter’s nickname, Clara “Tootsie” Hirshfield.
When David Bradley’s shop flooded during a major storm in 1883, the salty Atlantic Ocean soaked his taffy. Mr. Bradley jokingly offered a customer “salt water taffy.” Joseph Fralinger popularized taffy in 1886 by boxing it and selling it as an Atlantic City souvenir. Fralinger’s first major competitor, Enoch James, refined the recipe, making it less sticky and easier to unwrap. James also cut the candy into bite-sized pieces and is credited with mechanizing the “pulling” process.
Parkersville Day introduces the community to the Chinook Indian Nation, Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port, Parkersville Heritage Foundation, Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Whiskey Flats Brass Band, WSU, Washougal High School Band, and an art contest organized by Washougal School District Art Specialist Teacher, Alice Yang, and sponsored by the Washougal Arts & Cultural Association (WACA).
Alice Yang, Washougal Art Teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School and Canyon Creek Middle School was recognized with two Smart/Maher Teacher of the Year awards by VFW Post 4278 and VFW District 6 at an assembly on January 17, 2023. She is one of two teachers in Southwest Washington this year honored for her civic engagement and patriotism. She was recognized for being concerned about the younger generation and for making sure that they follow their dreams. Her students erupted in applause and were energized by seeing their teacher honored. Superintendent Mary Templeton is quoted as saying, “The sense of community that Alice Yang builds in her classroom is reflected in moments like this. Yang exemplifies Washougal School District’s mission to know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise.”
On June 3, 2023, start your family fun from 11 am-2 pm, celebrating National Trails Day at the Children’s Natural Play area in Washougal Waterfront Park. Then hop across the Best Western and Port Marina parking lots to Parkersville Day from 12 pm-3 pm to enjoy Chinookan history, music and dance, play free family-friendly games, eat ice cream, listen to music and story tellers that bring local history back to life, view Washougal schools art based on a Chinook theme of longhouses, dugout canoes, salmon, baskets, and camas bulbs, see local museum displays, take a WSU tour of the park trees, and meet park supporters.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/01095633/Scout-Troop-562-will-host-the-games-at-Parkersville-2023-event-3-scaled-e1685638619189.jpg8251920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-06-01 10:06:202023-06-01 10:06:29Step Back Into Local History at Second Annual Parkersville Day This Saturday
Washougal, WA — Washougal High School drama presents “Mean Girls the Musical” on May 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 7 pm and on May 13 and 20 at 2 pm. The nostalgic musical was written by Tina Fey and is an adaptation of the 2004 movie by the same name. Tickets are $10 per attendee and are available at the door. Students who qualify for HB1660 can come to the ASB office the week before the performance to get tickets.
“This is a fun, wild ride through the world of classic movie high school,” said Kelly Gregersen, drama teacher at Washougal High School.
The plot follows sixteen year old homeschooled student Cady Heron who moves to the United States from Africa and navigates difficult social dynamics at her new school. Claire Zakovics, 11th grade student at Washougal High School, plays the lead role of Cady Heron.
The cast of 47 student actors have worked diligently since March to prepare the production for the stage. Twenty student members in the technical and musical crews support the production.
“The most exciting part of being a part of the Mean Girls cast is realizing that everything is student made, from the pit playing the songs live to the set and posters being made by students. It shows how hard our community works and cares about each other,” said Daisha Paz-Mondoza, senior at Washougal High School. Paz-Mendoza plays the role of Janis Sarkisian, one of Heron’s first friends at the new high school.
On April 25, Washougal community passed two levies supporting student-centered programs for the next three years. Performing arts productions like “Mean Girls the Musical” are levy-funded.
“Everyone’s really welcoming and nice,” Washougal High School student Shelby Rappe said of the Washougal High School drama department. “I’ve never felt like I didn’t belong.”
More information about “Mean Girls the Musical” at Washougal High School is available on the Washougal High School website.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/05184844/Mean_Girls1.Still002.jpg10801920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-05-05 18:57:052023-05-05 18:57:13Washougal High School Brings ‘Mean Girls The Musical’ to the Stage
The fertile lands and proximity of Parker’s Landing for transporting milk and butter by steamboat to Portland, Oregon, made Parkersville and Washougal key locations for dairy farms. The dairy legacy at Parkersville and nearby is celebrated with ice cream at the annual Parkersville Day event held at Parker’s Landing Historical Park. Ice Cream Renaissance will be serving this year on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12 pm to 3 pm.
There were several well-known, historic locals who operated dairies.
SHEPHERD – According to the 1880 census, David Shepherd, a 57-year-old dairyman, was a naturalized citizen and married to Helen. Both Helen and David were born in Scotland, David around 1823. They lived and farmed on a donation land claim adjacent to the Ough land claim. David Shepherd and his sons also operated and maintained the earliest graves in the Pioneer Cemetery, now Section A at Washougal Memorial Cemetery.
GOOT – Albert Goot, Sr., born in Switzerland in 1857, milked 35 cows at his Goot Swiss Dairy in Washougal after his arrival around 1889. His dairy was located on part of the original Parker and Ough land claims. On his farm, he also raised potatoes, oats, and hay. A portion of his land is now Goot Park, 303 SE Zenith Street in Camas, near the Washougal River Waterway.
WEBBER – Washougal’s first mayor, Morris Webber, was a pioneer and dairy farmer. A few weeks after Washougal’s incorporation in 1908, Morris Webber and Albert Goot, Sr. opened the Columbia Condensed Milk Company. The company put in a deep well with a storage tank and gained the franchise rights to provide the town’s water. Water rates were 1.25/household/month. By 1910, Morris owned a 600-acre dairy farm on Lady Island.
YINGER – The Yinger Family, noted in the newspaper for their fifteen children, started the Steigerwald Dairy in 1913. They operated a dairy herd in the Steigerwald Lake floodplain, keeping cattle in a large barn located at the present-day Bi-Mart store.
WRIGHT – David William (D.W.) Wright, a dairy farmer and son of pioneers Emily Durgan and Stephen Wright, Sr., came across the plains in a covered wagon, drawn by a team of oxen when he was three years old. He also served on the first Washougal City Council in 1908. Stephen Grover Wright, David’s nephew, and Nina May Wright Chevron’s brother, was also a dairyman living in Washougal.
CHEVRON – Nina and Lou C. Chevron moved into the VanVleet home at Parker’s Landing in 1931, and established Parker’s Landing Dairy, also called Chevron & Sons. Their dairy truck read, Grade A Milk, L. C. Chevron, Parker’s Landing Dairy. Nina May Wright, born on April 22, 1895, married Louis Charles Chevron on December 25, 1911. The dairy sold raw milk before pasteurization started. In 1942, Lou and Nina Chevron sold their prize-winning dairy herd due to wartime gas rationing. After the cows and equipment were sold, Nina and Lou renovated and moved into the “little green milk house,” adding a kitchen and bathroom to it. Their son, Vernon, and his family remained in the bigger house. Nina lived in Washougal until age 95.
Daily milking, separating the cream, and churning butter, initially done by hand was a lengthy process. Visit Two Rivers Museum, Washougal, to see the equipment used during hand milking.
In the 1940s, milking machines allowed farmers to milk multiple cows simultaneously and grow their herds. At one time, Clark County boasted about nearly 200 dairy farms. Only one remains.
Learn more about local dairy history at Parkersville Day!
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/18145027/steigerwalds-Dairy-Truck.jpg9811791Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-04-18 15:07:142023-04-18 15:07:23Did You Know? There’s a Rich Dairy History in the Parkersville Area
CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas will be on display April 24, when officials welcome a delegation from various cities in Poland as part of the Sister Cities program.
Representatives from the Polish cities of Zabierzow, Krapkowice, Morawica, the Opole Province and other dignitaries will visit Camas to meet with elected officials and staff, tour the City and learn more about their American counterpart.
The visit will culminate with an Open House, Monday, April 24, at 6:30 pm, at the Lacamas Lake Lodge. This event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for residents and staff to interact with the Polish delegation.
“We’re excited to welcome members from our Polish Sister Cities to Camas and show them all we have to offer” said Camas Mayor Steve Hogan. “This is also a great opportunity for all of us to see how similar it is running a city, regardless the country.”
For over two decades, the City of Camas has had ties to the country of Poland through the Sister Cities program, which supports cultural exchanges for students and adults.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/12152738/IMG_1853-scaled.jpeg19202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-04-12 15:33:112023-04-12 15:33:19City of Camas to Host Polish Sister Cities Delegation April 24
Camas, WA — Camas history will be celebrated while ushering in the spring season during the Camas First Friday “Spring into History” event on April 7. This event will run from 5-8 pm and will feature a historic talk and walking tour, a colorful ribbon cutting, art shows, Camas history games, after hours shopping and dining, arts and crafts and more.
Please note that the event start location will be different this month. Please pick up your passport inside the Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch (the building behind Journey where you usually start).
New this Year! Everyone is invited to make some history of their own with the first annual “Capture Camas History” black & white photography contest. Submit your favorite black & white images of Downtown Camas to promotions@downtowncamas.comby Friday March 31st.
Three winners from each age group (12 and under, 13-18, 18+) will be displayed at First Friday, and attendees will vote for People’s choice. The winner will receive a Camas prize basket. Images will be collected over the years and printed in a “Capture Camas History” album, planned for 2033. For full details about the contest, go to downtowncamas.com/event/april-first-friday-spring-history.
History buffs can learn more about the complex and interesting past of Downtown Camas by attending “Tea with Virginia” with 98-year-old life-long Camas resident Virginia Warren at Caffe Piccolo (400 NE 4th) from 4pm-5pm. Virginia has established herself as an invaluable keeper of Camas history and enjoys passing her knowledge to younger generations. Tea will be served compliments of the DCA. The educational fun can continue with a historical walking tour led by Brad Richardson, Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum. Meet inside Fuel Medical (314 NE Birch) at 6pm to take part in the walking tour.
Camas present and future will be celebrated with the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration at The Pink Room, (223 NE 6th), a new women’s clothing and accessory boutique. Owner Madora Doremus is a Camas High School Graduate and former Camas DECA member and has already shown a flair for combining marketing savvy with local support by enlisting current Camas DECA members as her brand ambassadors. Come see the paper fashion displays and photo ops they will have at the shop that evening.
Other First Friday Activities include:
Play the “Guess About Camas”history passport game in participating businesses and be entered to win Camas themed prizes. This year’s questions are all about the Camas Public Library, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
Make paper in the GP Mill Interpretive Lobby, 401 NE Adams, and learn about mill history including the pictorial mill timeline.
Celebrate Spring with Golden Egg Hunt Activities for kids at participating downtown merchants. Eggs will have prizes and tickets to win a spring themed prize basket.
Peruse the Camas history displays in the Fuel Lobby and learn why Camas is such an exceptional town.
Play the “Historic Camas” games with the DCA in the beautiful Fuel Medical Lobby, 314 NE Birch, and earn tickets to win: GP Toilet Paper Toss, Camas Cornhole, Camas History Plinko and the Camas Prune Drop. Play the “course” and be entered to win a GP paper prize package.
As an additional nod to our paper history, local artists will be creating Paper Dresses & Accessories that will be modeled throughout Downtown.
Juxtaposition, 425 NE 4th, will be hosting the Easter Bunny and treats from 4-7pm and local author Ernie Geigenmiller, owner of Lacamas Magazine, speaking to the recent history of Camas during the pandemic from 5-8pm.
Paper Straw Rockets at Fuel Medical, 314 NE Birch, with Kathy Marty of Camp Windy Hill and talking about Michael Barratt, an astronaut from Camas.
Kids Crafts and Toilet Paper Pong at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, with the Girl Scouts
After-hours shopping and dining with so many new offerings for Spring.
“I’m a nearly lifelong Camas resident, and I’m shocked about how little I knew about my hometown!” says Leah Nichelson, staff member at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “This event combines historical facts with fun history themed games, hands on activities, awesome after-hours shopping, and awe inspiring art shows. We’re excited to see the submissions for the ‘Capture Camas History’ photography contest, and we’re so thrilled to welcome Madora and The Pink Room to the fabulous selection of Downtown Camas clothing stores. History is made every day, and we hope you’ll make some history and some memories at the “Spring into History” First Friday on April 7th.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/21132122/4th-AVE-in-Downtown-Camas-taken-in-1947.jpeg12741837Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-21 13:45:382023-03-22 10:31:28Downtown Camas Prepares for ‘Spring Into History’ First Friday Events
Camas, WA — Join Camas Parks and Recreation for the 32nd annual Easter egg hunt, “The Camas Egg Scramble!” This special event will take place at Crown Park, on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 1:30 pm.
All egg hunting areas start at the same time, so don’t be late! Candy and prize-filled eggs will be hidden in designated egg hunting areas color-marked for age groups 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12. This Easter egg hunt is unique in that all ages start at the same time from their designated areas.
Please provide supervision, as all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should also bring a basket or bag in which to collect their eggs. Adults are not allowed in the hunting areas, except the area for ages 2-3, or to accompany a participant with special needs.
All abilities are welcome to join us for this fun event. A designated “Egg Stroll” has been developed to prioritize accessibility and enhance this inclusive activity for all ages. If you have needs that the city may help accommodate, please contact Krista Bashaw at 360-834-5307.
Prizes in the eggs will include candy, toys and prize tokens which can be turned in at the event to claim a prize. So, make sure you open all the eggs at the event, and please return the empty eggshells so they can be used again next year. The Traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contest will take place at 2 pm, at the covered shelter. This event will be hosted and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cascade Park. And the Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Scout Hall in the park for photographs between 12:30-2:30 pm.
No registration is required for the egg hunt or the bonnet/hat contest. But please note, this is one of our most popular events, so please allow time for parking, as spaces are limited. In addition, an accessible parking and a drop-off area has been arranged along NE 15th & NE Dallas St. Crown Park is located at NE Everett & NE 17th Ave.
The city could not do this without sponsors, which includes Kiwanis, VFW Post 4278, VFW Auxiliary, and WinCo.
Camas, WA — 100 never looked so good, and the Camas Library is in celebration mode.
On April 4, 2023, the Camas Library will officially turn 100 years old, and you can help this Camas gem celebrate all-day and into the evening.
On April 4, 1923, the Women’s Club of Camas formed what is now the Camas Public library and since that date, it’s been bringing joy to this community. Now, 100 years later the Camas Library is hosting a full day of events that will include goodies, treats and a scavenger hunt for kids.
In addition to the festivities, every 100th person to enter the library will receive a special prize in honor of the momentous occasion.
At 4 pm, swing music and dancing will kick-off the evening portion of the festivities, which will also include a free raffle at 6 pm.
According to Camas Library Director, Connie Urquhart, this is a great opportunity to invite the whole community to visit the Library.
“It’ll be a fun time, plus it’s a great chance to look back at history,” said Urquhart. “It also gives the community a chance to remember the good times, and to also think about what the future could hold!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/15101038/IMG_9788-scaled.jpeg14452560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-15 10:40:382023-03-15 10:40:47Events: Help Celebrate Camas Library’s Official Birthday on April 4
Washougal, WA — The Washougal Art Festival is pleased to announce a call for artists for its annual event, August 12, 2023. The festival will take place in beautiful Reflection Plaza, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Washougal.
The Washougal Art Festival is seeking artists of all mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, jewelry, and photography. The festival is open to both emerging and established artists, and applications will be accepted through May 1, 2023.
All entries will be juried based on originality, creativity, craftsmanship, and professionalism. Judging will also consider the expression of a unique vision and style, and the mastery over the artist’s chosen medium. Artists are selected for festival participation by a jury of local artists and gallery owners.
“We are thrilled to invite artists from all over the Pacific Northwest to showcase their talent at the Washougal Art Festival,” said festival organizer, Janice Ferguson. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share your work with art enthusiasts, make connections with fellow artists, and enjoy the vibrant arts community of Washougal.”
In addition, the Washougal Art Festival will collaborate with the Washougal Songcraft Festival, featuring regional songwriters. There will be performances in Reflection Plaza during the Washougal Art Festival, concerts at 54-40 Brewing on Friday and Saturday evenings, and workshops with an open mic on Sunday.
Please visit their website for more information and the Artist Entry Form at https://washougalarts.org/ . Entries must be received by Monday, May 1, 2023.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/07090935/WACA-Festival-2022-e1678209135404.jpg10702048Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-07 09:34:432023-03-07 09:34:52Events: Call for Artists for the Washougal Art Festival Coming August 12
Vancouver, WA – Local restaurant chain Burgerville is partnering with a team of local breast cancer survivors to help the team travel to New Zealand next month where they will represent the Pacific Northwest and the United States at the International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival.
The team, called Pacific Northwest Pink Lemonade, is comprised of twenty-six women – all breast cancer survivors and fighters – ranging in age from 40 to over 80-years old, who are reviving and thriving through the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing.
Survivors from the Vancouver dragon boat team Catch 22 and Portland team, Pink Phoenix are usually competitors on the water, but they have joined forces to create one team and represent the PNW at the international competition.
One paddle at a time, this intense sport helps those who have experienced breast cancer feel empowered, build self-confidence and take back control of their lives thanks to the healing power of water, community and the unique camaraderie of connecting and competing with other survivors.
Ways to support the team
When: Join them on Wednesday, March 8, from 4 to 8 pm.
Where: Burgerville, 11704 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver (Mill Plain, just east of I-205)
Details: Burgerville will donate20 percent of the sales from guests who mention they are there to support the team.
Funding for these survivors to participate in the international event is made possible through sponsorships, special team fundraising efforts and the generosity of individual donors.
You can also support the team by making a donation online. Please indicate that the donation goes to the PNW Pink Lemonade New Zealand Team.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/07084951/PNW-Pink-Lemonade-e1678208135335.jpg427960Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-07 09:03:002023-03-07 09:06:15March 8: Burgerville Fundraiser Supports Local Breast Cancer Survivors