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Camas Days 2018: Here’s the Full Schedule of Events to Enjoy

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

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

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

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

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

12:15pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS

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

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

Baseball

Call 360.696.9877

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

Days

The Camas Days Parade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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History: Hughey Gift Will Help Tell Stories of Camas-Washougal Past

Washougal, WA — The driving curiosity and love of history of the late Curtis Hughey continues to have a significant impact on the future of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS) and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

Hughey, long-time historian and 16-year president of the CWHS, passed away November 25, 2017.  His son, Mark, recently bestowed volumes of research notes and a complete second set of Camas-Washougal Homestead Records complied and organized by his father.

“It is a treasure trove of historic information,” said Brian McClatchie, CWHS Board Member and Accessions Director.  “In my opinion this research and notes are the most important records we have for telling stories of the people of Camas-Washougal.  Much of it we did not even know existed until it was dropped off for us.”

Baseball

Call 360.696.9877

Sorted alphabetically by last name, the Homestead Record notebooks cover property from Cape Horn to 192nd Ave in East Vancouver.  They feature land records, court documents, affidavits, verbatim testimony from homesteaders and their witnesses, newspaper clippings and additional family information that Hughey collected and organized.  These records have been used extensively by researchers who come to the museum for information on area families and property.

“You can look at official homestead land records, but they don’t tell the story” McClatchie said.  “It is all the rest of the information that Curtis compiled that is the most meaningful in storytelling.”

This second set of Homestead notebooks will be offered to the Clark County Historical Museum to be added to their collection.

In addition to the Homestead documents, Hughey also used excerpts from local newspapers written by and about local residents, to author and publish two books, The Good Old Days 1877-1906 and Good Old LaCamas News, 1887-1892.  “The donation included eight notebooks of historical research documentation and his notes used for writing these books,” explained McClatchie.

Born in 1929, Hughey came to Camas in 1946 with his mother to live with his grandparents.  He graduated from Camas High School that year.  He was active in civic work and was involved in the start of the Fern Prairie Fire Department.  Hughey retired from the Camas Papermill in 1991 and began dabbling in genealogy research.  He and his wife, Bev, were very active in CWHS activities and worked at the museum for many years. Hughey left the CWHS Board in early 2017 and it was McClatchie, in fact, who filled the empty seat.  “I never had the chance to meet Curtis,” McClatchie said.

Hughey’s work will be used extensively to build stories for the museum’s new Gathering Place project, a plank house-inspired pavilion to help tell stories of the Native Americans and early pioneers of the area.

“We are finding so many remarkable stories to be told from this research,” McClatchie said.  “There are even some early accounts of Dr. Parker and the founding of Parkers Landing. Curtis’ work was a true labor of love, and one that our historical society will be forever grateful for.”

Community members who have artifacts, historic documents or information that helps to tell the story of the area are encouraged to consider donating those items to the museum.  McClatchie has office hours at the museum each Friday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. for accessioning.

“People can just give me a call or swing by and we can talk about what they have and if it would be of interest to the museum,” McClatchie offered. “I can tell pretty quickly in a conversation if it is something we’d like to accession. We need to avoid duplication and ensure items we accept have a strong tie to the area.  We appreciate community members offering us items of historic value knowing that they are often a family treasure as well.”

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is located at 1 Durgan Street in Washougal and open March through October.  Regular hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission costs are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members.  Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only).  Call Lois Cobb 360-835-5449 for scheduling.

Join CWHS to help support additional historic presentations and preservation of local history. Membership and volunteer information will be available at the presentation.  For more information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum go to www.2rhm.com.

Hughey

Brian McClatchie, of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society.

 

Hughey

Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

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Camas Implements Stage 3 Voluntary Odd/Even Watering Schedule

Camas, WA — In order to take precautions to preserve its water supply, the City of Camas has issued a voluntary watering schedule. During the peak of the summer season, Camas uses nearly eight million gallons of water per day – which is almost three times as much as the rest of the year.

To conserve its supply, the city is implementing a Stage 3 Voluntary Odd/Even Watering (irrigation) Program for all residential, commercial, and public customers. The program will remain in effect through September 30.

Here are the details of the watering schedule:

  • Addresses ending in an ODD number may water/irrigate outdoors on ODD-numbered days of the month.
  • Addresses ending in an EVEN number may water/irrigate outdoors on EVEN-numbered days of the month.
  • Exceptions are granted for vegetable gardens, newly planted lawns, and potted or hanging plants. These may be watered as needed to prevent damage and protect your investment. Using the water efficiently is always encouraged.

In their public statement, the city is grateful to citizens for their support. All residents are encouraged to conserve water in their homes and businesses. For more information, visit www.cityofcamas.us or contact Utilities Manager Sam Adams at 360-817-1563. His email is: [email protected]

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VFW’s Hitchcock Receives Camas Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award

Camas, WA — At Monday’s City Council meeting, longtime Camas resident, Bob Hitchcock, received the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.

”Tonight we have the opportunity to honor somebody we’ve been watching through his volunteer work in the community for many, many years,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.  “Tonight’s recipient is extremely involved in a lot of things to do with military service as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars here in town, and he works very hard with that group of folks.  I would say if you were looking for one word to describe him is PATRIOTISM. When you see flags on the streets for special holidays, such as Flag Day, or Independence Day, you might think that’s a city service, but it’s a volunteer service … and Bob is part of that … It contributes to the specialness of our town.”

Higgins recognized Hitchcock’s work with the Wreaths Across America program, which has the goal of placing wreaths on every veteran’s grave at Camas Cemetery.

“You will see him at the Camas Days Parade … and, years ago he and his wife were honored as King and Queen of Camas Days in 2010, and they continue to use their energy and time to not look at their own needs, but to look at the needs of this community,” said Higgins. “And they do what they can to encourage giving and to be patriotic … Thank you, Bob.”

Hitchcock then addressed the council.

”With the Wreaths Across America … our goal is to get a wreath on every grave [at the Camas Cemetery] and right now we’re talking 857,” said Hitchcock. “Last year, we did 400, so we’re half way there. It comes around every year during the second week of December. We have the scouts participate, and the community gets involved. Thank you again for this.”

 

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First Friday Events: Camas Poker Tour in Downtown Camas

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

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

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

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

 

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

Other activities for First Friday include:

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

 

Poker

A salmon entree at Hey Jack,

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

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

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Celebrate Independence Day at the Port of Camas-Washougal

Washougal, WA —  It’s Independence Day! The Port of Camas-Washougal is hosting the 2018 Port 4th of July Concert and Celebration at the Washougal Waterfront Park.  This year’s concert lineup features some very talented artists mixing high energy folk-rock with some old time rock and roll.  Bring your family and friends and don’t forget your dancing shoes!!

Activities at Marina Park:

  • Children’s activities begin at 4 pm
  • Beer Garden and food vendors will be present
  • Opening Music: The Junebugs from 6-7:30 pm
  • Headliner: 5 Guys Named Moe from 8:30-10 pm
  • Fireworks begin at 10 pm

 

About the Port

The port brings jobs and recreational opportunities through a 400-acre industrial park, a 77-hangar general aviation airport and 350-slip pleasure boat marina. Grove Field is a small, general aviation airport with a state-of-the-art fueling station and 14 tie-downs. The marina is the largest publicly owned marina on the Washington side of the Columbia River and has a floating restaurant, launch ramp, nearby hotel, fueling station, electricity on the breakwater/guest dock, and is home port to the Dolphin Yacht Club.

Construction of the Washougal Waterfront Park and Trail was completed in October 2017. The industrial park boasts a 100 percent occupancy rate of more than 40 businesses with an annual payroll of $8.9 million and is adjacent to Steigerwald Commerce Center, 100+ acres of property currently under development. The port also manages Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach, the adjacent protective levee and Parkersville National Historic site.

More information is found at www.portcw.com

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City of Camas to Hold Open House on Crown Park Redesign

Camas, WA — Camas City officials are holding an open house Wednesday, June 27 from 6-8 pm at Lacamas Lodge to present and gather input about a new proposed Crown Park redesign plan.

Late last year, inspectors mandated closing the Crown Park Pool until it meets code, which would require hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations. The Camas Parks and Recreation team said those renovations would only sustain the pool for a short period of time — and recommended closing the pool all together.

”The pool’s maintenance costs have risen dramatically in recent years,” said Camas City Parks and Recreation Director, Jerry Acheson. “The city subsidizes 50 percent of the pool’s costs.”

The city has been planning for alternatives, and presented various plans last year. They held a public forum this past winter on how to proceed with renovations, and the City Council voted to demolish the 64-year-old pool. A decision on what to put in its place — if anything — has not been determined.

City leaders are inviting the public to participate in Wednesday’s public open house, but supporters of rebuilding or renovating the pool aren’t impressed.

Local supporters of the Crown Park pool and park have created a group called Friends of Crown Park, and they feel their voice isn’t being heard by the city.

“I’m a little miffed over them (the city) repeatedly saying that ‘public input has been integral to the process’ when the massive amount of public input has pointed straight toward the residents’ desire to keep a pool in the park,” said Camas resident, Anastasia McDonnell. “Yet they haven’t taken any of the hundreds of voices across social media platforms, public rallies, and the 1,300+ signatured  petitions to heart in their plans. At all the public hearings I’ve attended there has been zero support for a splash pad.”

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Crown Park Pool Memorial

Proposed Redesign

 

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Renae Burson Named New Washougal Schools Assistant Superintendent

Washougal, WA – Renae Burson will be the new Assistant Superintendent for the Washougal School District, effective July 1, 2018.  She has been principal at Gause Elementary since 2016.

“I am excited to continue the good work going on at Washougal School District supporting teachers, students and families but in a different capacity,” Burson said.  “I enjoyed being at Gause and working closely with students.  That every day interaction and relationship I had with them is what I will miss most.”

Burson brings broad experience in educational roles to her new position.  Prior to the principalship in Washougal, she has been a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, an instructional coach, a K-8 principal, a curriculum coordinator, a special education director, and an AVID district director.  “This background provides a strong basis for the multi-faceted position of Assistant Superintendent,” said Mike Stromme, WSD Superintendent in a June 14 email to staff.  “Renae’s work in education reflects a passion for closing the opportunity gap and providing equitable experiences for every student.”

Burson was named the Shasta County, California Administrator of the Year in 2016, Teacher of the Year for the Mt. Lassen Math Council in 2011 and a California Distinguished Teacher in 2010.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied School Leadership.

“I look forward to continuing the district’s focus to meet the needs of every students,” Burson said. “Whether it is instructional materials, AVID or multi-tiered systems, it is all geared for every student’s success.”

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What New Camas Fireworks Ordinance Means; When It Takes Effect

Camas, WA — At Monday’s public meeting, the Camas City Council voted 5-2 to adopt an ordinance to reduce the number of days that fireworks may be discharged from three to two. Effective 2019, fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 am to midnight, and on December 31 from 6 pm to 1 am on January 1 of the subsequent year. For 2018, the dates haven’t changed, but enforcement has.

On multiple occasions this year, the Camas City Council and Staff have been listening to public input about fireworks use within city limits. The four options presented to the public were as follows:

  1. Keep the ordinance intact, as is.
  2. Limit fireworks usage to only the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve.
  3. Create a “safe and sane” ordinance, which limits which fireworks can be lit.
  4. Ban private Camas fireworks all together.

Monday’s vote adopted option 2.

 

The City of Camas issued the following statement:

“The Council heard from those seeking a total ban on fireworks, and empathizes with their concerns. The Council also heard from those who enjoy the Fourth of July celebration with family and friends, and recognizes their input.”

Until these dates and hours dates take effect in 2019, the city asks residents to heed the current schedule of approved dates and times for setting off fireworks in Camas and Washougal over the Fourth of July holiday, as shown below.

Fireworks

Fireworks schedule.

Enforcement

The Council also adopted a new ordinance for violations and penalties. Effective this year, the Fire Marshal, Camas Police, and Code Enforcement have the authority to issue citations for illegal fireworks or for discharging fireworks outside of the adopted days and hours. The first violation is $250, second violation is $500, third violation is $750, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation within a three-year period.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Public Hearings on Fireworks Usage

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CW Chamber of Commerce Honors Citizens at Annual Banquet

Camas, WA — Nearly 90 people gathered at Camas Meadows Golf Club Wednesday night to celebrate the work of several local citizens that were honored by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards banquet.

After a social hour and dinner, emcee Brent Erickson helped to spotlight the Citizen, Business, and Educator of the Year awards, as well as present $1,000 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors — from both Camas and Washougal.

Katherine Boon, of Washougal High School, and Isaac Dizon, of Camas High School, were the recipients of the scholarships.

Darcy Hickey was honored as the Washougal Educator of the Year, while Doug Huegli received the same recognition for his work at Camas High School.

Washougal pastor, Bob Barber, received the distinguished honor at the chamber’s “Citizen of the Year” for his work helping the homeless. He was praised as being a citizen who looks out for others, and who celebrates unity in the community.

”I’ve only lived here for four years, but Camas-Washougal is the most beautiful and wonderful part of the world,” said Barber. “I’ve lived in British Columbia, Canada, I’ve lived in St. Louis, MO, St. Joseph, MI, I grew up in Palm Springs, CA, and I can tell you there is no better place to live right here than in Camas-Washougal.”

He reflected on his cancer battle five years ago, and the lessons that taught him.

”It taught me to not take anything for granted, but to make the most of every day,” said Barber. “Simply take a moment to open a door for someone, we can do that every day as we walk in and out of the store.”

He discussed a conversation he had four years ago with a member of the Unite! Washougal non-profit.

“How do you turn a bunch of garage doors into a community?” He asked. “You, you are the key. It’s you walking across the street and getting to know your neighbor. We live in an incredible community.”

Citizen

Bob Barber, pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, is the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year.”

Dawn Stanchfield, owner of Lily Atelier women’s boutique in downtown Camas, was honored as “Business of the Year.” She is credited with being essential to the revitalization of the downtown area for taking a risk and opening her store 15 years ago. At that time, the downtown Camas area wasn’t what it is today.  Mayor Scott Higgins introduced her and commended her business venture, as well as her continued charitable work in the community.

She discussed how loyal her customers are, and how much she appreciates Leah Dizon, who has her own customer base at the store. And, she thanked Gail Harrington for her work in the downtown revitalization project 15+ years ago that led to the success it is today.

”It was 15 years ago, probably to the day, that I signed the lease on my space in downtown Camas,” said Stanchfield. “And, to be here 15 years later, it’s because of some really amazing people. We’re all in this together with Washougal. It’s all becoming a destination here.”

She thanked the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce for the work they do in promoting businesses.

”From tech, to tourism, independent businesses, big businesses, you bring us all together and I thank you for that,” she said. “I am so proud of that. Thank you, all of you.”

 

 

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