Tag Archive for: Events

Camas, WA — Following a 15-year hiatus, local artist Liz Pike is reopening Pike Art Gallery next month in downtown Camas in a shared space with Minuteman Press, located at 302 NE Sixth Avenue. The public is invited to an upscale ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Pike Art Gallery on Thursday, February 2nd at 4:30 pm featuring sumptuous appetizers and beverages.

The ribbon cutting will be conducted by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce. The new gallery space is at the corner of NE Sixth and Birch Street and will be open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays by private appointment. 

“I’m thrilled to be going back to my roots as a downtown gallery owner,” said Pike. “I’m also looking forward to hosting a welcoming First Friday Art reception each month at this new location to unveil my new works of art with the public. I appreciate this unique opportunity to share space with my good friend Jason Young, owner of Minuteman Press.”

Upon implementing efficiencies with the latest technology in full service printing, Minuteman Press has made prime square footage available to Pike for use as an art gallery showroom. 

This new setting is a second location for Pike Art Gallery which opened a few years ago inside a stand- alone building at Pike’s organic Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie. She operated the original Pike Art Gallery in downtown Camas from 2005 to 2008 on Dallas Street. 

“Art galleries bring more visitors to Camas which boosts economic activity for our downtown restaurants, retail shops and service merchants,” said Pike. 

Her new gallery adds to the vibrancy of NE Sixth Avenue’s existing businesses which include a popular retail bike store and salon located directly across the street in the Clara Flats building, one of Camas’ newest eco-friendly mixed use buildings with spacious views. 

Pike has been painting in oils on canvas since 1984. Her work has been featured in restaurants in Honolulu where she lived for ten years and most recently at Camas Gallery, which has represented Pike’s original art since 2016. She has been juried into Clark County Open Studios Tour each year since 2017. Pike also shows her work at several regional art festivals including the Fern Prairie Art Fest, Washougal Art Festival, Battle Ground’s Art in the Park, and Camas Vintage and Art Faire. 

Pike can be reached at (360) 281-8720.


Pike

Treadway Events announced today “The Cinema of Horrors: Drive-In Experience,” a new contactless, Halloween experience is coming to the Clark County Fairgrounds & Event Center. This unique horror movie drive-in series offers a COVID-19 safe way to celebrate Halloween in 2020. The month-long event features twelve of the scariest horror blockbuster movies and combines real live actors, over the top lighting and special effects throughout the film each night.

Since many indoor haunted houses and Halloween parties canceled, this is the next best option for many thrill-seekers.

“Our team has been working on a variety of ways to pivot from our normal indoor haunted house events since COVID-19 gathering bans went into effect. We’re excited to be able to bring Halloween and horror fans together to enjoy our favorite horror films and safely celebrate Halloween with scares along the way,” says Brandon Treadway, President & Creative Director at Treadway Events.

The Cinema of Horrors Drive-In will run for twelve nights, weekends in October. Tickets are on sale now at a discounted rate of $49.00 per vehicle. Prices rise to $59.00 on October 1st, 2020. Since tickets went on sale, most shows have already hit nearly 50% capacity. There are no age limits, but parents are encouraged to use discretion based on the film rating each night.

The event is 50 percent sold out, so thrill seekers are encouraged to purchase tickets soon.

For film listings, tickets, and more event information, visit www.CinemaOfHorrors.com.

To view the promotional video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7os2Oy9jYLU

About Treadway Events: Treadway Events is a full-service event management agency based in Portland, OR. Helping nonprofit organizations, individuals, and Fortune 500 companies in Oregon, Washington deliver unmissable live event experiences. Treadway produces and owns a variety of annual, themed events such as the Cinema of Horrors haunted house in Kelso, WA. 

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark College Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris presents its Fall Concert “Fanfare and Dances” on Friday, December 6, 2019, 7:30 pm at the VSAA Durst Theatre. The first half of the concert will be comprised of chamber ensembles from within the band. Performing groups will be the Brass Choir, Woodwind Choir and Percussion Ensemble.

The second half will predominately feature by American composers. The opening work isFanfare for Band and Antiphonal Brass, by Fisher Tull, to be followed by Percy Grainger’sMock Morris, Sheltering Sky, by John Mackie and a relatively new work by composer Michael Gandolfi, Vientos Y Tangos (Winds and Tangos). This work explores the extremely evocative Argentine tango, with a 21st-century twist. The concert will conclude with standard of the wind band repertoire, John Zdechlik’s Chorale and Shaker Dance.

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please seehttp://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

About Doug Harris

Dr. Doug Harris is in his second year as Director of Bands at Clark College after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. 

Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado.  His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste.  At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals.  The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.  The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.

Clark College
www.VixonCabinets.com

Approximately 600 adults attended a #SAVETHEKIDS parent education event Tuesday night in Vancouver featuring Instagram Influencer/Youth Advocate Collin Kartchner and Educator Katey McPherson.

“This has been a year in the making,” said one of the event’s organizers, Greg Gillespie, who introduced all of the local volunteers. “I’ve been following him on Instagram, and Collin started off making fun of social media influencers, but when Hurricane Harvey hit in Texas he realized he could do things that make a difference. They helped big time in Houston. Has helped out with many causes. Then he really started this crusade about helping kids and parents navigate screens, and now he visits schools and communities all over the country. He even has a TEDX talk.”

Kartchner spent Tuesday at Liberty Middle School and Hood River Elementary, and encouraged guests to evaluate individual phone and screen usage.

“First, none of us had any clue we’d be dealing with this when we had our children,” said Kartchner. “We are the first generation of parents figuring this out, and we have to talk to each other, and I want you to understand this is a no-shame evening.”

He showed a video that of three people from three generations, the first two of which discussed a childhood outdoors, close to nature.

“The current generation is obsessed with video games and using their smart phones and tablets,” he said. “So, what if this trend continues? Nature has always been a part of childhood, and we need to keep it that way. Society has changed and we’ve created new systems and tech and now can tell it’s harming our kids. Our kids are creative geniuses if we let them.”

He shared a story about Whitney, a 20-year-old in Utah who committed suicide because of the pain she suffered using her smart phone.

“So, we created a program called #savethekids and as parents we have to lead the way,” he said. “When we have our phones out in front of our kids it means we appreciate the phone more than we appreciate them.”

Citing examples of new baby and toddler toys that incorporate smart phone technology he said “we have traded all this amazing stuff and have converted it all to a digital screen and we’re realizing it’s been a mistake. Inmates get more outdoor time than our children do.”

And, the older generations are doing it, too.

“Parents: this is not a phone, this is a mini-super computer with access to everything,” said Kartchner. “We are handing them loaded weapons and if we don’t teach them they will destroy themselves. You have to parent your kids, you have know what they’re getting into. If you give them a smartphone you’re giving them a ticket to do anything.”

Video: Sobering Statistics

Then he showed the audience sobering statistics (click video link): https://youtu.be/OzdMG9ovQWs

“Parents, we have to intervene,” he said. “We have created a society for our children that is extremely stressful. We can stop ‘still facing’ our kids and their problems. Babies are very responsive to the world around them. Infants really do engage in personal interaction.”

Video: ”Still Facing”

He used this video to show his point (click video link): https://youtu.be/-Qh5CyLBlkQ

Using images of the pre-frontal cortex slide, Kartchner explained how the brain develops from the rear to the front. 

“The pre-frontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to develop, affects decision making,” he explained. “Your kid isn’t even close to full development.  Social media and gaming have negative effects on our children’s brains. Games are more addictive than cocaine. Fortnite, a company that makes $1.8 billion a quarter off a ‘free’ game is also an attraction for sexual predators. We are letting our kids turn their backs on their talents.” 

Social Media App Ratings

“Social media app ratings are misleading,” he said. “We’re trying to help the tech companies change how the way apps are rated. For example, lots of porn links are sent through Instagram. Watch out for private DMs. It’s too much for our kids. These phones are destroying our kids. Instagram is a dangerous place for our kids. SnapChat is the worst. They throw out articles to our kids encouraging porn, and 82 percent of porn on Pornhub encourages violence. We have to be careful. TikTok is the next big one and is a place for predators.” 

SnapChat is the worst!”

— Collin Kartchner
Kartchner
Easy to find porn on these apps.

“Mom, I Got Bit”

When you hand your kids a snake they’re gonna get bit, and that’s why he will soon be releasing a book called “Mom, I Got Bit.” He likened the dangers of smartphones to having a snake, and explained how to react when your children get bit:

  1. Don’t yell, don’t get mad.
  2. Tell them “I love you, thank you for being brave enough to tell me you got bit.”
  3. Offer assistance: “What can we do to help you?”
  4. Create a “no trouble” bubble, which is a safe place. 

Hugs and Signs You Might Be a Lawnmower Parent

“Hugs! Our kids need more of this than ever before,” he said. “Hug your kids — kids need 8 hugs a day for 8 seconds each. 20 second hugs have proven to boost the immune system. Why are they so desperate to be seen and loved?”

In this video, he explained what it means to be a “Lawnmower Parent” (click video link): https://youtu.be/8Q_53e283rA

Katey’s Presentation

“Technology is part of our life but it cannot be our central focus,” she said. “When you hand over your device you’re giving them a medium to share their feelings … Prior to age 2 you’ve taken about 2,000 photos. It teaches them that life is to not be lived, it is to be documented.”

“After Columbine (the school shooting) in 1999 we decided nobody would harm our kids. We’ve taken away from our children the ability to cope with their own pain. Our students are walking around with a thin veil of terror and the device is not going to save their lives.”

Citing increasing national anxiety trends, McPherson said that students need to know they have dignity.

“Students need to know they have dignity,” she said. “Think about adding this to your daily vocabulary.

This generation is over the word ‘respect.’ The reason is because we’ve taken away their dignity all day long. We bring them to this Earth with inherent worth, and we need to stop doing the heavy lifting for them. If we want to stop school shootings we better start with the inside out.”

“Spend your energy on being clear on access and sit down with your family to discuss what’s fair. Sit down and be really clear about what the boundaries are. Create a family data contract. They’re not allowed to share private information. Don’t share inappropriate photos. It has to be an ongoing and pervasive message. This is a parent issue, not a school issue. The goal is self-governance by 17 or 18. It is not easy work, but it is possible. If you stop dancing you will lose your child to pornography or gaming or suicide. It’s time to really step into this. We are here to get you in the know about what our kids are exposed to.”

The next #savethekids event happens Wednesday, October 16 from 7-8:30 pm at Mannahouse in Vancouver. 

Washougal’s popular, pirate-themed concert and festival has dropped its anchor at a new venue this summer on Cottonwood Beach at Captain William Clark Park.  Pirates in the Park, a family-friendly, festive community event, will be held Saturday, August 24 from 1 to 9 pm.

“Now in its fourth year, we decided to change things with a new location,” said AJ Bogue, Washougal Business Association (WBA) President.  “We love the idea of a natural park setting with the beautiful Columbia River close by. It is the perfect spot to host pirate fun!” 

The Pirates event features lively music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, children’s games and activities, beer garden, costume contests and more!  The Presenting sponsor is Mary Jane’s House of Glass. 

WBA and City of Washougal have teamed up to organize the event with proceeds to support WBA initiatives. “Although the event is free to attend, we hope people will come ready to have a good time and make a donation toward our work to promote Washougal businesses,” Bogue said. There is a suggested $5 donation for admission. 

The event kicks off at 1 pm with food and craft vendors and children and pet activities.  Children activities will include games, coloring and painting with The Paint Rollers. Leashed pets are welcome.  Pet activities finish at 4 pm and include an agility demonstration and course and a K9 unit demonstration.  West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is an event partner. 

The beer garden, operated by WBA, will open at 2 pm and will feature local breweries. The 21-year and older area will be open until 9 pm. Food vendors feature Washougal restaurants Alex Smokehouse, Smeads Pub and Peggy’s Place. “The WBA is working to ‘put Washougal first’ and provide our local businesses the opportunity to serve customers at events such as this,” said Bogue.

The evening concert begins at 4:25 pm with the musical mayhem of the Bilge Rats & Pyrettes from Portland. Their second set will begin at 6:20 pm. Additional entertainment will be provided by Circus Luminescence including a vaudeville circus show, a glow in the dark finale and more.  

Event goers are encouraged to come enjoy the day in their best pirate attire.  “To add to the fun, we will have judging and prizes for the best costumes in adult, children and pet categories,” said Bogue.  The children and pet contests will be at 3 pm and the adults will be judged at 6 pm.

“We are excited that WBA member businesses have agreed to extend special offers for event participants to redeem through August 31,” said Kimberly Harp, WBA Board of Directors, Membership and Sponsorship.  “The ‘Walk da Plank thru da Shoug’ promotion is a fun way to connect more businesses with locals and visitors who come to Pirates in the Park.  Customers will love all the great deals on food, drinks and purchases in many of their favorite Washougal stores and restaurants.  The pamphlet, full of offer details, will be available at the event.” 

Pirates in the Park – Event Schedule 

(Times subject to change)

1 pm: Festival Opens

1-4 pm: Dog Activities, Ball and Water Pools

Dog Agility Course (1-3 pm) High Expectations Dog Training Agility Demo (1:30 pm)                           

1:30 pm: Kids Activities, Paint Rollers, Coloring, Games, Sensory Activities by Nicki Mann

2 pm: Beer Garden Opens; K-9 Demonstration

2:30-3 pm:         Dance Lesson – Daniel Martinez, Dancing with Danny

3 pm:                  Pet Pirate Costume Contest + Kids Pirate Costume Contest

3:45-5:45 pm:     Ambient acts in the park:  stilt walking, juggling, hula hooping, contortion/hand balancing

4:00-4:20 pm:     Sword Combat Demonstration – Blade Fit Academy

                             Adult games start including corn hole, giant Jenga and canon ball toss

4:25-5:35 pm:    MAIN EVENT – Bilge Rats & Pyrettes – first set 

5:40-6 pm:         Circus Luminescence – Act 1: Vaudeville Circus Show featuring contortionist/hand balancing, juggling, and a crazy combination trick

Pirates
Lots of fun entertainment.

Additional event sponsors include Les Schwab Gunderson Tire Center, Best Western Plus and City of Washougal Lodging Tax funds.

For a complete schedule of the day’s activities go to www.cityofwashougal.us  

For more information about the Washougal Business Association, visit www.washougalbusinessassociation.com/

For information on events and activities in Washougal go to www.Visitwashougal.com

After months of preparation, Ducky Derby 2019 is a wrap.

A few hundred spectators gathered along the Washougal River Sunday afternoon to see if their ducky would win the annual race — and an array of great prizes. The Ducky Derby is a fun community event that raises significant funds to benefit local student scholarships, school programs, and humanitarian projects.

Here is the official list of winners and the prizes won:

  • 1 week Alaska Cruise plus $1500 cash: Kristen Boos
  • $1000 cash: Awna Underwood 
  • $500 cash: Gene Cox
  • $1000 hand crafted table: Kate Davis
  • $800 Traeger Grill: Amy Rasmussen 
  • $400 HP Laptop Elitebook: Rich Biggs
  • $275 4 Rounds of Golf with Cart at Orchard Hills:  Lynda Taylor
  • $100 Feast 316 gift certificate:  J. Hammerstrom
  • $100 Target gift card: Gene Cox
  • $50 Amazon gift card: Michael Kelly
  • $50 Our Bar gift card: Leslie Durst
  • $50 LaPellah gift card: Chris Wynn
  • $40 Caps and Taps gift card: Mel Baker
  • $25 Mesa gift card: Leslie Durst

“The winner of the last place duck prize is Barbara Gutzler,” said CW Rotary president, Nan Henriksen. “She will be receiving a water cooler jug full of prizes and rubber ducks. This prize is a reminder that every duck in the race is a winner because each represents dollars that enable us to make a positive difference in our community and our world.”

Each year, community members buy tickets for $10 apiece, which are sold by Camas Washougal Rotary Club members directly and at events, such as the Camas Car Show and the annual Camas Days festival. The club is grateful for local sponsors, donors and ticket buyers.

Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is part of an international service organization that works to improves communities by assisting with education, health services, charitable giving, and disaster relief. The local chapter meets every Thursday morning at Orchard Hills Golf Club, and holds several special events throughout the year.

To learn more, visit www.CWRotary.com or https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/07/ducky-derby-tickets-proceeds-fund-local-scholarships-services-programs.html

Ducky Derby

The annual Camas Days is fast approaching with festivities beginning Thursday night.

The annual event, which is organized by the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce, has some changes this year.

“We are placing 114 assorted vendors, 12 food vendors this year, of which two are brand-new: Coast to Coast Seafood, and Bao Quach Sides (Vietnamese cuisine),” said Brent Erickson, CW Chamber Executive Director. “We’re bringing in Beth Willis Band, they are opening. Hot Shots, which was previously called Wise Guys will be perforating, as well. The Kid’s Street climbing wall, fast pitch, and caterpillar crawl are all coming back.”

This year’s Camas Days has 56 parade entries, with the main parade starting at 11 usually ending by 12:30 pm on Saturday.

“Having organized the event for 19 years it brings back memories for me about what a community festival was like in my time in the 1960s,” said Erickson. “So, Camas Days today is a huge community festival to bring everyone into the downtown core, young and old, for people to meet up for class reunions, and to see friends again. It brings in 12,000 people into the downtown corridor. Camas Days would not be as successful as it is without the 100+ volunteers it takes to run the show, be it the wine garden and the microbrew, and the people who help Tim Hazen on the parade.”

We’ve included a full schedule of events.

THURSDAY

  • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Brian Odell Band (Funk, Fusion & Folk Rock)
  • 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm ENCHANTED EVENING SENIORS PROM @ Columbia Ridge Senior Living: 4:30 – 5:30 Formal Dinner; 5:30 – 8 pm Dancing. RSVP to Columbia Ridge (360) 335-1238. Dinner cost for guests $15.

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 – 8:00 pm 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: The Hot Shots

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 Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Monday 10 am to 3 pm (bag sale, bring a bag and fill it for $5!).
  • 11:00 am – 8:00pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.
  • 11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Candyland” 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: The Hot Shots.
  • 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!
  • 11:00am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.

The annual Concerts in the Park Series begins July 25 with performances by the Brian Odell Band, who will provide a show of funk, fusion, and folk rock.

All concerts begin at Crown Park at 6:30 pm, typically last until 8:30 pm, and are free to the public, thanks to local sponsors. Picnic dinners are welcome, and the food vendor on site will be Natalia’s Cafe.

No alcohol, dogs, or other animals are allowed in the park.

Here’s the list of concerts in the park:

July 25: Brian Odell Band — A rock band with roots firmly grounded in funk, fusion, and folk. They artfully combine acoustic guitar, violin, electric guitar, drums, bass, and vocals in their original music & select covers for a sound that is truly unique! The band’s influences include Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, & Jason Mraz. This signature sound mixed with their dynamic live performances have captivated audiences all over the Pacific Northwest!

August 1: Aaron Meyer will entertain audiences with his rock violin. His broad range of music includes everything from a dynamic rendition of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” to his exquisite versions of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” and the Beatles classic “Let it Be.” Whenever he performs, he connects with audiences of all ages, cultures and backgrounds from all around the world.

August 8: My Happy Pill is a Northwest dance band, offering a fun, eclectic, and high energy mix of funk, pop, rock, R&B, soul, and more. With a song list spanning all decades from the 70’s through today’s hits, you’ll dance the night away to your favorite classics, along with today’s best music, all done in a new, fresh way!

August 15: Sister Mercy possesses a high energy, blues driven sound. Lead singer April Brown is mesmerizing with her powerful, beautiful presence, full range vocals and complete joy in performance. The talented Scott Garcia adds guitar and vocal textures. Rounded out with Roger Espinor on drums, John Webb on bass and Debby Espinor on keys. SISTER MERCY has a unique place in the blues along with April Brown’s velvet voice the rest of the band supplies strong background vocals and original music. Semifinalist in the International Blues Challenge 2016 and 2018, SISTER MERCY was also nominated for Best New Band and Best Contemporary Blues Band for the Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards.

To learn more visit www.cityofcamas.us/parkshome

Paper Cutting
Call 360-409-3167

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

PAMTA winner, Chelsea Nicole Lapp, returns to choreograph, alongside Skylar Derthick, PAMTA nominee and 5th Avenue Award winner, as Crutchie, and two time 5th Avenue Award nominee, Clayton Lukens, staring as Jack Kelly.

Parent Advisory: mild language and brief physical violence.

Performances are August 2 – 11, 2019 at Heritage High School, 7825 NE 130th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682.   Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Pre-sale adult tickets are $18.  Youth and senior tickets are $12.  

Public Performances

Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Friday, Aug 2 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, Aug 3 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, Aug 4 – 2:00 pm

Friday, Aug 9 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, Aug 10 – 2:00 pm

Saturday, Aug 10 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, Aug 11 – 2:00 pm

Newsies

About Journey Theater  

Their mission: “Journey is a Christ-centered theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world.”  Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more.   In addition, we produce Broadway style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer.  Journey is a nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684.  Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.  

Tamale Festival lovers — this is for you! The Southwest Washington Tamale Festival is returning to downtown Washougal on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 1 to 9 p.m.  Presented by the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens (SW WA LULAC Council 47013), the family-friendly event will celebrate the richness of Latin culture and is free and open to the public. It will be held in Reflection Plaza located at Main St & Pendleton Way, Washougal.

The history of the tamale is as old as the Aztec and Mayan cultures and played a significant role as a food staple that traveled well.  Becoming a traditional food for celebrations in more modern times, they are now an important part of Central and North American indigenous culture.

“We are very excited to host the second annual SW WA Tamale Festival in partnership with the City of Washougal,” said Hector Hinojosa, SW WA LULAC Council president and festival organizer.  “It will be wonderful to share our heritage with the community through delicious foods, a beer garden, exciting music and dance entertainment, tamale cooking and eating contests, a children’s activity area, information booths from local businesses and organizations and handmade crafts for sale.”

Last year’s festival was overwhelmed by large attendance and suffered long lines to purchase tamales.  “This year we will have many more food vendors so lines will be shorter and there will be plenty of tamales for everyone,” Hinojosa assured.  “In addition, pre-orders for frozen tamales to take home with you will be available for pick up at the festival.”  Orders must be placed online at www.swwatamalefest.com.  There is a June 10 deadline for tamale pre-orders and all must be picked up during regular festival hours.
Act now!

Tamales Festival
Tamale Festival
Find us at www.Arktana.com

“There is an amazing line up of musical and dancing entertainment for the festival,” said Monica Rech, festival entertainment coordinator.  “One of a Kind Drumline starts everything off with a dynamic performance at 1:00pm. Son de Cuba Quartette will perform at 3 pm and then again at 3:50 pm. Gerardo Calderon will be playing traditional Mexican/South American/Peruvian folk music starting at 6:30 pm.

Throughout the afternoon beautifully costumed and energetic dance groups will also perform.  “We have several Middle Eastern dance groups performing six to eight-minute routines each,” said Rech. “They will feature traditional dances from Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Persia. There will be dances from Vancouver Ballet Folklorico and Flamenco/Belly Dance Fusion as well.”

Adding to the fun, the event will feature a tamale contest that is open to restaurants and homestyle cooks.  

“We are inviting contestants to show off their tamale cooking skills,” said Hinojosa. “Tamale recipes are a big source of pride among families. The tamale contest will be a lot of fun and give some bragging rights to the winners!”  Entries will be judged by a celebrity panel in three categories; Meat, No-Meat/Veggie and Sweet/Dessert.  Winners will be determined based on taste, technique, appearance and overall quality. A $100 prize will be awarded for the winning entries. For contest rules and entry form, go to the event website.  There is a $20 entry fee per category. The deadline to enter is June 10, 2019.

Are you hungry for tamales?  You may want to enter the Tamale Eating Contest sponsored by Javier Navarro, State Farm Insurance. The challenge will be to consume as many tamales as possible in two minutes.  Contest will be limited to the first 10 participants to register, 18 and over only.  Registration is $20 and can be done online on the event website. Prizes provided by Navarro are $200 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

For more information about the SW WA Tamale Festival go to www.swwatamalefest.com.

Proceeds, entry fees and donations collected from the event will support future scholarships and stipends for local youth programs.  Contact the festival at [email protected] for more information and follow them on Facebook.

Event sponsors include SW WA LULAC, Javier Navarro State Farm Insurance, Riverview Community Bank, Law office of Eulalia Soto, Vancouver Brewfest, Molina Healthcare, Uniweb Digital, Remax Equity Group and Cleanpot Portable.  It is also funded in part by City of Washougal Lodging Tax Funds.