Try This: Out of the Chute

Catch the last night of the annual Vancouver Rodeo as it completes its 43rd year. The night will be filled with crowd favorites such as steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing and bronco riding. Kids ages 8 and younger will test their sheep-riding skills during the mutton bustin’ event. There will be a free dance following the rodeo with DJ Glenn.

When: Gates open at 5 p.m., rodeo starts at 7 p.m. tonight.

Where: Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

Admission: $10 to $25; $8 to $23 for seniors, active military members; $8 to $23 reserved for box seats for children up to 12, free general admission for children 6 and younger. $5 for parking.

Telephone: 360-896-6654.

Web: http://vancouverrodeo.com

The rodeo is one of many options for getting out and about this weekend.

2. Railroad away

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad will host an independence-themed ride featuring the restored steam engine. The historic railroad ride travels through the forests of north Clark County on a 12-mile round-trip.

When: Noon and 2:30 p.m. today and Sunday.

Where: Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt.

Admission: $18, $17 for seniors, $13 for children ages 5-11, $11 for ages 2-4, free for children ages 2 and younger.

Telephone: 360-686-3559.

Web: http://bycx.com

3. Jazz in Battle Ground

The second-annual Tastes and Tunes will celebrate the food and wine of north Clark County. The event features eats created by Battle Ground restaurants, drinks from local wineries and brewers and a jazz performance by the Patrick Lamb Band. Drop Dead Red will be the opening act. The concert will benefit the Battle Ground Rotary.

When: 3 to 9 tonight.

Where: Gardner Center, Northeast Highway 503 and Eaton Boulevard, Battle Ground.Admission: $30 for those 21 and older which includes five tasting tickets, $1 for additional tasting tickets.Telephone: 360-980-0130.

Web: http://battlegroundrotary.org

4. All the park is a stage

Original Practice Shakespeare will perform “Comedie of Errors” as part of its fifth-annual festival, featuring the works of Shakespeare in local parks. The nonprofit theatre company strives to perform the Bard’s plays the way they would have been done in Shakespeare’s time: Actors give a fast-paced performance with little rehearsal and minimal props, helped by an onstage prompter. Audience interaction is encouraged.

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Esther Short Park, 601 Esther St., Vancouver.

Admission: Free.

Web: http://opsfest.org

5. Be a little despicable

Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down the villain and his serum, which turns minions into purple monsters. Gru gets a little help from agent Lucy (voiced by Kristen Wiig).”Despicable Me 2″ is rated PG.

Where: Battle Ground Cinema, 1700 S.W. Ninth Ave., Battle Ground; Cinetopia Mill Plain, 11700 S.E. Seventh St.; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive; various Regal Cinema locations.

Cost: Varies by location.

Telephone: Battle Ground Cinema, 360-666-7200; Cinetopia, 360-213-2800 Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 360-448-4100; Regal Cinemas, 800-326-3264.

Web: http://battlegroundcinema.com, http://cinetopia.com, http://regmovies.com