Like the first day of spring, the return of the Vancouver Farmers Market features the bright colors of the season with the promise of summer. Visitors can wander the market for bouquets of daffodils, find the last of the winter produce and meet new craft vendors from tea maker to pet products. The farmers market is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 along Sixth and Esther streets, downtown Vancouver. 360-737-8298 or www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com
While visiting the market, grown-ups can stop by the Spring Brewfest from noon to 10 p.m. today in Esther Short Park. Catch a bit of March Madness basketball while trying drinks from 32 breweries, five distilleries and a cider house. Proceeds benefit Disabled American Veterans, Northwest Battle Buddies and Second Chance Companions. Admission is $20 to $30, $10 for designated drivers, for ages 21 and older. www.vancouverbrewfest.com
The Professional Writers Series continues with Kevin Sampsell, who will discuss ways to write across genres, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. He is the publisher of Future Tense Books, editor of “Portland Noir,” and author of memoirs and short stories that have been published in McSweeney’s, Nerve and Failbetter. The discussion will be in the Washington State University Vancouver Library, Room 240, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver. Admission is free. http://events.vancouver.wsu.edu
Get ready to get fuzzy next week as Alpacapalooza brings hundreds of alpacas to town March 28 and 29. Alpacas and their breeders will compete for ribbons in the show ring. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the alpacas and learn about the different uses of alpaca fleece. It all takes place at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. http://alpacapalooza.com/home