Save the Date: Here come Fun Days

Learn about excavators or alpacas this weekend. Dozer Day encourages children to play in the dirt, as participants drive dozers, excavators and dump trucks with a professional operator, with proceeds benefiting children’s charities. The activities run 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Admission is $10 to $13, $8 to $11 for seniors and ages 2 to 12, $6 for parking. http://vancouver.dozerday.org

The Sheared Delights Alpaca Fiber Festival opens up the farm gates, as visitors can meet alpacas and the local artisans who create items using fiber, with spinning demonstrations and more. The event runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at White Oaks Alpacas, 39908 N.E. 12th Ave., Woodland. Admission is free. 360-263-7214 or www.whiteoakalpacas.com

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents its final concert of the season, highlighting audience’s favorite pieces at 3 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Sunday. The concert also includes clarinetists Juanjo and Tolo Mercadal in a concerto by Franz Krommer at Skyview High School, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver. Tickets are $35 to $50; $30 for seniors, $10 for students. 360-735-7278 or www.vancouversymphony.org

The OMSI Traveling Science Festival features hands-on brain teasers that challenge brains of all ages, along with secrets of Pacific Northwest animals, dinosaur fossils, and space science. The public event runs 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Clearwater Springs Assisted Living, 201 N.W. 78th St., Vancouver. Admission is free. 360-546-3344 or www.clearwaterspringsseniorliving.com

Waterfront fun starts next weekend with the Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Races. Round up a team of at least ten paddlers, ages 13 and older, and command a dragon boat across Vancouver Lake. No experience needed. Or cheer on the racers from shore, with local food and beer vendors on site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23-24. Proceeds benefit the disabled veterans water sports program at Vancouver Lake Park, 6801 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver. Registration is $800 for novice team; $400 to $700 for club teams. www.paddleforlife.org

The Portland Rose Festival kicks off May 22 as the CityFair fills Portland’s waterfront with midway rides, live music performances, treats, displays and vendors, along with a fireworks show the opening day at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 1020 S.W. Naito Parkway, Portland. Festival events run through June 7, with the signature Starlight Parade on May 30, Grand Floral Parade on June 6 and dragon boat races June 6-7. Admission to the CityFair is $7, free for ages 6 and younger and military members. www.rosefestival.org

Join the annual celebration of waterways and estuaries during Ridgefield’s Big Paddle on June 6. A flotilla of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards will set out for a two-hour tour of Lake River, exploring the confluence of the Columbia River, along with stops at historic interpretive sites. There will also be community activities, a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, music and celebration of multiple anniversaries throughout the day at the Port of Ridgefield, 111 W. Division St., Ridgefield. Admission is free. www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us

And a different sort of celebration will be taking place May 29-30 as the annual Hockinson Fun Days add new events. There will be a Friday Night Fun Run, with a 5K route and 1K for children, along with a star party with local astronomers. The Fun Days Parade starts at noon May 30, with a theme “Once Upon a Time,” followed by the second annual bed races. There will also be a cruise-in and music, pancake breakfast, and more. www.hockinsonboosters.com

Va Va Voom, Vancouver’s senior musical theatre troupe, presents “Follies Va Va Voom: A Tribute to Women.” This spring show that follows six women who go after their stardom dreams, and the four men who support their journey. Featuring classic Broadway tunes, dancing and comedy at 2 p.m. May 28-29; 2 and 7 p.m. May 30 at the Barberton Grange, 9400 N.E. 72nd Ave., Vancouver. Tickets are $10. 503-314-0299 or 360-901-4342. www.vavavoomtroupe.com

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill will host its first special event of the year May 30 with Bread and Butter Day. Visitors will be treated to fresh bread made from wheat milled at the 1876 building, topped with butter churned by hand on site. Recipes and flour will be available. Other special events include Strawberry Shortcake Day on June 27 and Blueberry Pancake Day on July 25, all held at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 N.E. Grist Mill Road, Woodland. 360-225-5832 or www.cedarcreekgristmill.org