Go, Ideas for Your Weekend: Big Paddle, big sounds, big roses

1. Dive in

It’s the fifth anniversary of the Big Paddle, celebrating the waterway trails and Ridgefield’s connection to the river from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 4. There will be an interpretive paddle flotilla starting at 9 a.m. from the public boat launch, 5 W. Mill St., Ridgefield. The two-hour adventure begins with a Chinook drumming and blessing ceremony before registered paddlers head down Lake River to the confluence with the Columbia River, passing historic sites and local wildlife. Day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. for $5. You must bring your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard, or rent one from Ridgefield Kayak for $25. Ridgefield Kayak will also offer a recreational tour at 1 p.m. for those registered.

Visitors can also celebrate ashore at the Paddler’s Village along the waterfront. There will be live music, beer and wine garden, displays, resources, an obstacle course and scavenger challenge. The day ends with a closing ceremony, bonfire and s’mores. www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us/community/page/first-saturday-and-big-paddle, 360-727-4520, 360-887-3557 or www.ridgefieldkayak.com

2. Big sounds

The Clark College Music Department will host its fifth annual Big Band Bash, a night of big band jazz and swing, from 7 to 10 p.m. June 4. The Beacock Music Swing Band will open the performance, under the direction of Cary Pederson. The concert also features the Clackamas College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Lars Campbell, followed by the internationally acclaimed Clark College Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Clark Director of Bands Richard Inouye. It all takes place in Gaiser Hall, Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Admisson is free. www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts/

3. Scent of roses

See what’s growing in local gardens at the Fort Vancouver Rose Show from 1 to 4 p.m. June 4 at the Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. The annual rose show by the Fort Vancouver Rose Society brings together gardeners from around the Northwest to showcase the best of cultivated blooms. With the show theme “Sunshine and Roses,” there will be tours, along with a rose garden design workshop at 2 p.m. The trophies for various categories, including Queen of Show, will be awarded at 3 p.m. Admission is free. 360-573-8033 or 360-695-0456, www.fortvancouverrosesociety.org

 4. All aglow in Portland

Community groups from across the region will turn out for the annual whimsical, glowing Starlight Parade. The parade will marks 40 years of illuminated floats and more than 100 other entries, with this year’s grand marshal, the Portland Police Bureau. Keep an eye out for high school marching bands from Evergreen, Mountain View, Skyview and Union high schools. The festivities, 8:30 to 11 p.m. June 4, travel through Portland starting at Ninth Avenue and Northwest Burnside, then head along Fourth Avenue, Broadway, Stark Street and Tenth Avenue to end at Lincoln High School, 1600 S.W. Salmon St., Portland. The parade will also be broadcast live from 9 to 11 p.m. on Fox Channel 12. Before the parade, the Starlight fun 5K run will follow the parade route, starting from Lincoln High School at 7:45 p.m. Registration is $25, $15 for ages 6 to 12, $5 for ages 5 and younger. www.rosefestival.org

5. Doggie fun

Join walkers, runners and their dogs at the annual Hike on the Dike, which raises funds for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. The event features 5K and 10K walk/run routes along with a leisure hike; all the events are open to canine participants. At the start line, there will be food, a K-9 demonstration, music, local pet vendors and businesses. Day-of event registration opens at 10 a.m., with the first walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. from Pendleton Woolen Mills, 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal. Donation pledges begin at $25, free for ages 16 and younger with adult. 360-335-0941 or wcghs.org/events/2016-hike-on-the-dike-june-4th/