Save the Date: Campfires, running, sturgeon, Chaplin help transition to fall

It’s feeling like fall, and what better way to embrace that feeling than to experience our local historic culture via Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s Campfires & Candlelight event? From 4 to 10 p.m. tonight, visitors are welcome to stroll back through the eras at the fort and see how U.S. Army soldiers, Oregon Trail immigrants and the residents of Fort Vancouver Village spent their evenings with costumed volunteers. As guests approach the fort, they will follow a timeline where re-enactors from various historic periods will transport them gradually back in time. Once inside, visitors will observe the evening activities of the Hudson’s Bay Company on the night of Sept. 26, 1844. That night a massive wildfire threatened the fort. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E. Fifth St. Vancouver. Free. www.nps.gov/fova

Get a glimpse inside the 911 Dispatch Center and the Emergency Operations Center at today’s CRESA Community Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn what you need to know about calling 911 and 311 and getting ready for unexpected emergencies. Meet first responders from across Clark County, including SWAT, and search and rescue teams. Law enforcement and fire agencies also will be on hand with displays and demonstrations. The ever popular sheriff’s K-9 unit will also showcase its skills, along with kids activities, vehicle displays, food and prizes. Parking is available in the county parking garage. Free. 710 W. 13th St., Vancouver, www.facebook.com/events/1074679785914251

Port of Camas-Washougal celebrates local supporters at Wheels and Wings Community Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17. The day features classic cars and vintage planes on display. There will be live music by the Fabulous Farelanes, a bounce house and food vendors, along with free hot dogs, chips and soda. Attendees can enter their classic cars, trucks or motorcycles for dash plaques and trophies. Free admission, $10 to $15 for car entry. 360-335-3676. Grove Field Airport, 632 N.E. 267th Ave., Camas, www.portcw.com.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sturgeon Festival at the Water Resources Education Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17. Visitors can learn about the ancient sturgeon and other wildlife that call ecosystems of the Columbia River home, through all-day learning and hands-on activities with local organizations. Other wildlife will be highlighted through a Birds of Prey show at 10:30 a.m. and a live reptile show at 2 p.m. Visitors of all ages are also encouraged to “Find A Rock, Paint a Rock” — a new activity where those finding rocks emblazoned with the hashtag #SturgeonFestRocks are in for a treat. There are even 20 special golden rocks hidden which will be exchanged for a special prize. If you plan ahead, you may bring your own painted rock to display in the Sturgeon Rock Garden. Don’t forget the hashtag! 4600 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver, www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/sturgeon-festival

Help put your own personal stamp on this year’s harvest during Rusty Grape Vineyard’s annual Stomp Fest from 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17. Attendees can sign up with a partner to stomp grapes underfoot during one of the three start times, 1, 3 and 5 p.m., though spots are limited. Along with a backyard barbecue, there will also be a Corn Hole Tournament, open to teams of two. Both competitions offer prizes. $40 per stomp pair, $5 per corn hole team. 360-606-4303. Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 N.E. 219th St. Battle Ground, www.facebook.com/rustygrape.

Music arranger and pianist Rodney Sauer will present his own score arrangement to accompany a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama “The Kid,” to be shown at 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at Kiggins Theatre. The film was written, produced and directed by Charlie Chaplin and is widely considered one of the greatest films of the silent era. Sauer will play piano and conduct an ensemble of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra soloists. $25, $10 for students. Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. vancouversymphony.org

Part 5K, part adventure course — but mostly just fun — the Washougal Amazing Race on Sept. 18 will feature seven challenges along its 3.9-mile course for teams of two to seven members. Ages 5 and older can take part in the silly and challenging tasks, along with an awards ceremony, kids activities and more. Route begins and ends at 50?40? Brewing Co., 3801 S. Truman Road. Proceeds from this family-friendly event will go to the Children’s Home Society in Washougal. Limited to 50 teams. Registration and packet pickup must be done noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 11. racewashougal@gmail.com, www.racewashougal.com/general-info.html

More running — this time enthusiasts will enjoy the rolling hills and rural landscape of north Clark County with views of Mount St. Helens during the North County Wine Run, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24. The annual run hosted by Get Bold events features a half-marathon and three-person relay and begins at Rusty Grape Vineyard. The course then proceeds through Olequa Cellars and Heisen House Vineyards. After the run, there will be wine from five local wineries, music, vendor booths and entertainment. Registration costs $85 to $90 for half, $171 to $180 for three-person relay. Race day registration is available if there’s space. Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 N.E. 219th St. Battle Ground. northcountywinerun.getboldevents.com

Doggie Dive, the annual pool day for pooches hosted by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at Lake Shore Athletic Club, 2401 N.W. 94th St. Vancouver. Dogs of all sizes are welcome to dive, paddle, and shake with a $15 donation per dog. Seasoned swimmers can fetch in the large pool, while small dogs or inexperienced canines can try the wading pool. 360-213-2626, southwesthumane.org/engage/events/doggie-dive

Audrey II, the mysterious, bloodthirsty houseplant, returns to the stage as Magenta Theatre presents its fall production of “Little Shop of Horrors” on Oct. 7-22. This sci-fi horror musical follows a shy florist assistant who discovers an unusual plant that thrives on human flesh and blood. He also named the plant after his current crush. Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets, $20 to $22, are on sale now. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com