Try This: Get in swim with sturgeon
The annual Sturgeon Festival spotlights the Columbia River ecosystem and its inhabitants. The festival includes hands-on activities about fish and wildlife, Eartha the Ecological Clown at 10:30 a.m. and the Creature Feature reptile show at 1:30 p.m. Visitors can also see live sturgeon in the 350-gallon aquarium at the Water Resources Education Center.When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.
Try this: Woodcarvers take walk on the wildlife side
Artists from around the country will display their workmanship at the 25th annual Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show. The juried woodcarving competition and display focuses on the art of carving realistic wildlife sculptures and bird decoys. The public is invited to meet carvers -- who will be showcasing their work and competing for best in show -- from all over the United States and Canada. Anthony Donato will be the featured artist. Children activities include learning about different types of birds and painting a wooden bird or feather from 1 to 3 p.m. today. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Try This: 'Honeycomb' homecoming
Camas native Jimmie Rodgers returns to his hometown for three concerts and a book signing today and Sunday. Rodgers began singing and playing guitar while overseas during the Korean War, and continued to sing in Memphis nightclubs. Rodgers was best known for his late '50s hit pop songs, including "Honeycomb," "Kisses Sweeter than Wine" and "Oh-Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again." Rodgers will be signing his CDs and autobiography at noon on today before his performance.
Try This: Celebrating small-town spirit
The festival is one of many options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include kids archeology and the jazz festival.
Try This: Take a shot for Share
Cheer on the teams during the fifth annual Hoops on the River, the three-on-three basketball tournament that helps raise money for the nonprofit Share. Teams will be grouped by age and skill as they compete, with each game ending after 20 points or 20 minutes. There will also be a celebrity match at noon today followed by the slam dunk contest. A three-point shootout begins at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Try this: Fair set for a big finish
The Clark County Fair draws to a close this weekend. Visitors can attend the free monster truck shows starting at 2 and 6:30 p.m. on the Grandstand Stage on both days. The always entertaining dock dogs competition also takes place, with the finals beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday. You can discover cowboy tricks inside a Wild West town and haunted gold mine, visit with the little animals at the petting zoo, see circus acts, or explore commercial and community exhibits.
Try this: Whole lot of art
Art in the Heart, Vancouver's annual festival of the arts, will feature dozens of local artists selling and displaying their work along downtown sidewalks, with live music and artist demonstrations throughout the event. Participating galleries will be hosting their own individual events and exhibitions. Those include North Bank Artist Gallery's annual juried "Strands" exhibition, with more than 50 entries from local and national fiber artists. Visitors can also check out"A Gallerie Temporaire," created by the Vancouver Art Connection, offering a diverse display of art and activities at this temporary art gallery.
Try this: Experience the islands
The Ke Kukui Foundation is bringing the culture of Hawaii to downtown Vancouver with the annual Ho`ike & Hawaiian Festival. The day-long event will feature performances by hula dancers, Polynesian singers, native tribal dancers and Portland Taiko drummers. Arts, crafts and food vendors will fill the festival, and provide visitors with a chance to play traditional Hawaiian games and other activities.When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Try this: Experience the islands
The Ke Kukui Foundation is bringing the culture of Hawaii to downtown Vancouver with the annual Ho`ike & Hawaiian Festival. The day-long event will feature performances by hula dancers, Polynesian singers, native tribal dancers and Portland Taiko drummers. Arts, crafts and food vendors will fill the festival, and provide visitors with a chance to play traditional Hawaiian games and other activities.When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Try This: Fire up taste buds
Visitors looking for firehouse chili will find the fourth annual Fire in the Park to their tastes. The event pits local restaurants and fire stations in a chili cook-off, with favorite recipes being picked by voters, with the proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Share. The event also includes the Firefighters Competition, a children's activity area, fire equipment displays and musical performances including firefighter pipe and drum bands.
Try This: Start your chainsaws
Amboy Territorial Days kicks off this morning with a parade
Events at Amboy Territorial Days start at 10 a.m. Saturday with the Territorial Days Parade, which begins at Amboy Middle School, 22115 N.E. Chelatchie Road, and ends at Amboy Territorial Park. At 1 p.m., the highlight of the celebration will be the logging show, which features a variety of logging competitions including a stock chain saw race, axe throwing, log rolling, speed chipping and high climbing. On Sunday, the big event is the ever-popular Lawn Mower Races, which kick off at noon. Visitors can also explore the ongoing carnival, craft booths, local musical performances and a beer garden throughout the weekend.
Try This: Savor flavor of farmers markets
The farmers markets are one of many options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a theater show and a concert.
Try This: Celebrating barn, history
The Barn Bash is one of many options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a comedy night and treat day.
Concerts offer sounds of summer
With a little luck and planning, Clark County music fans can soak up sunshine and summer tunes this season. From rock concerts in the rolling hills near the fairgrounds and simmering jazz in downtown to adventuring across the river for something new, this summer’s concert season will be a playlist worthy of any vacation. We’ve rounded up more than a few concerts and festivals to catch your ear.
Try This: Rubbish recycled into art
The arts festival is one of many options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a fun run and bluegrass benefit concert.
Try This: Bountiful fun at Woodland's Planters Days
Celebrating 90 years, Woodland Planters Days dishes out the fun. Today's highlights include the grand parade at 11 a.m. along Davidson Avenue. The firemen's barbecue starts at noon at Horseshoe Lake Park, followed by the 45th annual frog jump, with the Saturday Market, remote-control hydroplane races and the carnival in full swing all day. The 10th annual bed races are at 4 p.m. and the Catillacs are in concert from 8 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, the streets will fill with classic cars for the car show and a 4x4 Show & Shine.
Six to Sunset concerts, free films set in Esther Short Park
Summer activities in Vancouver also include noon shows, events for children
Summer activities in Vancouver also include noon shows, events for children in Esther Short Park
Try This: Parade hits the right notes
The Grand Floral Parade is one of many options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include National Get Outdoors Day and a youth festival.
Try This: Get outside for some fun
School doesn't need to be in session for a field trip, thanks to the Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center. Explore the nature trails, woodlands and wetlands at the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery, as well as hand-on learning stations, craft projects and hikes during Family Field Trip Day.
Bits and Pieces: Mountain View graduate designs award-winning fashion
For many new graduates, the final project is a memorable achievement. For Mallory Williams, 24, it meant months and months of not sleeping, just sewing.
Try this: Up, up and away
You can climb into a vintage aircraft at Pearson Air Museum during Open Cockpit Day. Visitors will have the opportunity to sit inside a North American T-28 Trojan and the Ryan PT-21 and get a pilot's perspective on the historic aircraft. You also can practice take-offs and landings with the museum's flight simulator lab. And -- weather permitting -- children ages 8 to 17 can sign up for a free airplane ride with the pilots of EAA Chapter 105. The rides are given on a first-come, first-served basis and a parent or legal guardian must be present to give written permission.
Try This: Local bands on the march
The parade is among several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include Dozer Day and a night of cabaret.
Try This: Gift ideas are blooming
Garden events are among several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a Broadway hit and train ride.
Try This: A fine time for a bike ride
The cycling event is one of several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a May festival and artists showcase.
Try This: Fair sows seeds of inspiration
You can find inspiration for a variety of projects at the 21st annual Clark Public Utilities Home and Garden Idea Fair. The fair will feature demonstrations and activities focused on home and yard improvements. Highlights include hands-on kids’ stations, indoor landscape displays, one of the largest plant sales in the region, renewable energy technology and guest presentations by local experts.
Bits 'n' Pieces: Vancouver comedian gains national exposure
For Vancouver resident Todd Armstrong, stand-up comedy began as a way to overcome his panic attacks while student teaching. “It turns out I was a much better comic then a teacher,” said Armstrong. For more than a year, he’s been a full-time comedian, earning a strong local following and national exposure.
Try This: Tiptoe through the tulips
The Woodland Tulip Festival offers a chance to view thousands of flowers at the Holland America Bulb Farm. The festival includes demonstrations on gardening techniques, a Dutch-inspired eatery, and outdoor artisan and farmers markets. The tulip fields and gift shop will remain open daily through Mother’s Day.
Try This: ‘Get a Kick’ out of weekend
The Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy presents the musical “Anything Goes!” The show follows Billy Crocker as he sneaks aboard a cruise ship in hopes of winning the heart of society girl Hope, with the help of his friend, nightclub singer Reno. But Hope is engaged to a wealthy Englishman, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Meanwhile, small-time gangster Moonface Martin is using the cruise to escape from the law, causing trouble for all those aboard. The musical includes memorable songs, including “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
Try This: Break out the Easter basket
The annual Crown Park Easter Egg Hunt will feature more than 10,000 candy and prize-filled eggs hidden in designated hunting areas for age groups 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and 10-12. Stop by Sir Launch-a-Lot, the egg launching robot. Following the egg hunt, there will be traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contests, with prizes being awarded for the most festive. Bring a basket or bag to collect eggs. The hunt will start at 1:30 p.m. Many other egg hunts were detailed in Friday’s Weekend section and can also be found on www.columbian.com.
No need to hunt for Easter fun
Groups around county sponsoring activities for kids
Only the children of Clark County can save us when thousands of strange multicolored orbs suddenly appear around grassy spots in Clark County on Saturday morning.
Try This: ‘Beauty’ and fluffy beasts
Ready for a fairy tale? The Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” the musical story of Belle, a young woman who longs to get away from her boring village life, as well as her suitor, Gaston. She gets her wish when she becomes a captive in the Beast’s enchanted castle, which is filled with animated furniture and the reclusive master of the manor.
Try This: Enjoy March mudness
You can celebrate the end of winter with March Muddy Madness, a 3-mile run or walk along a muddy track with various obstacles and challenges. There will also be a course set up for those 16 and younger who’d like to participate in Mini Madness; parents must do the course with those 10 and younger. Preregistration is recommended. The event is hosted by Northwest Personal Training.
How do you spell fun?
Spelling is certainly entertaining whensix quirky adolescents compete for the spelling championship of a lifetime in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” This musical comedy also invites four members of the audience to compete in the spelling bee along with the six characters. The Clark College Theater Department is presenting the play.
Try this: Life in the fun lane
Spend a weekend afternoon knocking down pins. For some family gaming, check out Big Al’s Family Galaxy Bowl from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays. Head to Crosley Lanes on Sunday for Buck-o-Rama, where all the games, shoe rentals and food items are just a dollar on 42 lanes of bowling. Or enjoy a game of Cosmic and Monte Carlo bowling every Saturday night at Crosley Lanes.
Try This: Let’s horse around
Horse owners and fans of the animals will enjoy the Washington State Horse Expo, which features national, regional and state horse experts providing education, demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops and presentations on the different aspects of horsemanship. Highlighted events include the “Parade of the Breeds,” the Extreme Cowboy Race and more.
Try This: Sips, sweets, skills
The art show and wine tour are among several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a lu’au and a benefit concert.
Try This: All the weekend’s a stage
The performance is one of several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a coronation and a concert.
Vancouver singer hopes dream comes true on ‘Idol’
Britnee Kellogg goes from Portland auditions to TV show’s Hollywood round
Vancouver singer Britnee Kellogg won a ticket to Hollywood Wednesday night in the Portland audition round for TV’s “American Idol.”
Local singer appears on tonight's 'America Idol'
Vancouver singer Britnee Kellogg will appear on tonight's 'American Idol' episode in the Portland auditions.
Try this: Farmers market is back
Visitors to the Vancouver Farmers Market’s season opener Saturday can sample a taste of spring. Hundreds of vendors from across the region will offer locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, food and crafts at the downtown market.
Try This: Strange Tones, hot tunes
Enjoy a fiery blend of blues, rockabilly, surf and vintage R&B with the Strange Tones on stage at the Old Liberty Theater. Nominated for the 2011 Portland Music Awards’ “Best Live Performance,” the band will be joined by the dance group the Volcano Vixens for an extra punch of fun.
Try This: Carrying a tune for veterans
“Dining With the Musical Stars” will feature some of the best known musical talent in the area. Enjoy performances by Three Together, the Kate White Band, Ricky Lee Jackson, National Fiddler Champion Cynthia Hamm, Fort Vancouver Piper Band, and many more musical guests at this benefit dinner for the Veterans Court, which assists veterans facing the challenges of combat-related trauma.
Try This: Bravo! presents ‘Rhythm & Soul’ concert
The concert is one of several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a re-imagined theater production and a wellness fair.
Try This: Light up the night at fort
The Lantern Tour is one of several options for getting out and about this weekend. Others include a discussion on folk art and a music festival.
Try This: Take refuge for holidays
Enjoy the wintery weather with a relaxing walk through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. With more than 5,000 acres of pasture, woodland and marsh, catch a glimpse of migrating geese, herons and eagles. There is also a 4.2-mile auto tour route in the River S Unit for those wanting to visit parts of the refuge. Fishing, hunting and hiking permitted in some areas. Consider joining the Christmas Bird Count.
Try This: Holiday traditions abound
Dance Fusion NW presents “Christmas Stories,” a production that combines classic storytelling with dance, theater and vocal performances, featuring tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance. The story follows a mother and daughter celebrating Christmas Eve in the midst of financial struggles, who find joy in each other.
Try This: Sing a song of holiday cheer
Christmas at Fort Vancouver is one of several entertainment options this weekend. Others include a theater production and a holiday concert.
Clark County, Portland performances provide Parallel pageantry
Holiday-themed events can be found aplenty on both sides of Columbia
First off, let’s just get this out of the way — Portland has more people, more money and more opportunities for professional performing arts productions than does humble Clark County.
Try This: Holiday happenings
The ballet is one of several entertainment options this weekend. Others include a home tour, nativities festival and a holiday concert.
