Try This: History comes alive at fort

Fort Vancouver National Site is hosting a pair of events this weekend.

The Brigade Encampment will spotlight re-enactors and volunteers portraying the lifestyles of Hudson’s Bay Company fur brigade employees after their return from a nine-month fur-trapping expedition. The event also includes programs for children.

But that’s not all. A celebration will mark the opening of the Historic Village just west of Fort Vancouver, which includes new trails and replica employee houses. Staff and volunteers in costume will discuss the life of Hudson’s Bay Company employees in the Village’s two furnished houses. Archaeologists will demonstrate field techniques and show how archaeology helps the public understand the site’s history, as well.

When: The Brigade Encampment is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, and the Historic Village celebration is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Where: The Brigade Encampment is outside Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver, and the Historic Village celebration is west of the fort.

Admission: Free.

Telephone: 360-816-6230.

On the Web: http://nps.gov/fova.

The Fort Vancouver events are among several weekend entertainment options in Clark County and Portland. Others include a Christian music festival, a jazzy concert from Bravo! Vancouver and “Toy Story 3” arriving in theaters.

1. Festival finds Common Ground

The Common Ground Unite Christian music festival brings several artists and groups for a full day of music.

The lineup includes Rootdown, Hyper Static Union, The Neverclaim, Nathan Arnold, Better Tomorrow, Laura McGreevey, The Thirsting, Eric Sutten and A Tale Through Audio.

When: Noon to 10 p.m. today.

Where: Esther Short Park, West Eighth and Columbia streets, Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-882-4799.

On the Web: http://commongroundunite.com.

2. Bravo! Vancouver jazzes up season finale

Bravo! Vancouver caps its season with a selection of jazz tunes.

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Quartet will perform a variety of American jazz works. The concert mixes a variety of jazz standards and contemporary tunes.

When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road, Vancouver.

Admission: $20.

Telephone: 360-906-0441.

On the Web: http://www.bravoconcerts.com/.

3. Train trip showcases North Clark County

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad takes passengers through a 330-foot tunnel and through forests of North Clark County.

The trip includes a brief stop at Big Creek Falls.

When: Noon and 2:30 p.m. today and Sunday.

Where: Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 S. Railroad Ave., Yacolt.

Admission: $15; $14 for seniors 60 and older; $10 for children 5-11; $8 for children 2-4; free for children 1 and younger.

Telephone: 360-686-3559.

On the Web: http://bycx.com.

4. Third ‘Toy Story’ film arrives in theaters

The latest Pixar film to hit theaters is “Toy Story 3.”

The film follows the adventures of Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks) and the rest of the toys as they prepare for life once their owner, Andy, departs for college.

“Toy Story 3” will be shown in 3-D on several movie screens in Clark County, including Battle Ground Cinema, Cinetopia and Regal Cascade 16 Cinemas, 1101 S.E. 160th Ave, Vancouver.

When: Showtimes vary.

Where: Battle Ground Cinema, 1700 S.W. Ninth Ave., Battle Ground; Cinetopia, 11700 S.E. Seventh St., Vancouver; various Clark County Regal Cinemas locations.

Admission: Varies by theater

Telephone: Battle Ground Cinema, 360-666-7200; Cinetopia, 360-213-2800; Regal Cinemas, 800-326-3264.

On the Web: http://battlegroundcinema.com, http://cinetopia.com or http://fandango.com.