Save the Date: New year begins with free, guided First Day Hike

Spend tonight celebrating the start to a new year and reminisce about the old one with friends and family.

Then start off the year by connecting with the outdoors during a First Day Hike. On New Year’s Day, state parks across the country will offer free, guided hikes. Locally, participants can explore the two trails at Battle Ground Lake State Park at 1 p.m. Sunday. Meet at the Picnic Shelter in Day Use Area, 18002 N.E. 249th St., Battle Ground, starting with the Upper Lake Trail for a 1-mile trek before the guided trip cuts back to the shelter at the halfway point. The hike will continue to the Lower Lake Trail for a tour along the lake shoreline. Rated easy to moderate, the Upper Lake Trail has more elevation changes, while Lower Lake has rougher trail. Come prepared for the weather and a few muddy spots on the trails. For any weather cancellations, call 360-687-4621. Find this hike and other First Day Hikes at www.naspd.org

CrossFit Fort Vancouver Championship highlights competitive fitness as 16 male pairs and 16 female pairs compete in a variety of exercises for prizes and prestige. New for this year, individual Masters athletes will also complete in a series of challenge, in four different age groups. The Masters will compete Jan. 6 and 7 and the pairs competition takes place Jan. 7 and 8 at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. It’s $23 to $33 for weekend pass, $23 for military weekend pass, $20 for a single day and free for ages 18 and younger. http://cfvchampionship.com

Science on Tap Vancouver presents “Science Circus and the Physics of Fun” as master juggler Rhys Thomas will describe  and demonstrate different concepts in physics, from gravity’s constant acceleration through juggling, centripetal force with cowboy lariats and inertia with the classic tablecloth pull. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are a suggested $8 to $10. http://viaproductions.org

Also at the Kiggins will be the first Slate: Standup Comedy Showcase of the year. Susan Rice, named Portland’s Funniest Person in 2015, will be the comedy headliner. She will be joined by Jenna Zine, Jake Silberman and Dylan Jenkins, hosted by Tristian Spillman. The comedy begins at 8 p.m. Jan. 12, with $10 for tickets. 360-816-0352 or www.kigginstheatre.net/events/standup-comedy-showcase

If you are a treasure hunter, decorator, collector or just like to find pieces from the past, the annual Clark County Antique and Collectible Show will feature 250 booths from vendors across the United States. Items range from collectible toys to period lighting, estate jewelry to sports memorabilia and everything in between from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Admission is $6 for both days, $6 for parking. Expert appraisers will be on hand to identify and evaluate show patrons individual pieces if brought to the show, at $7 per item. Patrons can bring photos of larger pieces in your collection to also be appraised. www.christinepalmer.net

Clark Public Utilities hosts its Race for Warmth, a race to benefit its Operation Warm Heart program, which helps limited income families with their electric bills. The run features a 10K run and 5K walk/run through downtown Vancouver and along the waterfront, along with a free kids race. The main race starts at 9 a.m. Jan. 29 from the Clark Public Utilities building, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Registration is $30 for either race. 360-992-3000 or www.raceforwarmth.com

Gardeners will bring local seeds saved from last year’s harvest to swap and share during the Venersborg Seed Swap and Giveaway from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Venersborg School House, 24309 N.E. 209th St., Battle Ground. Discover flowers, vegetables, herbs, bulbs and heirloom seeds, with house plants and other garden related plants also welcomed. For those with no seeds to share, donations to the North County Food Bank or dish for the informal potluck recommended. 360-901-3951 or www.venersborgschoolhouse.com

Register now for the popular Father Daughter Valentine’s Ball, with two nights of dancing from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3-4 in the historic hanger at the Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St. Vancouver. There will be music by a DJ, refreshments, professional photos and dance lessons from Groove Nation Dance Academy. The dance has sold out the past years, so register early. Tickets are $12 for city residents, $14 for non-residents. 360-487-8311 or www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/annual-father-daughter-valentine’s-ball