1. Crack a cold one
Don’t put that mug away yet. While the summer brewfests and Oktoberfests have passed, there’s at least one more beer festival on the 2017 calendar. The Holiday Ale Festival runs 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 2; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3. In the middle of Pioneer Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave., Portland, this beerfest features more than 55 specialty ales crafted specifically for the event. Vancouver brewery Trap Door Brewing and Washougal’s 54-40′ Brewing will have suds setups at the event. The $35 cost includes a mug, tasting tickets and re-admission for all five days. It’s $10 for designated drivers; 21 and older only. 503-223-1613 or holidayale.com.
2. Brighten up
It hasn’t been an easy year for trees in Washington; show your appreciation at the Eighth Annual Washougal Festival Of Trees. The event is 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Hathaway Elementary School, 630 24th St., Washougal. This festival features decorated Christmas trees created by school and community groups which will be auctioned to the highest bidder. There will be a silent auction and raffle for gift baskets donated by local businesses, individuals and organizations. Proceeds benefit Washougal schools. Also check out a morning breakfast and photos with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 2; $3 per person. Photos with Santa are $3 each. Free admission. 503-708-2242 or sites.google.com/site/washougalfestivaltreeswebsite.
3. It’s a dog-eat-dog world
What if your dog is the Michael Jordan of dogs, and you just don’t know it? Give Fido a chance to show off at the Clark County Kennel Club Performance Event Weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-4 at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Events include obedience, rally, scent work, conformation, weight pull and tricks. With the exception of the obedience, rally and scent work trials, all events are open to any dog who wants to participate, which means you can find out just how athletic your dog is. Admission is free, but parking is $6 cash per vehicle per day. 503-805-7213 or www.onofrio.com.
4. Christmas comes early
Snag a visit with Santa before his schedule gets hectic with a trip to the third annual Christmas for Kids from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Woodland Masonic Lodge, 143 Davidson Ave., Woodland. Get pictures with Santa and sample cookies, hot chocolate and cider. There will be lights and Christmas decorations, too; free admission. freemason-wa.org/venue/woodland-kalama-lodge-no-17.
