Go: Get a ‘CLUE’; new year, new words; ‘Murder on the Nile’

1. Cookies for clues

Help solve the mystery of the missing cookies during “CLUE in Downtown Camas” for the First Friday activity of the year from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 6. Participants can visit participating merchants along Northeast Fourth Avenue for clues, earning prizes and raffle tickets along the way. Successful solvers receive free cookies from Cake Happy. Participants are encouraged to dress up like CLUE game suspects for extra game tickets. There also will be a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “To Catch a Thief (1955),” starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in the French Riviera. The screening begins at 8 p.m. at the Liberty Theatre, 315 N.E. Fourth Ave., for $6. 360-216-7378 or http://downtowncamas.com

2. Winds, strings and piano

Don’t miss a chance to catch rising classical stars during the 23rd annual Young Artists Competition, hosted by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Nine finalists chosen from 60 of the area’s most talented young musicians will compete for scholarships and the honor of performing with the symphony in April. The nine finalists are the top three in the categories of piano, strings, and winds or brass. Radio host Edmund Stone from All Classical Portland will return as master of ceremonies. The competition runs 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 W. 39th St., Vancouver. Admission is free. 360-735-7278 or www.vancouversymphony.org/YoungArtists.php

3. New year, new words

Vintage Books invites readers and writers to its monthly Sunday Sessions, a workshop on the techniques and ideas behind books, with author Dan Strawn. He will speak about “Researching for Historical Fiction — Pitfalls and Strategies for New Writers.” Strawn lives in Hockinson and is the author of the recently published young adult novel “The Dead Possum Gang.” The free workshop runs 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 8 at the bookstore, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Bring your questions, a passion for writing and something to take notes with. 360-694-9519 or http://vintage-books.net

4. Juggling physics

Watch master juggler Rhys Thomas demonstrate “Science Circus and the Physics of Fun” during this month’s Science on Tap Vancouver. Rhys 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 Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are an $8 to $10 suggested cover, which helps cover the cost of the lecture series. www.viaproductions.org

5. Murder mystery

Can you solve a murder mystery by Agatha Christie? Lakewood Theatre Company presents “Murder on the Nile,” a play that takes audiences aboard a luxury paddle steamer traveling with colorful — and suspicious — characters. Famous socialite and heirs Kay Ridgeway and her new husband, Simon, have caused a buzz on the boat, but they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit when a body is discovered aboard. The play runs Jan. 6 through Feb. 12, with show times at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Jan. 8, Jan. 22 and Feb. 5; 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 at the Lakewood Center of the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego, Ore. Tickets are $37, $35 for seniors and $20 for students. 503-635-3901 or www.lakewood-center.org