1. Doggy cause
It’s a paw-tastic celebration at the annual Walk/Run for the Animals, with all event proceeds benefiting the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. There will be a 3-mile walk along the Columbia River with water stations for people and dogs. The 5K timed run is open to both runners and their dogs, with finishing prizes for fastest woman, man, dog and runner under 13 years old. Race day registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with the walk and run beginning at 9 a.m. May 6 from Esther Short Park, West Columbia and Eight streets. Be sure to check out the after party in the park, which will feature a vendor village, dog sports, beer garden and more from 9 a.m. to noon, plus a performance by Moshow, the cat rapper, at 10:30 a.m. Race registration is $50 to $55, free for ages 12 and younger. 360-693-4746 or http://southwesthumane.org/walk-run
2. May flowers
It’s a day full of plants and crafts during Ridgefield First Saturday’s Spring Festival. The day begins at 8 a.m. May 6 with the Ridgefield Garden Club Plant Sale, along with the Ridgefield Arts Association’s annual art fair and sale. Head to Overlook Park, Pioneer Street and Main Avenue, for some May Day basket making, outdoor games, farmers market, flower crowns and music. There will be a bear statue dedication at 10 a.m., maypole dance at 11 a.m., along with a scavenger hunt, music, activities and more in downtown businesses. http://ridgefieldwa.us/event/first-saturday-spring-festival/2017-05-06/
3. Superhero fun
Vancouver’s I Like Comics will be part of National Free Comic Book Day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 6, featuring free comic books, sales and appearances by local artists and creators. Meet creators including Randy Emberlin of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Dan Schkade of “The Spirit,” Tony Parker of “This Damned Band,” Leila Del Duca of “Shutter” and more throughout the day at I Like Comics, 1715 Broadway, Vancouver. 360-852-8890 or http://ilikecomicsonline.com/free-comic-book-day-2017/
4. Hawaiian spirit
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, and the Ke Kukui Foundation hosts its annual May Day Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 6 at Gaiser Hall, Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. The festival features the May Day Court, with the May Day King and Queen and their eight Hawaiian Island princess attendants wearing their respective island flower lei and colors. There will be hula dancing, food and shave ice, craft vendors and a lei-making contest. Lei contest entries must be submitted by noon. Admission is $5, $7 at the door, free for ages 10 and younger and Clark College students. http://kekukuifoundation.com/
