1. War stories
Talk with costumed history re-enactors portraying U.S. Army personnel from World War II — as well as the homefront workers commonly known as “Rosie the Riveter” — during the World War II Encampment at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20. Re-enactors will wear Army uniforms from that era and will have 1940s weapons, tents, equipment, jeeps and trucks; passersby are invited to see these items up close and ask questions about what life was like at Fort Vancouver during the Second World War. The encampment, a partnership with the Living History Group Northwest, will be set up west of Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St., and will include temporary exhibits inside the hangar. www.nps.gov/fova/
2. Grounds to celebrate
Battle Ground Harvest Days is a three-day festival that starts with a classic car “Cruzz-In” from 6 to 10 p.m. July 19 down Battle Ground’s Main Street (free to watch, $20 to participate) and continues on July 20 with the Firefighters Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m., the Harvest Days Parade at 10 a.m., a vendor fair, a carnival with rides, and entertainment on the Community Stage — including a lip sync contest and a dad jokes contest — and a street dance to end the day with a swing in your step. On July 21, come back for the Extreme Tour Skate, BMX and Scooter Show, featuring top talent on wheels as well as live music with recently signed bands. All events take place on or near Main Street in downtown Battle Ground. battlegroundfestivals.com
3. Pig tales
If you’re already in Battle Ground for Harvest Days, trot over to Northwood Public House and Brewery, 1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd., for the fifth annual Pig Roast from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 20. Whole hogs will be stuffed, Mediterranean-style, with Italian sausage and seasoned pork loins before being slow roasted for hours. Along with roast pig — available as the Pig Sandwich for $11.95, Pig Plate for $19.95 or the family-feeding Pig Platter for $43.95, served from noon until it’s all gone — guests can enjoy craft beer on tap and live music from jazz and blues singer Ellen Whyte performing with her trio from 1 to 4 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by The Bylines quartet. For the kids, there will be balloon art and a coloring contest. northwoodpublichouse.com
4. Horsepower
Mustangs Unlimited — Vancouver’s oldest Mustang Club — will host the 33rd annual Mustang Stampede and All Ford Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at Vancouver Mall, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive. It’s free to come and see these shiny, colorful and perfectly preserved specimens of automotive excellence, including Shelbys, Cobras, SVT and Saleen models. If you’ve got a classic Mustang or vintage Ford that you’d like to register and display, the cost is $20, and proceeds benefit three local charities: Autism Empowerment, Northwest Battle Buddies and TIP Northwest. Attendees can also browse the vendors selling automobile memorabilia and enjoy the engine-revving Exhaust Competition. www.facebook.com/groups/MUCVanc
