Not far from the tree
Vancouver’s Old Apple Tree Festival returns from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 S.E. Columbia Way. The apple tree, planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver, is the oldest in the Northwest and the matriarch of our state’s apple industry. The trunk failed in 2020, but a new tree from the original root system has grown in its place. The free event offers Vancouver Land Bridge tours and hands-on crafts as well as apples and food to buy. The Juleps, Ottomatics and Bobbie, Joe and the New Guy will perform. The Urban Forestry Commission will give away apple tree cuttings and Urban Abundance will host free cider pressing; bring apples and containers to participate.
Birds and banjos
BirdFest and Bluegrass is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (free for the day with all trails open) and in downtown. Take a sandhill crane tour by reservation at FRNWR.eventbrite.com, a self-guided Carty Unit Refuge hike at 28908 N.W. Main Ave., or a van tour of the River S Unit, 1071 S. Hillhurst Road. Enjoy a vendor market in Overlook Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., orienteering in Abrams Park from 10 a.m. to noon and a used book sale at the Ridgefield Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live bluegrass music will be offered around town from noon to 5 p.m.; everyone is welcome to bring their own instruments and join the jam.
Pretzels and prost
Battle Ground’s Northwood Public House and Brewery, 1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd., will be transformed into a Bavarian-style beer hall from 11 a.m. until close on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate Oktoberfest. Enjoy traditional German beer and food along with live music and entertainment by Those Darn Accordions (Saturday) and Festival Brass (Sunday). Do the chicken dance and join the stein-holding contest. For kids, there’s a coloring contest, balloon art and face painting. Menu highlights include whole roast pig with bratwurst, cabbage rolls, spaetzle, sauerkraut and pretzels. Admission is free.
The old homestead
The Covington House Heritage Society invites the community to an open house at Vancouver’s Covington House and surrounding grounds 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy history from the 1850s to the present. Tour the log cabin at 4201 Main St. and learn more about Vancouver’s oldest home and school, available to rent for events and meetings. The afternoon also features historic games, live music and costumes. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Susan at 360-936-8479.
