Try this: Hike on the Dike, ‘Mad about Bats’, Parade of Homes

Walk the dog

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society’s annual fundraiser, Hike on the Dike, is 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, starting at the dog shelter, 2695 Index St., Washougal. Take a scenic walk with your dog along the Columbia River. The event also includes raffles, a K9 demonstration at 9:30 a.m., a “dog zone,” rock painting, vendors and a dog kissing booth. Sign up to walk for $15; register at wcghs.org/hod. Hike on the Dike is followed by All Paws on Deck, a street fair in downtown Camas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday featuring a “Dog Mayor for the Day,” doggie costume contest and dog agility course, plus food and crafts. Visit allpawsondeck.net for more details.

Room to grow

The Building Industry Association of Clark County presents the 45th annual GRO Parade of Homes, open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday, featuring homes with mountain views in Felida at the Ashbury development. Two homes were built toward a charitable cause: the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace by Marnella Homes and the Building Futures Foundation by Quail Homes. For tickets ($15 per person) and location, visit clarkcountyparadeofhomes.com. Designer Day is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, when industry designers get free admission and a happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m.

Completely batty

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will host “Mad About Bats,” a 30-minute educational comedy circus featuring Leapin’ Louie and Jugglemania. Performances are 1 p.m. today and Friday in the hangar at Pearson Air Museum. At 6:45 p.m. today and Friday, ecologist Tara Chestnut will lead a free, one-hour outdoor survey of bat species at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn how specialists use acoustic detectors to listen for bats’ ultrasonic calls, identify species and track behavior. Sign up at 360-816-6230. Get details at go.nps.gov/fova/MadAboutBats.

Safety first

The public is invited to attend the family-friendly Camas-Washougal Fire Department Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Station 42, 4321 N.W. Parker St., Camas. Events include live firefighting, car extrication and residential fire sprinkler demonstrations. Clark County Sheriff’s Office will offer a K9 unit demonstration. Enjoy face painting, balloon animals and a kids’ art table. Over 25 local agencies and businesses will provide exhibits about health, safety and emergency preparedness. NW Natural will offer preparedness information and will provide free hot dogs and treats.

Worthy causes

Sole Support for Parkinson’s is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday starting at Esther Short Park. One-kilometer and five-kilometer walking routes are wheelchair-friendly and follow a scenic route along the Columbia River. Registration opens at noon in Propstra Square. The walk begins at 1:30 p.m. Sign up for free at solesupport.org or call 800-426-6806. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Esther Short Park. Held annually in 600 communities nationwide, the event is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. There is no fee to participate but donations are welcome. For more information, visit act.alz.org/vancouver.

… And more

For more details about these and other events — like “Notes for Travelers,” a painting and sculpture exhibit at Art at the Cave, Salmon Creek Farmer’s Market and the “Inspire” philanthropy workshop — visit events.columbian.com.