• SCIENCE ON TAP: Not Your Typical Science Lecture, p. 18
• NORTHWEST BOOK FAIR: Summer Fun for Readers and Writers Alike, p. 22
FEATURE ARTICLES
Let’s Go Camping: State Parks of Southwest Washington
Discover our favorite state park camping spots within two hours of Vancouver, and what we love about each one.
Science on Tap
Curiosity meets community (and a pint of beer). This isn't your typical science lecture.
Northwest Book Fair: Summer Fun for Readers and Writers Alike
Bibliophiles unite! The Northwest Book Fair is coming to Vancouver this summer. It will be one for the books.
Explore U-Pick Farms in Clark County
Bittersweet Symphony
In 2006, I was a young, married, stayat-home mom of a 3-year-old and a new baby, trying to figure out motherhood and marriage and a mortgage. My husband and I had moved to Vancouver just three years before, and were still getting to know the area, when I learned from my mom that the founder of a small local magazine was looking to sell the business. I’d never dreamed I’d get the opportunity to do such thing myself, and I had zero experience in publishing or writing professionally, but I figured a phone call to learn more couldn’t hurt. That phone call changed my life. Just a few short months later, I became the co-owner and editor of Vancouver Family Magazine, and, along with my business partner, Julie Buchan, embarked on a career that has stretched me and blessed me in indescribable ways.
I’ve enjoyed a front row seat to happenings in the Clark County community, from the dedication of Firstenburg Community Center the very same year I became co-owner/ editor of VFM, to the grand opening of FVRLibraries’ world class downtown Vancouver Community Library in 2011, to the stunning development of Vancouver’s Waterfront Park and Grant Street Pier in 2018-19. Beyond the buildings, the work of humans helping humans has been even more humbling to behold: over the years, we’ve covered countless stories of nonprofits who bridge the gap for families in need, kids who have made their mark, public figures whose work enriches lives, events designed to celebrate diverse cultures, destinations that showcase the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and so many more good news stories. I’ve had the privilege of knowing I was raising my kids in a region and a community full of goodness—a knowledge that has contributed immensely to my family’s quality of life. And I like to think that I’ve experienced all of this right alongside you, our readers.
Now that my kids are grown and forging their own wonderful paths in life, it feels fitting that, after 18 years, I’m also now moving on to new adventures. Vancouver is still my cherished home, but I’m leaving Vancouver Family Magazine in the excellent hands of a brand-new owner and editor. She is poised to take Vancouver Family Magazine to the next 18 years and beyond! You won’t want to miss meeting her in next month’s July issue.
Thank you for joining me on our collective adventures for all these years. I hope you’ll continue to join the VFM team as they share Clark County’s continually unfolding story.
In this issue, check out the best state parks for camping in Southwest Washington (page 10), find out how Science on Tap is not your typical science lecture (page 18) and learn how the Northwest Book Fair will unite bibliophiles and authors this summer in a celebration of all things literary (page 22).
Nikki
Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com
On the Cover:
Nolan Roach and daughter Layla (2 1/2 years old at the time this photo was taken) live in Ilwaco, Washington. Layla is a big daddy’s girl. She and her dad have a playful bond and Layla loves helping him build things around the house.
Photo by Jessica Heriot Photography jessicaheriotphotography.com @jessicaheriotphotography @jessicaheriotphotography
Photo by Scarlette Richards
JUNE 2025
Wyldwood Prep, a new K-5 private school, will have its inaugural full- and part-time program opening this fall and is now accepting applications for enrollment. The school has a unique indoor/outdoor learning environment meant to enrich students’ curriculum. The indoor home base is located at a home on Officers Row in Vancouver with their outdoor base camp at Battle Ground Lake.
“We will offer both a full-time educational program and a part-time homeschool enrichment program, providing families with flexible learning options,” said Dr. Ashley Taylor, founder and head of the school.
“Our students will have access to both an indoor home base and an outdoor home base, creating a balance between structured learning and naturebased exploration. Within a thoughtfully designed framework, students will have the freedom to engage in self-directed learning, allowing them to take ownership of their educational journey. This approach fosters autonomy, curiosity and a deep sense of empowerment, enabling children to grow and thrive in a safe, supportive and natural environment.”
Dr. Taylor is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience. She has practiced at Wonder Tree Developmental Psychology since 2021 and has noticed a need for a school like Wyldwood Prep to exist to help serve families. In addition to her practice, she has co-authored two books with her colleague Dr. Jamie Chaves titled “The ‘Why’ Behind Classroom Behaviors” (Corwin, 2020) and “Creating Sensory Smart Classrooms” (Routeledge, 2021).
Dr. Taylor is passionate about serving every child and their specific needs equally. “Finding truly inclusive and flexible learning environments can be challenging, yet I believe that education should honor the natural ways children learn—through self-directed movement, exploration and a deep connection to the world around them,” she said. “This vision continues to drive my work, inspiring me to create spaces where children can thrive, where learning feels alive, and where both students and educators can reconnect with the joy of discovery.”
Her passion for reimagining education is deeply personal, and her experience with neurodiversity in her own family has shown her how traditional models may not always nurture the unique needs of every
New K-5 Private School
WYLDWOOD PREP to Open 2025/2026 School Year
child. “This has driven me to think outside the box, exploring innovative approaches that create meaningful and accessible learning opportunities for students who don’t necessarily thrive in conventional classrooms. Fortunately, a wealth of research supports nontraditional methods, including outdoor education, experiential learning and movement-based approaches—validating what so many parents and educators already know: children learn best when their nervous systems are regulated, they are engaged, curious, and connected to the world around them,” she said.
Dr. Taylor says that all students are welcome at Wyldwood Prep. “Wyldwood Prep is designed for curious, creative and nature-loving children who thrive in hands-on, experiential learning environments,” she said. “Our approach benefits students who learn best through exploration, movement and real-world experiences rather than traditional desk-based instruction. Children who are highly inquisitive, independent thinkers, or sensory-driven learners will find an environment that nurtures their strengths.”
Dr. Taylor shared that their approach is backed by extensive research showing the benefits of outdoor education and play-based learning. “We are designing Wyldwood to be not only an enriching educational experience but also a place where students, teachers and families feel safe, seen and supported,” she shared. Learn more about Wyldwood Prep at wyldwoodprep.com calling 971-270-0533.
Dr. Ashley Taylor, founder and head of Wyldwood Prep
Photo credit Ashley Taylor
Photo credit Ashley Taylor
Explore U-PICK FARMS in Clark County
It’s a nice June day, and you’re with your family enjoying fresh fruit picked right off the vine. It tastes even better than you imagined–and you picked it yourself! Here in Clark County, this is all possible with the variety of amazing U-Pick farms we have locally.
The Powerlines U-Pick located in Vancouver on NE 18th St. is a local staple in the community and has been around since 1970s. “Joe’s Place Farms was originally established in 1976 and offered a variety of fruits and vegetables. As time evolved, two of Joe’s sons continued his legacy with strawberries and peaches, which is now The Powerlines U-Pick, established in 2021,” said Mike Beaudoin, owner.
“The benefits of picking your own fruit are being able to connect with the fruit and have an appreciation and understanding of how fruit is grown,” he said. “Also, the fresh air is wonderful!”
The Powerlines U-Pick has strawberries and peaches available for picking. They recommend bringing your own containers, picking in the flagged designated areas, and they accept cash only. Their hours are always updated on their Facebook page.
Another place to visit with your family is Van Laeken Farms, a strawberry and raspberry U-Pick farm located in Ridgefield off of 169th St. They are open the first week of June for strawberries and close to July for raspberries, and both berry seasons run for about four to six weeks. Their hours are 9 am-6 pm, but hours can change depending on the weather, so keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
Van Laeken Farms has been open for five generations and is currently owned and operated by third-generation farmer Tom Van Laeken and his wife Bonnie. Their fourth-generation daughter Lisa and her husband, along with their fifth-generation grandkids Emily, Benjamin and baby Noah are also helping out. It was previously owned by Ron Van Laeken and opened in the mid 1940s by Joe and Margaret Van Laeken.
“The benefits of locally picked fruits are plain and simple. When you u-pick, you’re able to pick vine-ripened fruit that has grown to its sweetest and most flavorful potential,” said Lisa Van Laeken. “It’s ripened naturally in the sun, watered by the rain and exposed to fresh oxygen. The product speaks for itself: a soft, juicy, citrusy sweet berry that quenches your thirst--the reward for your hard work.”
“When picking berries, you should plan to come in the early morning or late afternoon, bringing containers, water and sun protection,” said Van Laeken. “Wear good shoes, boots if it recently rained. Unfortunately, we cannot allow animals in the field, with the exception of trained service animals, and ask that you leave them at home. Strollers or wagons are welcome, but they do not fit through strawberry rows.”
Van Laeken said they try to maintain the most affordable prices for feeding the community. Strawberries are $2.50/lb and raspberries are $3.00/lb.
“Here at Van Laeken Farms, we strive to provide our community with delicious and nutritious fruit, while providing a memorable experience for families,” said Van Laeken. “We have expanded our strawberry acreage, cleaned up our raspberry fields and added blueberries to accommodate the growing demand of u-pick berries. We’re looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces on our farm this year!”
Photo credit
Oleg Kharus, Van Laeken Farms
Photo credit Mercedes Herrera, The Powerlines U-Pick
The Powerlines U-pick boasts both peaches and strawberries for picking. Photos courtesy Mercedes Herrera, The Powerlines U-Pick
Let’s Go Camping: State Parks of Southwest Washington
By Sarah Mortensen
S ince moving back to Washington after a few years away, my family and I have made it a tradition to go camping with my husband’s brother and his family every Labor Day. It’s been the perfect way for our kids to say goodbye to summer by running around the forest with their cousins. State parks have been our top choice for their well-kept trails, bathrooms and reasonable prices, even on a busy holiday weekend. There are some breathtaking state parks in our state, but since school starts the week before Labor Day, we keep our camping location less than two hours away. We have loved some state parks for a quiet and secluded camping experience and others for the beautiful views. Here is my list of the those we have visited and what we liked most at each one.
BEACON ROCK
Best All Around
I’ll start this list with the one we keep coming back to: Beacon Rock. We first visited this park when COVID was in full swing and we were looking to do a small hike. When the park finally opened, we grabbed our Discover Pass and headed out. Upon arrival, we found that while the park had opened, unfortunately the actual Beacon Rock trail had not. Instead, we
decided to try Pool of the Winds, which ends in a beautiful waterfall. On our way, we met some hikers coming down who encouraged us to go a bit father to see the view. That stretch of the hike definitely stretched my two young kids at the time, but the view of the Columbia Gorge was absolutely worth it and started our yearly family hike tradition. A few years later, we completed the nearby Hamilton trail with some friends.
We love this state park for the campground itself, too. The individual camping area only has 26 sites so it’s never too busy or noisy. (Our favorite spot is near the creek that sings us to sleep at night.) My husband and son have also stayed in the group campground which has A-frames for sleeping and was a perfect spot for a father-and-son outing our church organized.
Beacon Rock State Park also has a beach and boat launch on the Columbia River with a designated swimming area. A late summer Labor Day was the perfect time to swim, however, you do need to watch the water levels. The time we camped over the Fourth of July, it was far too dangerous to swim because the current was so fast.
What brings us back again and again is the smaller size of the campground, awesome trails with beautiful views, shady campsites and the fact that it’s less than an hour away. For those looking for just a day trip, I suggest hiking Beacon Rock and then enjoying lunch at the picnic tables just above the playground area. The view is beautiful!
Battle Ground
LAKE
Closest Lake
Camping is always better with friends, so when some old friends from Olympia wanted to try Battle
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GETTING OUT IS IN
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continued from page 10
Ground Lake, we were happy to tag along. Even though we were less than thirty minutes from home, any camping felt like a real vacation for our then first grader and second graders. This campground has over 50 campsites which makes it a busier state park, especially in the summer when people come to hang out at the lake for the day. The parking lot can fill up fast and I have seen rangers turning people away when they reach capacity, so I strongly suggest avoiding weekends if you can.
The swim area is also nice, but because there is no creek bringing fresh water into Battle Ground Lake, it occasionally has unsafe levels of E. coli and/or algae. I prefer walking the short trail that circles the lake. One time, my kids and I took a wrong turn and ended up on an equestrian trail that was covered in poop and hard to navigate. Those trails lead to equestrian campsites, which are much more secluded.
I recommend this park for the fishing and lake trail more than the camping, unless you happen to have a horse.
For Disc Golf Fans
Paradise POINT
One year we were late to book a campsite, so the only place left with Labor Day availability was Paradise Point in Ridgefield. While it has some great features, this is also not a place I recommend for overnight camping. There were no trees to keep our area shaded, and it was very close to the freeway, making it noisy at night. The only tree near our campground was an apple tree which attracted bees to all the fruit it was dropping. On the plus side, since there weren’t trees serving as a barrier between campsites, it was easy to set up close to our family so we could cook meals together.
There is a great sandy spot to drop in a kayak or paddleboard and a nice disc golf course here. We liked having an open field next to our campsite where we set up ladder ball and the kids played with flying discs. We also found a blackberry patch that provided endless snacking. Horseshoe Lake was less than a 10-minute drive, so when it got hot in the day we spent time there.
Best Playground and Museum
Seaquest State Park in Castle Rock is a campground I highly recommend. The tent sites were all fantastic with lots of trees and space. There were only a few small hiking trails, but the playground is where my kids spent a lot of their time. Most playgrounds at state parks tend to be wooden, small and old. This playground was big and had things for both younger kids and even teens to play on. There was a huge hill they ran up and down and rolled down just like when they were toddlers.
After breakfast one day, we walked across the street to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Adults and kids alike loved the exhibits and stories of the eruption, and it was a great place to get a family photo with the mountain in the background. I also found the perfect gift for my mother-in-law: a glass Christmas ornament made from volcanic ash. Since our visit, this center recently reopened with new exhibits after a renovation closure.
By afternoon it was hot, so we were hoping to take a swim. Unfortunately, there is no water access at Seaquest State Park, despite being right next to Silver Lake. When we asked the ranger about nearby swimming holes, he directed us to a spot off Tower Road on the Toutle River. It was the perfect place to try out our new paddleboard, but the kids loved riding their inner tubes down some miniature rapids over and over. It was even fun to go down without a tube!
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Battle Ground Lake
Left: Paradise Point river access, Right: Paradise Point yurts
Mount St. Helens as viewed from Seaquest State Park.
Photo courtesy Washington State Parks Photos courtesy Washington State Parks
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RAINBOW FALLS
Best Swimming Hole
Further north in Chehalis, Washington is Rainbow Falls State Park. This was an unexpectedly quiet location, despite having close to 50 camp sites. The beautiful waterfall and river drew us there every day. Most of the swimming area was deep so younger kids will need life jackets or floaties.
The first day we were there, we noticed a large tree that had fallen right across the top of the waterfall, jutting out over the edge. My niece, who happened to be on the swim and dive team at school, was brave enough to walk across this tree and show us her signature dives. Teen boys who were there tried showing off but could not match her style or grace. The next day, rangers chopped up the tree so I think that may have been a one-time experience. However, to the left there is a lower spot you can climb the rocks and then jump into the waterfall and ride it down like a water slide. My husband was able to convince my daughter and I to do it, and once we got started, we didn’t want to stop.
The short Oxalis and Hemlock trails should not be missed, even though it’s about a 5-minute drive from the camping area. We saw an enormous gray owl there that took our breath away. I would honestly go back just to walk that trail again.
We chose to camp here in early April during spring break, which is always a gamble in terms of weather. That year happened to be a very wet spring break, and we spent most of the time in the tent playing card games. (Not a bad deal if you ask me.) When there was a break in the rain, we headed over to the Old Growth Forest Loop. Before walking this path, you must read the signs posted about the life cycles of forests. My family loved being able to identify the phases of the trees as they grow and die, always providing places for life to grow. There were also exhibits of Native American traditions built into the trees. If you’re looking for a last-minute camping spot, this should be first on your list to check because it’s rarely full, but a beautiful park!
A Little of Everything
When my husband and I lived in Olympia years ago, we would visit Millersylvania State Park but never camped there overnight because we didn’t own camping gear yet. This is a large state park with two different swimming beaches on Deep Lake, miles of forested trails for hiking or biking, and a boat launch. They also provide kayak and paddleboard rentals seasonally. It’s definitely a busier park with 248 individual campsites in addition to group campsites.
Like Battle Ground Lake, the swimming brings a lot of day visitors, so weekends can be extra full. If you need a spacious campsite, this is not your campground. But it’s hard to find another place that has this many activities and amenities, so I say it’s still a great place for camping, especially with kids.
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Also in Chehalis, Lewis and Clark State Park is a hidden gem. With only 24 campsites, this would have been the quietest campground I have ever been to if it hadn’t been for the owls. There must have been one living in the tree right next to our tent. Even though the owls kept us up at night, it was amazing to hear them calling back and forth from miles away.
Rainbow Falls State Park
A footbridge at Lewis and Clark State Park
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Next on Our List
If you’ve read this far, you know that we prefer to camp where there’s a place to swim, which is why Ike Kinswa State Park on
Mayfield Lake in Silver Creek is next on our list. The 101 campsites and nine cabins are divided into three different parts of the park, making it feel like a much smaller campground. The swimming area is the biggest of all the state parks I’ve mentioned, so even though it is a busier park, there’s plenty of space for everyone.
What brings most people to Ike Kinswa is the boating and fishing. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout, and you can also find trophy tiger muskies which can weigh over 31 pounds. I imagine my husband will be happily sitting on the shore waiting for a fish to bite, while I get to enjoy the lake on my paddleboard. It’s a win-win for everyone!
I’m grateful that even as my kids get older, they still look forward to camping in our old tent because of all the memories we’ve made in it. We create a home away from home without screens or distractions for four whole days. And though camping isn’t exactly a vacation for my husband and I who do most of the work, it’s work we enjoy. Watching our kids create a world of their own from only sticks and pinecones when they were younger turn into teens who love long hikes has been worth every bit of planning and packing.
Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.
Scan the QR code to read about another one of the most visited state parks in Washington, Cape Disappointment, on the Long Beach Peninsula.
Ike Kinswa State Park
Photo courtesy Washington State Parks
Where Curiosity Meets Community (and
a Pint of Beer)
TBy Kristen Flowers
he scientific method is a familiar friend in elementary school science class. The five tidy steps help kids understand the world: They start with a question, do some research, form a hypothesis, test it and finally, draw a conclusion. It’s a structured way of solving mysteries, one step at a time.
However, most adults don’t think about hypotheses or control groups outside the classroom. We navigate daily decisions with intuition, experience and often guesswork. Still, when it comes to exploring big questions, whether it’s about life, the universe or even our own brains, the scientific method has a little more to offer us than we realize.
That’s what makes Science on Tap such a delightful surprise. It’s not a class or a conference, it’s an experience where storytelling, science and socializing all converge, in one of Clark County’s most engaging monthly rituals. And yes, you can enjoy it with a local beer in hand.
It All Starts with a Question
As many experiments do, the idea behind Science on Tap started with a question: Would adults in Clark County attend science lectures if the topics were fascinating, the speakers engaging and the setting a little more relaxed than your average lecture hall?
Research and Form a Hypothesis
Now, with a question, the next step in the scientific method is to search for background information on your topic. This is to see if the question has been answered before, and if the data already exists or if it warrants further exploration.
In 2006, Amanda Thomas stumbled upon a European initiative called Café Scientifique, a casual lecture series
where people could sip coffee or wine while learning about cutting-edge science and technology. These events were fun, social and surprisingly popular. They proved that science didn’t have to be confined to classrooms or research journals.
After all, science is often misunderstood. It can feel sterile, dense or even intimidating. But Café Scientifique proved it could be exciting, personal and even emotional. The topics ranged from climate change to gene mapping to space exploration. The energy was contagious, and the idea seemed plausible to create a similar series in the breweries of the Pacific Northwest.
With a valid hypothesis and data to back it up, it was time to test the experiment. Science on Tap was presented in various bars throughout Portland. It outgrew venues, and the demand continued to increase. That is when Amanda Thomas, founder of Science on Tap, saw an opportunity to bring this engaging approach to science education across the river.
Experiment
Scott Frey is the president of the nonprofit behind Science on Tap, Make You Think, Inc. “There are a lot of programs that focus on bringing science to children,” Frey says. “And our mission has always been to bring science to adults because there really isn’t anybody who does that.”
Science on Tap soon found a home at the historic Kiggins Theatre. The theatre felt like a perfect match for the lectures. Its plush red seats, vintage details and a wine and beer concession stand made a charming backdrop for a lecture that feels more like a night out than a night in the lab.
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No need for No. 2 pencils or boring, dusty textbooks. Science on Tap invites everyone to sit back and laugh while you learn.
Carefully Curated Connection
Each monthly event is carefully curated, with speakers who are not only experts in their field but also engaging storytellers. They must be able to connect and entertain a crowd of adults who might not be familiar with their topic of study.
“We try to recruit speakers who are entertaining and have the opportunity to [present],” says Frey. “So usually that means they are either local to Portland or a part of a book tour. We have a relationship with several book publishers, and when they send authors on book tours, one of the places they send them is to us.”
But even with access to talented speakers, Science on Tap doesn’t compromise on quality. “When people think of science lectures or presenters, they think stuffy, inaccessible and not necessarily friendly,” Frey adds. “So we vet them. We research what they’re doing. A lot of our speakers come through referrals from others we trust. We try to find speakers that generate some kind of vibe around them and what they want to talk about.”
One of those speakers who brought his own personal vibe was Noah Milman, a graduate student in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at OHSU. Milman’s work includes contributions to the first-in-human clinical trial of 40Hz sensory stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease. Now, he’s focused on his Science on Tap lecture on how earlylife sleep and environment impact the sensory brain and our social connections later in life.
To make his presentation accessible, Milman is skipping the standard scientific PowerPoint slides.
“It’s a very intentional process to communicate information through your words, without relying on data-driven visuals,” he says. “In a scientific meeting, visuals contain data, and it’s important to convey the same data through your own words and simplify the messaging so there is a more straightforward takeaway.”
He’s even reaching out to friends with children to help him anticipate the questions the audience might ask.
That curiosity goes both ways. Milman first attended Science on Tap as an audience member, and the experience stayed with him. “I went to a Science on Tap event last fall on climate change. And I was just really impressed by the body of knowledge the speakers have, particularly answering questions.”
The Science on Tap crowd is eclectic. There are teachers, parents, retirees, college students, tech workers and lifelong learners. Some come for a particular topic. Others come month after month, regardless of the subject, simply because they love the atmosphere.
According to Frey, about half the audience is new at every event. The other half are faithful regulars who have made Science on Tap part of their monthly routine.
A hypothesis and conclusion can now be reached: adults are excited about this form of entertainment and would attend the lectures. The experiment was a success.
But how does a scientist, writer or mathematician feel talking about their life work with an audience with a beer in their hand?
“It’s not too weird,” Milman says. “I think it’s kind of nice. It creates a little less stress. It makes it a bit more informal compared to a research conference, where you’re in this giant lecture hall. So I’m appreciative that maybe this will be a bit more informal in the sense that folks will be enjoying a drink.”
Science is for Everyone
Another popular Science on Tap speaker is Ferris Jabr, a Portlandbased science writer and contributor to The New York Times Magazine. He’s written for The New Yorker, Harper’s, The Atlantic, National
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Left: Anthropology professor Kate Clancy takes up a host of timely issues surrounding menstruation.
Middle: Neuroscientist and accomplished pianist Dr. Larry Sherman presents “Every Brain Needs Music: Neuroscience, Performance, and Song.”
Right: Science journalist Lydia Denworth discusses the science of friendship in search of its biological, psychological and evolutionary foundations.
Photos by Scott Frey.
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Geographic and Scientific American. He has received a Whiting Foundation Creative Nonfiction Grant and fellowships from UC Berkeley and MIT.
Jabr’s Science on Tap talk draws from his book “Becoming Earth” (Random House, 2024) a recent New York Times Bestseller. He spent hours condensing its key messages and pairing them with vivid, unforgettable visuals.
“I’m a science writer,” Jabr says. “So, I’m always thinking about how to communicate with the general public, regardless of someone’s background or expertise. I’m always trying to translate the scientific literature into language that is as lucid and engaging as possible. I’m always thinking about metaphors that help us really understand these complex scientific ideas. And, I like to use as much vivid and detailed imagery as possible.”
Jabr admits public speaking didn’t always come naturally. But over time, he developed a trick that helped him feel more at ease: stepping into a kind of “stage self.”
“I become a different version of Ferris,” he says. “A more confident, skilled and comfortable person. And so that’s who I am when I’m presenting, and then I go back to being my usual self afterward. I sort of think
of it almost as an alter ego, and that helps me suppress any sort of doubts or fear I might have and just take on this different persona because it is a performance.”
Because Make You Think Inc. is a nonprofit, and receives no grants or sponsorships, every ticket sold supports future events. The organization also receives donations from Patreon and from partnerships, like the Science Talk Conference, where it provides audio/visual services in exchange for funding. It’s a humble operation, but the impact is anything but small.
Science on Tap isn’t just about data. It’s about connection and a good reminder that curiosity doesn’t stop when you graduate. Whether you’re a busy parent, a budding scientist or someone who loves a good story, Science on Tap has the perfect night out planned for you. So grab a friend, a pint and an open mind because Science on Tap has a seat saved for you.
Kristen Flowers lives in Vancouver with her husband and daughter, Lilly. You can hear the whole family on 99.5 The Wolf during the Nick and Kristen Morning Show. When she is not working and writing, Kristen loves crafting, watching documentaries and going to escape rooms.
SCIENCE ON TAP UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Surprising Lives of America’s Rarest Butterflies
7:00 pm
Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Sleep & Snuggling: The Key to Social Connection 7:00 pm
Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Sex is a Spectrum: The Biological Limits of the Binary 7:00 pm
Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver
Science writer Ferris Jabr
Photo courtesy Ferris Jabr.
NORTHWEST BOOK FAIR
By Emily Corak
Summer Fun for Readers and Writers Alike!
This summer is shaping up to be a good one for Vancouver readers and writers. Rich with local authors, bookstores and readers, Vancouver has often been overshadowed by larger writing communities and festivals in the Pacific Northwest, but things are changing. On July 19, Vancouver is ready to showcase much of the local talent, and offer inspiration for aspiring writers with the Northwest Book Fair, hosted by KXRW Radio.
Patty Grasher, the founder of the event, is excited. “We love our Portland friends, but we wanted something on this side of the river,” says Grasher. “We feel that Vancouver’s authors deserve to be well represented.” Grasher hosts her own radio show, Northwest Book Talk, on KXRW and is passionate about highlighting local talent. An author herself, Grasher recently published a guidebook, “Explore Vancouver, Washington” (Explore Vancouver USA LLC, 2023) and speaks to authors regularly about their stories and different avenues to publishing. “I am
passionate about bringing these authors publicity!” says Grasher.
Susan Galaviz, the president of KXRW Radio, is equally ecstatic. “I’m just thrilled there are this many Northwest authors excited to celebrate and sell their books,” says Galaviz.
A Growing Community
The book fair was previously named Northwest Fun in the Sun, with pop-up tents for 35 authors at the Covington House. “The parking was terrible, and the venue was too small,” says Grasher. “We knew we needed to expand.”
This year, the Book Fair will be taking place at the Artillery Barracks in Fort Vancouver. In March, the fair sold out of exhibitor space with over 60 authors from Oregon and Washington ready to represent their work. This extraordinary gift to the community is run entirely by volunteers, and Galaviz says, “There will be something there for everyone.”
Authors from all genres and all avenues of publishing will be there to show off their books and merchandise. The fair boasts plenty of children’s book authors, cozy mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, memoirs, local history, ghost stories, romance and more, along with several craft tables. Attendees can come peruse for free, meet authors and walk away with swag and newly autographed books to add to their TBR (To Be Read) piles.
Interested in getting your kids excited about reading? Visit the children’s tent filled with story time, games and reading-related activities. Be sure to stop by the hangout areas to get a head start on reading your newly purchased books And let’s not forget about the writers. The list for authors may have sold out, but if you’re a writer, this is a place to come and connect with your people! If local authors, books and fellow book-lovers hasn’t sold you yet, there will also be writing and illustrating workshops for writers to join. Don’t forget to pre-register!
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Left to right: Susanne Hovis, M. Lee Musgrave, Caren Hahn, Lẹwa Ubunifu, Jeff Davis, Darcy Guyant
Photos courtesy Jon E Kraft.
continued from page 22
“This is a great chance to get inspired by local authors,” says Grasher. “Writers need each other, and we benefit from hearing each other’s stories and different writing paths. Thanks to modern technology, the writing and publishing world is changing rapidly, and there are many avenues to getting books into the world.”
Meet Local Authors
One local Camas writer, Gina Terwilleger Mercado, is coming to the book fair to show off her picture book, “Birdy Flies” (Tutor's Way, 2023). Mercado owns her own tutoring business, is a local poet and opted to selfpublish her children’s book. “Having my book out there is more important to me than recognition through somebody else’s company,” she says.
“Birdy Flies” came to Mercado after her daughter left home, and she was navigating her empty nest syndrome and feeling a little lost. “As a mom, I was going to be doing new things,” she says. “It’s my time to fly and do my writing and poetry.” Having always loved beautiful picture books full of watercolors from her childhood, Mercado teamed up with local artist Bonnie Cosgrove to bring her vision to life.
Mercado says she always envisioned a book of hers in the local library, and it’s been a dream come true to see it in the Camas Public Library or local bookstores like Autumn Leaf and White Oak Bookstore. The best part, she says, is kids approaching her in the library and saying, “Ms. Gina! I read your book!”
Sara Glavin, the owner of White Oak Books, is thrilled to have local authors like Mercado represented in her store. “I know how hard it is to get into bookstores if you’re not a bestselling author, but we have some fantastic local authors,” says Glavin. She adds that she regularly steers people toward local writers as much as possible, and as soon as the bookstore finishes its expansion, White Oak is looking to hold more author events.
While the focus of Mercado’s marketing and sales has been local, Vancouver author, Deb
Cushman, chose a different approach under the umbrella of self-publishing. Cushman has been a writer for years but waited until she retired to self-publish her fantasy adventure novels for middle grades. Inspired by her family lineage in Denmark, Cushman has released two books of her series, “Chronicles of Nadavir,” detailing the adventures of faeries, elves, dwarves and unicorns.
Her first book, “Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar,” (Debra Cushman, 2022) features a dwarf wanting to break away from her patriarchal society. Cushman says, “I wanted my granddaughters to read about strong female characters that represented their Nordic heritage.” Cushman attempted to go the route of traditional publishing but was told that since “The Hobbit” already existed, she should consider a different type of mythology. She instead decided to self-publish, so she hired an editor and an illustrator and got to work.
“It’s been interesting!” says Cushman. “A lot of traditional publishers want you to do a lot of the work now.” Echoing similar sentiments to Mercado, Cushman adds, “As long as I have to do the marketing anyway, I might as well do it for myself!” Having learned a lot through a self-publishing course and the support of writer’s groups, Cushman focuses on her online sales and newsletter so she has more time for writing.
Seeing her book in print and hearing children’s reactions has been a dream come true for Cushman, and she says sales are steadily climbing due to online promotions, book clubs
it to see children reading your book,” says Mercado.
While there will be plenty of new books and faces to discover at the book fair, there will also be some familiar faces as well. Aron Nels Steinke, author and illustrator of the popular graphic novel series “Mr. Wolf’s Class” (Graphix) will be at the fair sharing his series, his new book “Speechless,” (Graphix, 2025) and teaching an illustration workshop for kids.
Having grown up in Vancouver and now residing in Portland, Steinke is excited to interact with the public and with other writers. “Writing can be such a lonely and introverted activity,” he says. “Community with other writers and readers is really important.”
Steinke started out with a hand-drawn animation degree and wanted to find a way to make art and tell stories. After creating two picture books that never got any traction, he
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“ “
Writing can be such a lonely and introverted activity. Community with other writers and readers is really important.
—Aron Nels Steinke
Deb Cushman has selfpublished a series of fantasy novels.
Photo courtesy Deb Cushman.
Photo courtesy Aron Nels Steinke.
continued from page 24
self-published his own comic series made from black and white copies at Kinko’s. After receiving grant money, he used it to fund selfpublishing. “I was in it for the long haul,” says Steinke.
His first professionally published book, “The Super Crazy Cat Dance” (Blue Apple Books, 2010) got his foot in the door with a tiny publishing house. He and his wife, Ariel Cohn, then went on to write their award-winning book, “The Zoo Box” (First Second, 2014). Although Steinke published these books without an agent, he advises, “I wouldn’t recommend it. Agents keep you from making bad deals.”
While writing and illustrating, Steinke was also teaching fifth grade in Portland, where “Mr. Wolf’s Class” was born. “‘Mr. Wolf’s Class’ was a way to make art without thinking too hard,” Steinke says. “I’d write about things happening in class during the week and I got to share the stories with my students.”
It was at the awards ceremony for “The Zoo Box” where Steinke met an editor from Scholastic and was able to get “Mr. Wolf’s Class” in the right hands, and the series is now a fixture in bookstores and libraries. Steinke also recently released his middlegrade graphic novel, “Speechless,” about a sixth grader experiencing social anxiety and selective mutism. After his own anxieties throughout middle school, Steinke says, “I wanted my protagonist to have similar challenges.”
Steinke says that he always dreamed of being a full-time author but would have continued self-publishing if he hadn’t found a publisher. “It’s definitely a marathon,” he says of the traditional publishing route. “Don’t do it if you don’t love it.” And while he is busy writing his sixth book in the “Mr. Wolf’s Class” series, Steinke is open to future possibilities, and a prose novel might be in the works. “Art was my gateway to storytelling, but I think I’ve developed my voice now,” he says.
Whatever your literary preferences may be, there will be plenty of authors to celebrate and discover. Come check out the Northwest Book Fair from 10 am-3 pm on July 19 and be inspired by the rich literary community Vancouver has to offer, because there is no such thing as too many books.
Emily Corak has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past three decades. A former educator with Vancouver School District, Emily is now a freelance writer, photographer and mom to two young kids with big personalities. She recently earned her MFA in creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.
Northwest Book Fair
July 19, 2025, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... WHY USE RMLS.COM TO SEARCH FOR A HOME?
Welcome to summer, warm weather... and kids out of school. It is that time of year where families may be looking at moving before the start of the next school year so it is a good time to look for a home. First, let’s start at where do you go to look for homes. Trulia? Redfin? Zillow? Craigslist? If you do, then you should know that all of these sites are marketing sites. They all pull their information from one site, and sometimes the information may be....not quite accurate. They are excellent resources for maps and other information, though....just be sure to follow up with your buyer’s Realtor for the ‘real’ scoop, as we can get more information on homes for sale than what the public sees on all these sites. For example, not too long ago, I listed a really cute home up in the Heights area close to SW Hospital. The sellers are clients of mine, and I helped them buy the home 6 years ago. They had just gotten married and needed a ‘starter’ home. This was that home, but now my clients had a toddler, and another on the way, so it was time to sell their ‘starter’ home and buy the next one. We put their home on the market, and within 24 hours, I was getting phone calls asking if it was for rent. I was confused... “No, I am sorry. This home is for sale. Where did you hear it was for rent?” Unfortunately, within 24 hours of me listing the home, some guy had ‘stolen’ the pictures and put it on one of those sites as a rental. I flagged the post and tried to contact the site. I also updated the flyers that the home was for sale, and not for rent... a heads up for people looking at the home that there was a scam on it. The updated flyers were too late for the call I received from one couple, though...this poor couple had contacted the person, and this guy had asked to meet somewhere to sign some paperwork and put down a deposit for the home. They drove by the home, saw the ‘for sale’ sign, and called me about it. This couple was nice enough to forward me the emails this scam artist had sent them, so I was able to email this guy telling him to ‘cease and desist’. Not surprisingly, it was shortly removed from the marketing site. You can never be too careful...
These sites pull their information from the actual site agents use. So, let’s skip the middleman and go to the site that the agents use....RMLS.COM. Ask if your Realtor is a member of one or both MLS sites. In our area, because we teeter on the boundary of both MLS sites, it is important that you have access to both sites... If you go to rmls.com, what do the statuses mean...?
Calendar
of events activities
S M T W T F S
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1 SUNDAY
Ekklesia Theatre presents “When the World Was Green: A Chef’s Fable” at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. An old man, once an excellent chef, is in jail for poisoning a man he mistook for his cousin. A young woman comes to visit him, apparently a local journalist with an interest in his case. As their conversations progress, both learn more about each others lives than they could possibly have imagined, or wanted to know. Tickets $0-$15 at ekklesiatheatre. com. Playing May 30-Jun 8, showtimes vary.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Tickets $15-$60 at vancouversymphony.org. 3 pm
3 TUESDAY
Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Game at the RORC, 3101 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield. Watch Clark County’s hometown baseball team face off against teams from all over the Pacific Northwest. Season and single ticket info at ridgefieldraptors.com. 6:30 pm
4 WEDNESDAY
Camas Farmer’s Market Opening Day 4th Ave., between Everett and Franklin in Camas. A celebration of our region’s agricultural bounty in Downtown Camas. 3-7 pm
6 FRIDAY
Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Cafe, snack shacks, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, DJ, disc golf, mini golf, pedal boats, train rides, bounce houses, pool, playgrounds. All special interest cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Fridays
Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.
Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.
through September 13. Spectators $5-$10, participants $10 per vehicle/$8 motorcycles. Happening every Friday through Sep 12, 4-8 pm
Tacos & Taps at Clark County Food Bank, 6502 NE 47th Ave., Vancouver. A 21+ event where guests enjoy gourmet taco creations and craft beer from some of the area's finest chefs and brewers, plus live music, raffle prizes, games, a photo op, and more, all benefiting Clark County Food Bank. Tickets $50 at clarkcountyfoodbank.org. Happening Jun 6-7, 4-9 pm
Unicorns, Rainbows & Mythical Beasts First Friday in Downtown Camas. Find the unicorns, rainbows and mythical beasts all throughout town, plus enjoy art shows, afterhours shopping, prizes, crafts, live music and more. 5-8 pm
Family Fun Night at Salmon Creek Grange 1900 NE 154th St, Vancouver. Play games, enjoy light snacks, and share fun and laughter. Free for all, on the first Friday of each month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6-9 pm
Journey Theater presents “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Manor Church, 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground. Set in 1840 Missouri, this is the tale of young Tom Sawyer and the neverending mischief of which he so often finds himself a part; whether it’s matching wits with Aunt Polly, tricking his friends into white-washing a fence for him or narrowly escaping the clutches of a murderous villain. Tickets $13-$16 at journeytheater.org. Playing May 30-Jun 7, showtimes vary.
7 SATURDAY
Run for Life at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Help make a difference in the lives of men and women facing unplanned pregnancies by walking or running in this
Check out our website for even more local events.
fundraising event for Pathways Clinic. Register at runforlifecamas.com. 7:30 am
BioBlitz at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Help document the plants, insects, lichen, birds, and other wildlife that are present around our wetlands and forest edges. The BioBlitz helps us monitor species year to understand who is here, seasonal movement patterns and flowering phenology. With the help of community scientists and nature enthusiasts like you, we will document as many species as we can. Registration is required at cityofvancouver.us/events/ bioblitz-at-the-water-center. 9 am-12 pm
Lemonade Day & Junior Market at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Lemonade Day is a free program powered by the Greater Vancouver Chamber, where kids learn how to create budgets, set profitmaking goals, serve customers, repay investors, and give back to the community. After crafting their business plans through the Lemonade Day program, these young CEOs are geared up to showcase their creations at their own booths! Partnering with the Vancouver Farmers Market, the Greater Vancouver Chamber offers a unique opportunity for kids to set up shop in a prime location and sell their handmade or homegrown products at the Junior Market. Learn more at vancouverusa.com/annualevents/lemonadeday. 9 am-3 pm
British Block Party at Kings Cross Automotive, 315 E Reserve St., Vancouver. Stock or custom, young or old; come show off your British ride at our annual car show and open house. Enjoy music and food, spin the prize wheel to win swag, take a chance to earn Kings Cross Bucks, tour the shop and meet the crew. 10 am-1 pm
Big Paddle at Ridgefield Waterfront. Enjoy guided hikes and paddles, live music, the Big Paddle Cornhole Classic, outdoor games, a
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dunk tank, beer garden and food trucks, hay rides and more. 10 am-3 pm
Queer Couve Youth Summit 2025 at YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., Vancouver. Designed for LGBTQ+ youth (age 13-18) in Clark County, this event will include a catered lunch, SWAG, prizes, and an engaging program hosted by Savannah O. Bennington of Rouge Apostles Productions. Attendees will build community, make friendships, enjoy a keynote speaker and select from breakout sessions. RSVP at ywcaclarkcounty.org. 10 am-5 pm
Metropolitan Performing Arts presents “The Wizard of Oz” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. A new musical written by MPA’s own Erik Montague, based on the beloved characters we know from the book, movie and musical. Travel the yellow brick road with Broadway Jr. students as they journey to meet the wizard of Oz. Tickets $1-$5 at metropolitanperformingarts.org.
Playing Jun 7-8, showtimes vary.
June 29-30, 2024
5K • 10K • Trail Challenge • YS Benefiting City of Yacolt
COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!
SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE
KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF
activity, farm animals and more. Admission $3. Happening Jun 7-8, 11 am-5 pm
8 SUNDAY
Impact Camas-Washougal at Port of Camas-Washougal, 24 S A St., Washougal. Gather to help feed approximately 200 local Camas and Washougal School District families in need of a little extra help at the end of the school year by providing and assembling food boxes and grocery gift cards. More information at impactcamaswashougal.org. 12-5 pm
11 WEDNESDAY
Science on Tap: The Surprising Lives of America’s Rarest Butterflies at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. With recent headlines of butterfly declines in the news, learn what conservation scientists are doing to try to recover some of America’s rarest butterflies and what you can do for butterflies in your own backyard. Tickets $15$45 at kigginstheatre.com. 7 pm
7 SATURDAY
Wander Clark County – Old City Cemetery at Old City Cemetery, 2700 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Explore Vancouver’s rich history on a walking tour of the Old City Cemetery, established in 1867 and home to continued from previous page
Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. A weekend of homespun fun, showcasing and demonstrating arts and crafts by local artisans. The weekend will also include a market with local vendors, a children’s i-Spy
12 THURSDAY
Salmon Creek Farmers Market Opening Day at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, 2211 NE 139th St., Vancouver.
Join a flotilla of kayaks, paddle boards and canoes on a five-mile roundtrip paddle along Lake River to the Columbia and back to the Ridgefield Waterfront.
Featuring food, flowers, and traditional products from farm vendors, producers of wholesome food and select artisans to the Salmon Creek community and its neighbors. 11 am-3 pm
14 SATURDAY
3.56x4.8_VFad_ALL.indd 8 1/29/23 continued on page 30
Photo by Connor Kelley at pexels.com
an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 burials. Tickets $10 at cchmuseum.org. 9 am & 11 am
DogPaw’s Community Vendor Event at Dakota Memorial Off Leash Dog Park 1515 NE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Connect with local pet businesses, nonprofit pet rescues, and government agencies, explore unique prices and support the DogPaw Community. 9 am-2 pm
Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Celebrate the start of Camas Public Library’s Summer Reading Program by picking up your gameboard to track your reading and some new books to get you started. 10 am-12 pm
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Live music, attractions, art displays, local vendors, resources and live music from headliners Wamba, JuJuba and ThaJewler. 10 am-3 pm
Inaugural Chicken Fashion Show at Stellar Luxe, 415 N Amboy Ave., Yacolt. Dress up your feathered friends and enter them into the show. There will be multiple categories, and after all contestants have strutted their stuff down the runway, judges will announce the winners at a special award ceremony. Plus, enjoy artisan vendors, a kid craft station, sample bar and more. More information at facebook.com/stellarluxe/events. 11 am-5 pm
Uptown Flea Market at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Explore and shop goods from 15+ local makers, plus enjoy fun family activities. Happening Jun 14 & 28, 11 am-4 pm
Vancouver’s Pride Block Party in Downtown Vancouver next to Turtle Place and Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, 109 W 7th St. Hosted by local nonprofit Queer Community Network, Vancouver’s Pride Block Party is a free, family-friendly event where attendees can discover resources, explore local businesses, interact with service providers, and come together as a community. With a full day of live entertainment, the event is deeply community-driven prioritizing accessibility, equity, and inclusion in every detail. 12-7 pm
Cottage Dance Academy presents Fairytales & Nightmares-Sleeping Beauty at Riverside Performing Arts 1307-B NE 78th St., Suite 9, Vancouver. This Spring Show will feature original contemporary works and excerpts from the classic ballet Sleeping Beauty. Tickets $10-$15 at cottagedanceacademy.com/events. 2 pm & 6 pm
Summer at Your Library Kick-Off at Vancouver Community Library 901 C St., Vancouver. Kickoff your Summer Reading journey by playing your way through a summer mini golf course. 2-5 pm
Junior Symphony of Vancouver Summer Concert at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver. Program will include music by Rossini, Saint-Saens, and will feature JSV oboist Seth-Hartrim Lowe performing a selection by Handel. Conducted by Collin Heade. Reception following. Tickets $15 at the door. 7:30 pm
15 SUNDAY
Couve Auto Show: The Clark County Father’s Day Car Show at Vancouver Mall. Enjoy live music, food, raffles, and other family-friendly entertainment in addition to the many classic and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles that fill the Clark County community! Free admission for spectators. 10 am-3 pm
19 THURSDAY
Woodland Planters Days in Downtown Woodland. Enjoy a parade, market, entertainment and more. Happening Jun 19-22
20 FRIDAY
Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome, on the third Friday of each month. 5-6 pm
Culture & Heritage Series: Summer Solstice Celebration at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Welcome the longest day of the year with connection and celebration! Enjoy solsticethemed poetry and spoken word, gentle yoga, sound meditation and a fun craft activity, all as we usher in the summer season at this free event. 5:30-8:30 pm
21 SATURDAY
Pollinator Festival at Marshall Park, 1015 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. The Vancouver Bee Project presents a day dedicated to celebrating pollinators and their essential role in our ecosystems. Enjoy a Bee Walk at Clark College Meadows, VITA Elementary School Walk & Talk, featured speakers and more. 9 am-3 pm
Columbia Play Project Family Play Day at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Enjoy this free
family event including 25 child-serving organizations, each providing a playful way to engage families and kids, plus hourly performances from Journey Theater, Metropolitan Performing Arts, School of Rock, Ke Kekui Foundation and Groove Nation. 10 am-3 pm
FVRLibraries 75th Anniversary Celebration: Hula Aloha-Dance & Culture of Hawaii at Vancouver Mall. Celebrate FVRLibraries' 75th anniversary with a special performance from Hula Aloha. Join us for a fun and interactive program where you’ll learn basic hula steps, discover Hawaiian language, try out authentic hula implements and even perform a simple hula dance. 11 am-1 pm
Hawaiian Culture with Hula at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. A celebration of Hawaiian culture through hula. This will be an interactive program where you will get on your feet for a hula lesson, learn about the Hawaiian language, and find out some fun facts. This is for all ages and the whole family. 12:45-1:45 pm
Comedy & Magic with Angel Ocasio / Comedia y magia con Ángel Ocasio at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Nationally recognized as a top physical comedian in the Pacific Northwest, Angel Ocasio combines silly antics, magic, juggling and audience participation in his unique style of comedy to present a fun and wacky show suited for all family members. Reconocido a nivel nacional como uno de los mejores comediantes físicos del Noroeste del Pacífico, Ángel Ocasio combina payasadas, magia, malabares y la participación del público en su estilo único de comedia para presentar un espectáculo divertido y chiflado para todos los miembros de la familia. 2-3 pm
22 SUNDAY
Live Your Best Life Camas Pride Block Party in Downtown Camas. Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of fun, food and celebration. 11 am-4 pm
24 TUESDAY
75th Anniversary Celebration: Summer Reading Kick-Off at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Celebrate FVRLibraries' 75th anniversary and Summer Reading with games, treats and, signups for the summer reading program. 11 am-1 pm
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25 WEDNESDAY
Poetry Street PNW – A Poetry Open Mic Where Every Voice is Heard at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Read aloud your original or favorite work, and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages welcome. 6:15-7:45 pm
27 FRIDAY
Summer Concert Series: The Big Bossa Quartet at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. Big Bossa brings cool jazz with a flavor of Latin and blues. Free concert with food and beverages available for purchase. 5:30-8:30 pm
Metropolitan Performing Arts presents “The Wind in the Willows” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. This riotous comedy follows Mole, Rat, Badger and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose antics land him in serious trouble. Tickets $1-$8 at metropolitanperformingarts.org. Playing Jun 27-28, showtimes vary.
28 SATURDAY
Lake to Bay Relay & Ultramarathon at Frenchman's Bar Park, 9216 Lower River Dr., Vancouver. Lake to Bay is a single-day, 1-7 person team, 62.2-mile (100K) relay or ultramarathon event venturing through beautiful Vancouver and Camas. Learn more and register at whisperrunning.com/ laketobay. 7 am
Bigfoot 5K & 10K at Yacolt Recreational Park, 26612 E Hoag St., Yacolt. Registration $40-$50 at whyracingevents.com/events. 9 am
Harper’s Playground Day of Play at Marshall Park, 1015 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Celebrate community, inclusion and play at this event with activities, music, food carts and games for all. 10 am-2 pm
Fort Vancouver Rose Society Spring 2025 Rose Show at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Celebrating 200 years of roses at the Fort, this free event is anticipated to be the largest rose show in the state of Washington. 1-4 pm
Camas Car Show in Downtown Camas. Stroll the beautiful streets of historic Downtown Camas and enjoy the many classic and custom cars and trucks that fill the town. Old favorites and new discoveries in this 18th annual event. 2-7 pm
Join the community in activities for all abilities on Harper’s Playground Day of Play at Marshall Park
FARMERS MARKETS
Vancouver Farmers Market at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. April-October | Saturdays, 9 am-3 pm, Sundays, 10 am-3 pm
Camas Farmers Market at 4th Ave., between Everett and Franklin. June 5-October 2 | Wednesdays, 3-7 pm
East Vancouver Farmers Market at 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. June-September | Thursdays, 10 am-2 pm
Salmon Creek Farmers Market at Legacy Hospital, 2211 NE 139th St., Vancouver. June 12- October 2 | Thursdays, 11 am-3 pm
Photo
FRIENDLY
Waterfront Park Concert Series
Presented by Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center
Thursdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
July 3-24 | Vancouver Waterfront Park
695 Waterfront Way
Movies in the Parks
Presented by the City of Vancouver
Fridays | Aug. 1 - 22
6:30 p.m., movies start at dusk
Visit a new park each week
Sunday Sounds Concert Series
Presented by Riverview Community Bank
Sundays | 6-8 p.m.
July 13 - Aug. 17 | Columbia Tech Center
SE Sequoia Cir. at SE Tech Center Dr.
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival
Presented by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the City of Vancouver
July 31 - Aug. 3 in Esther Short Park and Downtown Vancouver
View the full schedule at cityofvancouver.us/events
