A tactical urbanism group, Washougal Round Table, has announced details of a summer art installation project and kick-off event taking place at Reflection Plaza, in downtown Washougal. The event, slated for Saturday, July 1, will unveil the “Washougal Conversation Board,” an interactive art installation that will be available to the public every Saturday from July 1 to July 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The project focuses on building community, creating an opportunity for interaction and information sharing between groups, and developing a sense of civic pride and enthusiasm for Washougal. A final report of the project will be submitted to the City of Washougal and made available to the public online.

The July 1 kick off is free and family friendly. Drop-ins are welcome any time. The event will feature a pop-up picnic park. Guests will be encouraged to add their responses throughout the entire day. Live music and a public open mic jam session will set the mood. A picnic basket will be raffled off to attendees of the event featuring a Pendleton blanket, OurBar gift certificate, and locally sourced treats, with a value of over $150. For more information, click here.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Ginn

On Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4, all Fort Vancouver park facilities, including the Visitor Center, the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, and Pearson Air Museum, will be open to pedestrian access after visitors enter through one of the three security checked gates.

The park facilities will be open later than usual, with both Fort Vancouver and Pearson Air Museum operating from noon to 8 p.m., and the park’s Visitor Center and Bookstore operating from noon to 5 p.m. The usual fees will apply to enter the fort ($5 for adults, children 15 and under are free). There is no fee to enter the Visitor Center or Pearson Air Museum.

National Park Service staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes throughout the reconstructed fort to help bring the site to life and present the lifeways of the 19th century fur trade. The Visitor Center and Pearson Air Museum will have exhibits and films available for viewing as well.

Visitors are welcome to take a flight in a vintage 1930 bi-plane which will be operating from the taxiway adjacent to Pearson Air Museum. The operator, Nostalgic Warbird & Biplane Rides, piloted by Mike Carpentiero will be operating throughout the day. For more information on the costs of bi-plane rides, visit http://nostalgicwarbirdrides.com/.

The 2017 Camas Car Show is Saturday, July 8, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. This family friendly, free event features dozens of classic and custom cars and trucks lined up on the beautiful shaded streets of downtown Camas.

Families can expect raffles throughout the event, live music by Bluez Cruizer, dance performances by the Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio at 6 p.m., activities for kids and more. Food will include Getta Gyro, Truly Scrumptious pies and pastries, My Dad’s Kettle Korn, Oriental Kitchen, Tequila Mexican Grill and more.

There is a $15 entry fee. Although no pre-registration is necessary, filling out forms in advance is recommended. Registration will start at noon at the registration booth at Fifth and Birch streets. The show benefits the Camas Washougal Treasure House Food Bank. Those that bring two cans of food will receive a free raffle ticket.

Celebrating over 50 years of providing the community with an exceptional fireworks display, Fort Vancouver Historic Trust will host Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4. New this year, the event will be free, with a $5 suggested donation. Mainstage entertainment starts at 6 p.m. This year’s lineup includes: River Twain, Salsanova, “45 Away” 234th Army Band and The Nu Wavers. Food, arts and crafts, and informational booths will be on site. Fireworks are from 10:05 to 10:30 p.m. Prime Viewing ticket holders will have access to the exclusive Prime Viewing area, where they will be treated to a tasty 4th of July picnic dinner, and a front row view to the spectacular fireworks show. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.