News / Clark County News

Try This: Paddle up for water events

By Ashley Swanson, Columbian Features News Coordinator

Published: June 6, 2014, 5:00pm

People paddle down Lake River to the Columbia River during the Big Paddle event and learn about historic, cultural and environmental sites along the way in 2012.

Ridgefield’s Big Paddle invites the community to explore the water and wildlife by kayak, paddleboard or canoe during a two-hour adventure along Lake River. The event begins with a ceremony, a Chinook drumming and blessing, along with a scavenger hunt and information booths. Boat rentals are available at Ridgefield Kayak.

When: 9 a.m. ceremony, 10 a.m. start today.

Where: Public Boat Launch, Port of Ridgefield, 5 W. Mill St., Ridgefield.

Admission: Free, $25 for kayak rentals.

Telephone: 360-727-4520.Web: http://ridgefieldkayak.com

The Vancouver Lake Crew will host a free community event to learn more about rowing for National Learn to Row Day. The event includes lessons for ages 8 and older from coaches and rowers, demonstrations on how to use a rowing machine, a barbecue and boathouse tours.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Where: Vancouver Lake Crew, 8612 N.W. Erwin O. Rieger Memorial Highway, Vancouver.

Admission: Free.

Telephone: 360-600-6408.Web: http://vancouverlakecrew.com

The water activities are among many options for getting out and about this weekend.

2) Rescuing happy endings

Journey Theater presents “Grimm Fairytales,” a theatrical twist on familiar storybook characters. When the Grimm Brothers’ sacred scroll, pen and inkwell are stolen to rewrite the happy endings of fairy tales, a girl from another world must retrieve the items before “happily ever after” disappears for good.

When: 7 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal.

Admission: $12 to $15, $10 to $13 for children and seniors.

Telephone: 360-750-8550.Web: http://journeytheater.org

3) Hands-on nature

Family Field Trip Day offers a variety of activities for families to explore nature. Visitors can explore the 100-acre urban natural area and working hatchery. Activities include guided sensory and animal habitat walks, nature crafts, and hands-on science.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Where: Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center, 12208 S.E. Evergreen Highway, Vancouver.

Admission: $5 per child, free for adults.

Telephone: 360-882-0936.Web: www.columbiasprings.org

4) Grand Floral Parade

The Grand Floral Parade kicks off today, traveling from the Memorial Coliseum to Lincoln High School in downtown Portland. Local groups participating in the parade include the Battle Ground Rose Float, the Clark County Fair Court, Miss Vancouver Rodeo Queen, the Llamas of Southwest Washington and Pearson Field Education Center’s Douglas World Cruiser. Local high school marching bands — including Columbia River, Union, Hockinson, Battle Ground and Heritage high schools — will perform. The parade will be broadcast on Fox 12.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Where: Memorial Coliseum, 300 N. Winning Way, Portland.

Admission: Free, reserved seating: $15 to $30.

Web: http://rosefestival.org

5) ‘The Fault in Our Stars’

Terminally ill Hazel Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) reluctantly attends a cancer patient support group at the request of her mother. There she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), discovering they share a mutual friend, Isaac (Nat Wolff). Hazel expresses her love for the book “An Imperial Affliction” and desire to meet its mysterious author, Peter van Houten. Augustus decides to grant her wish. “The Fault in Our Stars” is rated PG-13.

Where: Battle Ground Cinema, 1700 S.W. Ninth Ave., Battle Ground; Cinetopia Mill Plain, 11700 S.E. Seventh St.; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive; Regal Cinemas, various, Vancouver.

Cost: Varies by location.

Telephone: Battle Ground Cinema, 360-666-7200; Cinetopia, 360-213-2800; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 360-448-4100; Regal Cinemas, 800-326-3264.

Web: http://cinetopia.com, http://regmovies.com, http://battlegroundcinema.com