The summer festivals begin this weekend with two big celebrations, one for the forests and the other for the vines.
The Craft Winefest of Vancouver highlights Washington vino as it celebrates the wineries of Clark County and Washington state. From noon to 10 tonight and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, visitors can try more than 150 different wines, along with 25 local beers and spirits, enjoy live music and explore the work of craft vendors in Esther Short Park, 414 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Admission is $16 to $20 for ages 21 and older, which includes entrance on both days. www.thecraftwinefest.com
National Outdoors Day runs 10 a.m. to 3 today with a smorgasbord of outside activities at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. It’s a great way to try climbing, fishing, orienteering, Frisbee golf, archery and camping, while learning about all the natural resources and activities in our area. Be sure to stop by the 1840s fur brigade encampment for a bit of interactive history, as costumed interpreters re-enact the Hudson’s Bay Company fur brigades. www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org or www.nps.gov/fova
Crown Park turns into a children’s play space during the Camtown Youth Festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 today. The annual free festival features a variety of games, activities and entertainment for ages 16 and younger, along with the annual art show, kids’ flea market and demonstrations in the Camas park, Northeast 15th and Everett streets, Camas. 360-834-5307 or www.ci.camas.wa.us
Dust off a bike and join Vancouver Urban Forestry during the Heritage Tree Bike Ride on Tuesday. This guided tour of the city’s heritage trees takes participants on a 4-mile bicycle ride. Participants must wear helmets. The ride runs 6 to 8 p.m. June 16 starting from Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Participation is free, registration encouraged. 360-487-8308 or urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us
The festive atmosphere of summer continues Thursday with the opening of Woodland Planters Days. The carnival by the lake begins at 3 p.m. with the Children’s Parade at 5 p.m. June 18, followed by free carriage rides and the Planters Days Queen Coronation at 8 p.m., finished with fireworks show at 10 p.m. The festival runs through June 21, with a community parade, firemen’s barbecue, car shows and displays, the annual frog jump and bed races at Horseshoe Lake and downtown Woodland, Davidson Avenue and Goerig Street, Woodland. www.planters-days.com
Break out the picnic blanket for the local Juneteenth Celebration, which takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20. The community picnic will feature a talent show, fly fishing lessons, crafts and food vendors, and a sweet potato pie contest at Marshall Park, 1015 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Debi Jenkins of Clark College will be the guest speaker. Juneteenth is one of the oldest celebrations commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Admission is free. 360-909-7688.
The Summer Solstice Urban Obstacle Race is part scavenger hunt and part gameshow-esque challenges. On June 20, participants will be given clues to 15 stations located in downtown Vancouver. At the stations, they will face either a physical or mental challenge before receiving their next clue. Race registration is $40 to $50. 360-574-7292 or www.nwpersonaltraining.com
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad brings out its steam train engine for a Father’s Day themed trip through north Clark County. Travelers will stop at Moulton Station and the Yacolt Falls during the 12-mile round trip. The train leaves at noon and 2:30 p.m. June 20-21, with reservations recommended. Tickets are $20, $19 for seniors, $15 for ages 5 to 12; $13 for ages 2 to 4 and free for ages 1 and younger. 360-686-3559 or www.bycx.com
The Fort Vancouver Rose Society hosts its 62nd annual Rose Show 1 to 4 p.m. June 20 at the First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. The largest rose show in Washington offers more than 1,000 roses will be on display, everything from hybrid teas and miniatures to old garden roses. Guided tours will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m., along with workshops, trophies and the Queen of Show awards. All rose growers are welcome to enter roses the day of the show from 6 to 10 a.m., with supplies provided. Admission is free. 360-281-7270 or www.fortvancouverrosesociety.org
Kids can make a historic discovery over summer vacation with the return of Kids Dig. Children ages 8 to 12 can learn about archaeology first-hand, as they excavate a site with trowels, screen dirt, measure and map their finds to discover historical secrets at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver. Space is limited to 20 participants, with sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 27, July 11, 18; 2 p.m. Aug. 8. The dig is free. 360-816-6250 or www.nps.gov/fova
