1. Community spirit
For more than 90 years, Woodland Planters Days has been a community tradition that includes pancakes, parades, carnivals and even frogs. From 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, June 19, visitors can explore the carnival by Horseshoe Lake, with other events such as the farm equipment show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The big events kick off Saturday, June 20, in downtown Woodland with hotcakes and breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the veterans hall and Moose lodge. The annual parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a firefighters’ barbecue at noon, and the 48th annual frog jump at 1:30 p.m. at Horseshoe Lake. There will be a penny scramble at 3 p.m. in front of the Fire Station and the 13th annual bed races at 4 p.m. along Davidson Avenue. The night wraps up with car cruise-in and concert by Pull for Fire at 7 p.m. Explore the last day of the carnival, take in the car show, or enjoy the talent contest 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21. www.planters-days.com
2. Sweet scents
The Fort Vancouver Rose Society hosts its 62nd annual Rose Show 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20. All rose growers are welcome to enter roses into the show from 6 to 10 a.m., with supplies provided. The theme, “Roses by Design,” will feature displays of more than 1,000 roses in the largest show of its kind in the state. Guided tours will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m., along with workshops, trophies and the Queen of Show awards at the First Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Admission is free. 360-281-7270 or www.fortvancouverrosesociety.org
3. Shakespeare, dangerously
The Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents the fifth annual Midsummer Midsommer on the longest night of the year. The audience will vote for who will make up the cast of “A Midsommer Night’s Dreame,” starting at 8 p.m., with the performance starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at Mount Tabor, Southeast 60th Ave. and Salmon Street, Portland. The production uses the same techniques used during the Bard’s time: limited rehearsal, an onstage prompter, audience interaction and fast-paced acting. The event is not suitable for children. Admission is free. And mark your calendar for July 19, when the theater company will perform “The Merry Wives of Windsor” in Vancouver’s Esther Short Park. www.opsfest.org
4. Fresh and local
The first of two Salmon Creek Farmers’ Markets opens on Tuesday, June 23, at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, 2211 N.E. 139th St., Vancouver. The community market will run weekly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Tuesday through Sept. 29. Meet local farmers, artisans and food vendors outside the hospital, rain or shine. The bigger Salmon Creek market will open for the season on July 9. www.salmoncreekfarmersmarket.com
