Save the Date: Get ready to walk, run, raise money

Four paws or two feet, animal lovers can grab their tennis shoes and leashes for the 24th annual Walk/Run for the Animals. Kicking off this morning with a 7:30 a.m. registration followed by a 9 a.m. start, participants and their dogs will take part in a walk or timed run to benefit the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. After the race, there will be a Party in the Park starting at 12:30 p.m., with animal-related businesses and vendors to explore. Participating dogs must be kept on leashes at all time. The race begins from Esther Short Park, 415 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. There is a $35 registration fee, free for ages 12 and younger. www.southwesthumane.org/walk-run

On Sunday, Esther Short Park will also be the starting point for Walk MS, kicking off at 10 a.m. This fundraising event for the local chapter of National MS Society features a 5K walk route with entertainment and refreshments. The funds raised benefit research and local people living with multiple sclerosis. All donations encouraged, with $35 recommend donation to participate. 503-445-8342 or www.defeatms.com

There are also a few more benefit walks and runs to get ready for.

• Great Strides 5K Walk for Cystic Fibrosis begins at 10 a.m. May 9. This fundraising event hosted by the local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation features a 5K walk, children’s activities, food and festivities all taking place in Esther Short Park, with registration by donation. http://fightcf.cff.org

• Take the Risk and Run is a benefit for the Clark County Teach One to Lead One mentoring program that works with at-risk youth in the local schools. The fun run/walk features 5K and 10K routes along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail starting at 9 a.m. May 30 from Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver. Registration is $30. http://clarkwa.t1l1.org

Starting Thursday, four high school theater productions will open.

• Battle Ground High School presents “The 1940s Radio Hour” with commercials, on-stage sound effects and classic songs at 7 p.m. May 7-9 and 14-16 in the Lair at Battle Ground High School, 300 W. Main St., Battle Ground. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors. 360-885-6550 or https://payments.battlegroundps.org

• The darkly comedic musical “Little Shop of Horrors” will be presented on stage by the Hockinson High School Theatre Company. This story of an ever-growing man-eating plant is recommended for older children, and opens at 7 p.m. May 7-9 and 14-16 at Hockinson High School, 16819 N.E. 159th St., Brush Prairie. Tickets are $10, $8 for seniors, students and ages 12 and younger. 360-448-6400 or www.hocksd.org

• A magical nanny arrives at Mountain View High School during its production of “Mary Poppins.” The huge cast event flies across the stage, starting at 7 p.m. May 7-8 and 14-16 and 1 p.m. May 9 at Mountain View High School, 1500 S.E. Blairmont Drive, Vancouver. Tickets are $10, $8 for students, seniors and ages 12 and younger. 360-604-6100 or http://evergreenps.org/high-schools/mountain-view

• La Center High School Drama Class tackles “Noises Off,” a play within a play which features a moving, two-story set. The comedic production begins at 7:30 p.m. May 7-9 at La Center High School, 725 N.E. Highland Ave., La Center. Tickets are $6, $5 for students. 360-263-1700 or www.lchsart.com/drama

The Lelooska Foundation will offer two Living History Performances on May 9 and June 13. Chief Tsungani and the Lelooska Family dancers bring to life First Nations culture through Northwest Coast masks, song, dance and folktales, told in the glow of firelight. Reservations are required. The performance takes place at the Lelooska Foundation, 165 Merwin Village Road, Ariel. Tickets are $12, $8 for ages 12 and younger. 360-225-9522 or www.lelooska.org

Mark your calendar for June 6, when Ridgefield’s fourth annual Big Paddle sets out from the Port of Ridgefield as a flotilla of kayaks and canoes. Participants will paddle five miles along Lake River to the confluence with the Columbia River and back. While participation is free, rentals can be reserved at Ridgefield Kayak, 360-727-4520 or www.ridgefieldkayak.com. www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us