1. Battle Ground celebrates
This year’s Battle Ground Harvest Days will feature music by country artist James Otto, skating and BMX competitions, a kickball tournament, beer tasting and a geocoin challenge. The carnival, with rides and vendor booths, will be open 1 to 10 p.m. July 15, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 16 at Fairgrounds Park and Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Carnival day passes plus ride wristbands are $25. The big event for Friday will be the Harvest Night Car Cruise-in from 6:30 to 10 p.m. July 15 on Fifth Avenue and Main Street as hot rods and classics ride through downtown. Participants can register from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for $20. At 10 a.m. July 16, the Grand Parade begins, featuring community groups and marching bands. The opening ceremony begins at noon on the main stage, with the youth talent show at 1 p.m. The winner of the talent show will perform at 6:30 p.m., followed by country artist James Otto at 8:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $5. 360-687-1510 or www.battlegroundchamber.org
Fire District 3 will host the Harvest Days Pancake Breakfast, with proceeds benefiting Shriner’s Hospital for Children and a Battle Ground boy in need. The Battle Ground Fire Station, 511 S.W. First St., will be open for tours, with breakfast served from 7 to 9:30 a.m. July 16 before the parade. $5 for individuals and $15 for families. 360-892-2331 or 360-342-5004.
Also, Northwood Public House and Brewery will host its popular Pig Roast to coincide with Battle Ground Harvest Days from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 16. The whole hogs will be served starting at noon until gone. Regional favorites Misty Mamas will perform original bluegrass from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by soul piano player and vocalist Brady Goss at 6 p.m. at the brewery, 1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd., Battle Ground. northwoodpublichouse.com
2. Rural roots
The Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association will host the Rural Heritage Fair, which celebrates the history of agriculture, logging and industrial mechanization in Clark County. There will be live demonstrations from blacksmiths, creating items in use from the 1800s and today. There will be a number of steam and early gas engines, along with vintage cars, fire engines, tractors and farm equipment. Children can try splitting cedar shakes, churning butter, making quilts, grinding corn and more in the pioneer village. The vast collection, including bicycles and industrial equipment, belonging to Alan Schurman will be on display. The fair will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 17 at the Alan Schurman’s Iron Ranch, 23100 N.E. 10th Ave., Ridgefield. Admission is free. 360-693-1201 or www.fvaea.com
