1. Scented summer fun
Heisen House Vineyards hosts its annual Lavender Festival, a celebration that highlights uses for the flower beyond its scent, from noon to 9 p.m. July 29. There will be lavender-themed crafts, cooking tips, fresh lavender and dried lavender by the bunch on the winery grounds, 28005 N.E. 172nd Ave., Battle Ground. There will also be art and garden products, games, food and local musicians performing throughout the day, including Marianne Flemming, Hazel and Kathleen, Celtalina, John Baker, and Aram and Dan Dingman. The Hi Jinx Band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5, $3 for children. 360-713-2359 or www.heisenhousevineyards.com
2. All about La Center
La Center Our Days Celebration returns with a new lineup of activities near and around Holley Park, 1000 E. Fourth St., La Center. It begins with Music in the Streets, a dance party featuring the Perry Gerber Band, at 7 p.m. July 28 and a community screening of “Sing,” rated PG. July 29 will kick off with a free 5K run/walk, followed by the annual parade at 10 a.m. on a new route, honoring American Heroes. Blaine Dohman is the grand marshal. A car show will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with kids activities, a barbecue lunch for $8, and vendors in the park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Beautiful Baby Contest will crown winners in three age groups, with free registration for babies 18 months and younger starting at 11:45 a.m. The day finishes with community bingo at 2 p.m. and a concert in Sternwheeler Park, 100 E. Fourth St., from 6 to 8 p.m. starring local Beatles tribute band Abbey Roadster. Admission is free. www.lacenterourdays.com
3. Fluffy, tart and sweet
Blueberry Pancake Day at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill will bring together freshly milled flour and local blueberries for a July treat. From noon to about 4 p.m. July 29, visitors can take a bite of blueberry pancakes, topped with more blueberries and smothered in blueberry syrup. Take some time to explore the historic 1876 building, 43907 N.E. Grist Mill Road, Woodland. See how the mill works with demonstrations from volunteers or walk the millrace. Admission is free, with donations encouraged. 360-225-5832 or http://cedarcreekgristmill.org
4. Gather for fun
Community groups led by Fourth Plain Forward will gather for a celebration of the community and businesses at the Fourth Plain Multicultural Festival. Take in a day of food, music, arts and dance with activities for all ages, including soccer clinics, games and crafts and an organized walk and bicycle ride along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. The festival is inspired by the Fourth Plain International Festival, last held in 2013. The celebration runs noon to 5 p.m. July 30 at Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies, 5700 E. 18th St. Admission is free. www.facebook.com/4thplainfest
