1. Soggy doggies
Love the smell of wet dog? Well, you probably don’t. But dogs still love to splash around, and Lake Shore Athletic Club is providing that right before closing its outdoor pool for the season. Pooches can participate in the club’s annual pool day hosted by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Veteran canine swimmers are welcome to paddle and play fetch in the large pool, while small or inexperienced dogs can test the wading pool. The swim session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 23. Admission is $15 per dog; the Athletic Club is at 2401 N.W. 94th St., Vancouver. www.southwesthumane.org or 360-213-2626
2. Trampling Parkinson’s
Take steps to stop Parkinson’s disease by putting one foot in front of the other. Whether walking the 1K or the 5K at Sole Support, walkers can combine activity and fundraising on Sept. 24 at Esther Short Park at West Eighth and Columbia streets in Vancouver. Registration begins at noon, with the 5K launching at 1:30 p.m. and the 1K starting at 1:45 p.m. In addition to the walks, Sole Support offers music and kids’ activities. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Proceeds benefit Parkinson’s Resources, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for those in Northwest with Parkinson’s through education and services.
3. Eerie tour
With Halloween quickly approaching, learn about the spooky side of Vancouver. Jeff Davis, the author of “Weird Washington,” will guide a spirit walking tour of the Vancouver Barracks. Established in 1849, the Vancouver Barracks represents the first U.S. Army post on the Pacific Coast north of California. Military served in the Barracks until 2011, and over the years, the barracks have been filled with civilians, soldiers and even prisoners. Davis’ tour covers the ordinary and extraordinary stories of those folks. The content is appropriate for ages 12 and older, and tours are limited to 20 people, lasting 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Tours take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, 5 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through October, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. Admission is $15; $12 for age 61 and over and age 14 and under. Register: www.ghostsandcritters.com or 253-223-0125
4. To your good health
Get healthy and have fun at the same time. The Hazel Dell Healthfest, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, is a win-win in that regard. With a focus on community well-being, the Healthfest provides lessons on bike safety, backpack fittings, scoliosis screenings, fitness contests and offers vendors who can lend expertise. The event features fitness-driven fun such as soccer clinics, mixed with more relaxing options such face painting, a photo booth and dunk tank for kids to exact revenge on their school principal. Admission is free. 8015 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver. 360-314-4380
