1. Blaze a trail
Start the year with both feet on the ground during the First Day Hike at Battle Ground Lake State Park, 18002 N.E. 249th St. in Battle Ground. This 2-mile ranger-led hike starts at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, rain or shine, and will follow a scenic trail around the lake. Learn about the park’s history and ecology, then stop by the park’s kitchen shelter for doughnuts and coffee to warm up after your hike. Wear shoes for muddy terrain and be ready for a hike of moderate difficulty with wet weather gear, water and snacks. Leashed dogs are allowed. For details, contact Alicia Feist at alicia.feist@parks.wa.gov or 360-687-4621. This hike is part of Washington State Parks’ First Day Hikes held at locations across the state; visit www.parks.wa.gov to learn more.
2. Jumpin’ and jivin’
Washington Dance Creative presents “A Jazzy Revue for 2,” the follow up to December 2018’s sold-out shows at the Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. This year, the dancers return with even more jazzy moves — kicking, jumping, and swaying to jazz standards from Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald and others. Performances are 2 p.m. Dec. 28 and 29 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at Magenta Theater in downtown Vancouver. Tickets are $15 in advance, available at magentatheater.com/page/wdc-jazzy-revue-2-dec-28th-29th, or $20 at the door on the day of the show. The doors will open early so you can find a seat and purchase beer, wine, soda and snacks in the lobby.
3. Try a little spontaneity
Magenta Theater’s Improv troupe, MIT, will offer its last Improv Show of the year at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, just in time to put your New Year’s resolution-planning on hold. You won’t need a January diet because, by the end of this show, you’ll have laughed off every calorie you consumed over the holidays. This family-friendly performance — where on-stage skits, games and songs are inspired by audience suggestions — is in downtown Vancouver at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m. to buy snacks and beverages (alcoholic and otherwise) in the lobby. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Purchase tickets online at www.MagentaTickets.com/tickets or call the box office at 360-635-4358.
4. Stay on your toes
Ring in the new year while staying light on your feet at the Columbia River Dancers’ Starry Night New Year’s Eve Dance from 8:30 a.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1, featuring live music with the Front Porch Trio, providing square dance calls and cueing the rounds. Dress in your finest square dance skirts and fanciest bolo ties and neckerchiefs, ready for lively square dances and round dancing. Enjoy pre-rounds with intermediates at 8:30 p.m. followed by mainstream with plus tips from 9 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. The evening includes an open break with light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages at the Hazel Dell Grange, 7509 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave. in Hazel Dell. Tickets are $12 per person. www.facebook.com/ColumbiaRiverDancers
