So many fun things to do Fourth of July weekend in Vancouver-Portland area

The big bang

The city of Washougal is hosting a family-friendly Fourth of July Celebration at Washougal Marina Park, 24 S. A St., Washougal. No tickets are required and there is no entry fee. Seating will be first-come, first-served in the grassy area at Marina Park. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-backed chairs. Food vendors will be on site. Parking is available east of the Port office in the overflow parking lot. The music starts at 6 p.m. and the fireworks show is at 10 p.m. Monday. For more details, call the Port of Camas-Washougal at 360-835-2196.

Patriotic parade

The city of Ridgefield is hosting a Fourth of July Parade and Festival from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday in downtown Ridgefield. The day will feature free outdoor entertainment, a fun run at 8 a.m., a pet and kid parade at 10 a.m., contests and games, food and beverages, arts and crafts and the main parade at 11 a.m. There’s a pie-eating contest at 2 p.m., a beer garden from 5-10 p.m. and a laser light show at Abrams Park, 400 Abrams Park Road, at 10 p.m. For details, visit ridgefield4th.com.

Community picnic

The Historic Trust will host Summer Fest from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The free event will feature live music and games on the lawn and other activities. Ride around the park in vintage military vehicles, dance to live music, enjoy roaming entertainers and participate in a cornhole tournament. Pack a blanket and stay for a free movie showing at dusk. Bring a picnic or purchase barbecue meals and other food from local vendors or enjoy beer and cider tastings behind the Grant House.

Party in Portland

Celebrate Independence Day at Oaks Park, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, Portland, starting at 11 a.m. Monday. Admission ($36) includes rides from noon to midnight, access to picnic grounds and a fireworks display. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome and concessions will be available to buy. Games and mini golf are sold separately and the roller rink will be closed. Everyone ages 3 and older must have a ticket to enter the park. Tickets are only available at oakspark.com and not at the gate. Kids 2 and under are free. Kids ages 3-9 years old get an American flag and coupons for games, candy or ice cream. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Walk through history

The Vancouver USA Walking Club will host an Independence Day walk from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday for a $2 donation. Choose one of two 5K loops starting and ending at Esther Short Park. The east loop goes through the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site featuring the reconstructed fort and Officers Row, Pearson Field and the Vancouver Barracks. The northwest loop goes through Vancouver neighborhoods and parks as well as Uptown Village. Both loops will be guided by experienced walkers. Get maps at the registration table on the east side of Esther Short Park. Trails will be marked with colored ribbons. For more details, visit my.ava.org/event-view.php?sn=121130.

Swing it

The Friends of Fort Vancouver will host a World War II-style Hangar Dance and fundraiser at Pearson Air Museum’s hangar, 1115 E. Fifth St., Vancouver, from 7-10 p.m. Saturday. The dance (formerly the Sweetheart Dance) will feature 1940s big-band and swing music performed by VanPort Jazz. A complimentary swing dance lesson will be offered for ticket-holders from 6:30-7 p.m. with Joseph and Julieann Platt of Ballroom Dance with Us. Allied military uniforms and 1940s-style attire are encouraged. A no-host bar serving wine and beer will be on site, as will food trucks. Tickets are $40 at friendsfortvancouver.org/events. Tickets (if available) are $45 at the door.

Fun on the farm

Pomeroy Farm is hosting Farm Days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on its historic grounds at 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. Visitors can explore the farm, visit animals and shop at vendor booths. Kids can enjoy yard games and an “I spy” activity around the farm. On-site parking is free. No pets are allowed. Cash is recommended; the farm has no ATMs. Food is available to buy. Admission is free but donations are welcome. The next Farm Days will be Aug. 6 and 7. Learn more at pomeroyfarm.org.

Poker face

The First Friday Camas Poker Tour and Game Night with an “Alice in Wonderland” twist will be 5-8 p.m. Friday. Participate in a family-friendly poker tour and other games throughout town. Attendees will enjoy live salsa music, art shows and receptions in downtown galleries (including the newly reopened Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library), free kids’ crafts and after-hours shopping. Costumes are encouraged. Get details at www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday.

Timeless treasures

NW’s Largest Garage Sale & Vintage Summer Sale is coming to the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, on Saturday. Shoppers and treasure-hunters can browse among 600 indoor and outdoor vendors selling vintage goods, antiques, new and used items, home décor, furniture, jewelry, tools, toys, garden art, books, records and clothing. Admission is $7 for entry from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early admission at 7 a.m. is $20. Kids under 12 are free. Parking is $6 cash. Get details at www.nwgsales.com or 360-907-5919.

Rolling on the river

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and July 4 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Music starts at noon, rain or shine. Tickets range from $85 to $1,450 for a VIP four-day package. Food and snacks (including vegetarian and gluten-free options) are available to buy as are beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. Outside beverages are not allowed but sealed water bottles and reusable water bottles are fine. There’s no smoking or vaping allowed in the park and no pets except service animals. For complete details, visit www.waterfrontbluesfest.com.

… And more

For more details about these and other events, visit events.columbian.com.