Cheers: To the Clark County Fair. This year’s fair, which ran Aug. 2-11, saw attendance of 267,800 — a 4 percent increase from the previous year. The mark also exceeds the attendance from 2019, before a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials say a dinosaur exhibit and popular motor sports attractions, combined with a new phone app, helped draw fairgoers to the fair.
The Clark County Fair is a unique communal event, combining modern attractions with an homage to the region’s rural history. Most important, organizers are always looking for ways to improve. Fair Manager John Morrison told The Columbian: “I do need to make sure I offer something new each year, so we’ll be looking at everything. I don’t want to give in to the, ‘Oh, it’s the same thing every year,’ thing about fairs.”
Jeers: To nearby cougars. Multiple sightings of a cougar have been reported in the Fruit Valley area. This is not uncommon; in Clark County this year, there have been roughly 30 reports of cougars and six confirmed sightings. But it can be disconcerting.
“We are continuing to monitor the area with increased patrols,” a state Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman said. “We are hopeful that the animal has moved out of the area into more suitable natural habitat.” Experts advise that if you encounter a cougar, don’t run or try to hide; they’ll think you are prey. Instead, back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the cat. And if they pursue you, be big, noisy and scary.
Cheers: To a new school year. Classes have started at Washington State University Vancouver, Southwest Washington’s only four-year college. In addition to classes, the first week is filled with fun community events for both first-year students and returning students. “We just want to help encourage students to, even if it’s early, find time to take a break from school,” one student organizer said.
Since being established in 1989 as a two-year transfer college, and then expanding to a four-year university in 2006, WSUV has grown into a significant role in Clark County. By providing close-to-home educational opportunities for local students and drawing students from other locales, the school has contributed mightily to the economy and culture of Southwest Washington.
Jeers: To an empty seat. The Washougal School District is struggling to fill a vacancy on its school board. Nobody has applied during the two weeks the position representing District 2 has been listed, following a resignation. “We have had people express interest, though,” the school district’s interim superintendent said. “Someone stopped by … and had some questions.”
Serving on a school board can be a thankless job, particularly at a time when enmity toward public education is common. But the hope is that some resident of District 2 (most of the area north of the Washougal River) will step forward to help guide the education of students in Washougal.
Cheers: To The Waterfront Vancouver. An eight-story parking garage opens today, representing the latest phase in the evolution of the development. The garage includes 829 parking sites and will allow for the phasing out of four nearby block-sized parking lots.
Those lots will soon give way to new development, adding to the vision that has transformed Vancouver’s waterfront and has created a popular attraction. “In a matter of a few years, all the construction will be done, and there will be good parking, and I think everyone will enjoy it that much better,” developer Barry Cain said.
