YOU CAN'T BEAT THIS...
▌Esther Short Park
June 27 - 28 — We’ve got trash and leftover stuff piling up all around our fragile little planet. So when people can take our detritus and turn it into something interesting, beautiful or both, I am gladdened and made hopeful that our world is going to be okay. Enter the essence of all things sustainable and recycle-icious into the 4th Annual Recycled Arts Festival.
Fantastically free, this event showcases the works of more than 60 artists who make their works from reused and reclaimed materials. The Fest will also feature live acts and music. And my favorite thing about this show, a live Junk to Funk fashion show. My second hand heart is beating erratically at this very moment.
But wait, there’s more! The Tossed and Found Tent holds good reusable treasures found at the dump, available to take home at the end of the Festival. Good times! And the piece de resistance—Furry Friends will present a variety of pre-owned kitties available to new homes. Now that, my friends, is recycling!
(Esther Short Park, Downtown Vancouver; Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE: see www.recycledartsfestival.org or e-mail diane.huff@clark.wa.gov for more information.)

▌Not at the Fort
Not July 4 — Heads up, seven up. I BEG YOU, please do not go to the Fort for fireworks this year. I have offered a small preview of other events since someone somewhere decided to call off the fireworks at the Fort. If you are wondering what to do, I’ll offer more suggestions next time. Keep your eyes peeled. Although, if you want to see something sadly humorous, go to the Fort and watch the 300,000 people who don’t know this factoid bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a non-existent show.

DOWNTOWN

▌The Fort
June 20 — At first, I thought this was going to be a “burn the bird” bar-be-que, and I was like, “Heck yeah!” But, alas, high end booze and a vintage aircraft will have to suffice. This event carries a hefty price tag, but the 1st Annual Wings & Wine Classic gets you a taste of quality from some awesome vendors and vintners! (Pearson Air Museum at The Historic Reserve, 1115 E 5th St.; June 20, 2 – 8 p.m.; tickets $45 each; for more info call 1-800-422-0251 ext. 3006 or visit www.wingsandwineclassic.com.)

▌Fourth Plain
June 20 — The Fourth Plain Business Coalition proudly invites you to spend an afternoon working your fanny off at their first annual Fourth Plain Corridor Cleanup Day. These folks are just outta control with their community revitalization goodness. The cleanup of the corridor will progress from Ft. Vancouver Way to Falk Road and includes trash and weed removal. Get involved and help out your neighbors while making Vancouver clean as a whistle. (Will meet at Water Works Park, at the intersection of 4th Plain and Fort Vancouver Way right across from Burgerville; Saturday, June 20, noon – 4 p.m.; call Kevin Hiebert at 360-904-5150 or kevinhiebert@gmail.com.)

▌The Fort
June 20 - 21 — Rendezvous is just another way to say “I love you” to dad this year. You’re sitting there thinking, “I love my dad. What should I do for him for Father’s Day?” Well, lookie at the idea Auntie Erin pulled out of her little hat just for you. This 2-day rendezvous celebrates the historical return of the fur trapper brigades to Fort Vancouver. Check out the cool outfits of yesteryear and take a walk through our local history. I can’t tell you how much the kiddos will love this, too. Fun for the whole fam-damly. No more lame ties — Dad will surely be impressed. (Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 612 E Reserve St,; Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; FREE; call 360-816-6230 for more info.)

▌Uptown Village
June 20 — It’s a Tibet-a-thon! Learn about and enjoy all things Tibet at the Tibetan Festival including a Tibetan bazaar, Tibetan food booths, Tibetan dance troops and more Tibet. Also, check out the Tibetan photo exhibition, consult with a Tibetan doctor, see a demonstration of Tibetan astrology and learn the Tibetan art of Tsampa, all in one day. Tibet, Tibet, Tibet. (Esther Short Park; Saturday, June 20, noon - 5 p.m.; FREE; Tibet; call Tibet or 360-798-5739 or 360-838-2249 or email nwtca.president@gmail.com for more info.)

▌The Fort
June 25 — YWCA Clark County would like to know “Would you care to play?” Their First Annual YWCA Summer Social fundraiser at Pearson Air Museum will feature appetizers and desserts from various local restaurants, raffle packages worth a ticket or two, live music and fun activities. My friends, I only ask you to spend money for a good cause, and this is a very good cause! YWCA Clark County serves more than 10,000 people each year through programs that eliminate racism and empower women. The clincher — 100 percent of the event proceeds benefit the YWCA’s life-saving programs. The featured program for this event is the Y’s Care Children’s Program, which provides high-quality early education to homeless and low-income children. These people are truly amazing. (Pearson Air Museum at The Historic Reserve, 1115 E 5th St.; Thursday, June 25, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.; $30 per person, advanced purchase required; call Leslie Stose at 360-906-9157 or email lstose@ywcaclarkcounty.org for more info.)

EAST COUNTY

▌The Mall
June 26 - 28 — Some might say that an abundance of screaming kids at the mall doesn’t sound like very much fun. Some might say they would rather have bamboo shoots shoved under their fingernails. But that wouldn’t be me. No way. Family Weekend at the Mall sounds like fun for the whole family. Revitalize the economy and do crafts. Woo hoo! (Westfield Shopping Center Vancouver Mall; Friday, June 26 - Sunday, June 28, noon – 3 p.m.; FREE; call Jessica Curtis at 360-892-6255 or email jecurtis@westfield.com for more info.)

▌East ‘Couv
June 21 — Sports Church, Cascade Bar & Grill and Terri and Larry Dorr are hosting a big kid bake sale as part of the Share Our Strength-No Kid Hungry Fundraiser to end childhood hunger. They have soups, cheesecakes, tarts, baked goods and a vast assortment of deliciously decadent foods. Indulge — it’s for a good cause, although Dr. Atkins is rolling in his grave. (Cascade Bar and Grill, 15000 East Mill Plain Blvd.; Sunday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; FREE; call 360-254-0749 for more info or go to www.strength.org and enter BAKE SALE 45442 to donate.)

NORTH COUNTY

▌Brush Prairie
July 1 - 4 — They’ve got clowns, they’ve got queens, they’ve got bulls — no it’s not Haight-Ashbury circa 1969, it’s the Vancouver Rodeo! Rootin’ tootin’ fun starts with the Grand Entry, but the real action is with Saddle bronc-riding, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, bareback riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding. All in Vancouver! lil’ buckeroos get free pony rides each day and a country dance follows each show. Yee-haw Vantucky style! This is roots, my friends, roots! (Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave.; Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4, start times vary; $10 gen. adult admission; call 503-706-3254 or go to www.vancouverrodeo.com for more info.)

▌Battle Ground
June 21 and 26 — The good folks at Rusty Grape Vineyard are offering a free family movie night featuring the Tom Hanks’ classic BIG. Bring your chairs and blankets. No outside alcohol will be permitted. Movie starts at dusk. (Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 NE 219th St., Battle Ground; FREE; call 360-601-7537 or go to www.rustygrape.com for more info.)
As if Big weren’t enough, the folks at Rusty Grape Vineyard are playing Footloose. I’m so there. Enjoy a great movie and remember your chairs and blankets. No outside alcohol, ‘cuz they gots their own! If it’s raining, don’t bother. (Rusty Grape Vineyard, 16712 NE 219th St.; Friday, July 3, dusk; FREE; call 360-601-7537 or visit www.rustygrape.com for more info.)

▌Way North County
June 21 — If you’ve never been to a pow-wow, here’s your chance. The 21st Mount Tum Tum Native American Encampment in Amboy celebrates all aspects of contemporary Native American life and traditions including arts, legends, music, dancing and crafts for sale. Prepare yourself to be moved by the haunting drum and the beautiful movements and costumes. This is one to enjoy with the kids, grandma, the neighbors. I heart Mt. Tum Tum! P.S. There will be a Salmon Dinner on July 4th from 5 – 7 p.m. Wa hoo! (Amboy Territorial Park, 21400 NE 299th St., Amboy; July 3 – July 5, varying times; FREE: call 360-247-5235 or go to www.amboywa.com/mt_tum_tum.htm for more info and times.)