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Camas

July 16, 2026
Members of the Utterly Unstoppable Lactose Legends sprint to victory in the Bathtub Races during Camas Days in downtown Camas on July 26, 2025. The annual festival will mark its 50th anniversary this year. The two-day event attracts roughly 15,000 people. (Photos by Tim Martinez/The Columbian files)

Camas Days, the city’s massive, two-day festival, set to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Camas Days will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year on July 24 and 25. But perhaps the most remarkable thing is that this massive, two-day festival — which attracts roughly 15,000 people — is entirely organized by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s only two employees: Samantha Horner, who works part time; and the chamber’s executive director, Camas City Council member Jennifer Senescu. The two of them plan the festival over six months while fulfilling all their regular job duties, Horner said. It’s hard work but worthwhile when the festival is finally underway.

July 16, 2026
Comfort4Cancer founder Roshni Madugula, 15, center, talks with others, including her sister Tanya, 13, right, and Srijani Gireddy, 17, while the group makes cards for cancer patients Friday at Prune Hill Sports Park in Camas. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Camas students give comfort to women with cancer

Roshni Madugula hit rock bottom in the sixth grade when her grandmother died of breast cancer. After watching her battle the disease for seven years, she was overwhelmed by grief but knew she wanted to make a difference.

July 16, 2026
This collage shows a number of ways that blue-green algae can appear on the surface of a lake or other body of water. The only way to know whether a bloom is toxic or not is to have the water tested. (Photos courtesy Washington Department of Ecology)

Blue-green algae threaten local lakes

You have arrived at your favorite summer lake, armed with family, pets, fishing gear, boat, and more, only to find a nasty, green scum along the surface of the lake. Blue-green algae have invaded your favorite water.