First Friday of 2024 brings mystery to downtown Camas this week

Jan. 5 event features ‘Clue’ theme activities, art openings, children’s crafts, after-hours shopping and dining

By Kelly Moyer
January 4, 2024 11:34 am
Arts & Entertainment, Business, Camas, Latest News, Life, News

Dave Kesmodal, owner of Periwinkles Toy Shoppe in downtown Camas, dresses as Colonel Mustard during the January 2022 "Clue" themed First Friday event. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Camas Association)

The Downtown Camas Association is kicking off its first First Friday of 2024 this week with a host of mystery-themed festivities from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, throughout downtown Camas.

Based on the “Clue” boardgame and movie, the January First Friday celebration will include a passport activity with prizes; art openings and receptions; a ribbon-cutting, family friendly games and crafts, extended hours at local shops and restaurants and an 8 p.m. showing of the movie, “Clue,” at the Liberty Theatre, 315 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas.

The evening will feature a “sweet case” mystery participants will help solve for a doughnut-hole prize from Next Dough Neighbor, a downtown Camas doughnut shop located at 412 N.E. Fourth Ave.

“The weather may be cold, but the ‘Case of the Missing Doughnut Holes’ is heating up in downtown Camas,” Leah Nichelson, the Downtown Camas Association (DCA)’s event and project manager, stated in a news release announcing the January First Friday event. “Gather your friends, find your favorite piece of ‘Clue’ inspired attire, and work together to solve the mystery. The way the community unites to explore local merchants and businesses every First Friday brings us a lot of joy. There’s an activity, shopping special and great dish or cocktail for everyone.”

Participants who dress up as a “Clue” suspect — which includes Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Mr. Green, Lady Lavender, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum and Dr. Orchid — will have five extra chances to win prizes during the First Friday event.

Start the First Friday fun by picking up a “Clue” passport and activity list at the DCA table inside Journey Church, 304 N.E. Fourth Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.

Activities planned for the Jan. 5 First Friday celebration include:

An Artisans’ Guild of Camas art show opening featuring local artists working in a variety of mediums at the Second Story Gallery, located on the second floor of the Camas Public Library at 625 N.E. Fourth Ave.

Other art receptions and openings at Attic Gallery (421 NE Cedar), Camas Gallery (408 N.E. Fourth Ave.) and Pike Art Gallery (302 N.E. Sixth Ave.)

A ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. for Evergreen Holistic Coaching, located at 418 N.E. Fourth Ave., Ste. 108. According to the DCA, the new business’ owner, Susan Fronckowiak, “has over 30 years of experience as an educator and a coach, with a degree in adventure education from Prescott College, and a master’s (degree in education) from the University of Washington” and will offer coaching sessions “personally tailored to each client, with a wide variety of focuses including relationships, career changes and personal growth.”

Fingerprint art with Grace Church volunteers, Lego activities and a “Solve the Cipher” decoding activity with DCA volunteers inside Journey Church, 304 N.E. Fourth Ave.

“Clue” themed crafts for children, organized by Girl Scout Troop 45703, inside LiveWell Camas, 417 N.E. Birch St.

The DCA coordinates First Friday events with art openings, themed activities, and downtown Camas dining and shopping specials every first Friday of the month. To learn more about the DCA and the First Friday events, visit downtowncamas.com/event/cluefirstfriday and facebook.com/camasfirstfriday.

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