Fourth of July events planned for 250th celebrations

America is on the cusp of its 250th birthday, so this year local communities have planned a few extra festivities to mark this historic milestone. Here is a convenient roundup of patriotic events happening from Saturday to the following July 4. Get your sparklers and flags ready, because Clark County is ready to celebrate.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial Committee of Southwest Washington will host a Korean War Veterans Remembrance Ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday honoring the men and women who served during the Korean War. This event, near the helicopter at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, offers the community an opportunity to reflect, remember and pay tribute to those who answered the call of duty.

The city of Washougal will host the
America250 Kickoff

at 4 p.m. Monday in Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal, featuring free snow cones, postcards, music, historical documents and giveaways.

The Camas Public Library will offer
United States Trivia
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday. Celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary history by testing your knowledge of American history, pop culture, presidents and pivotal moments from 1776 to today. Register at
camaspl.org/USA250
or call 360-834-4692.

The
Historic Trust’s America 250 Celebration
is noon to 11 p.m. on July 3 at the Fort Vancouver National Park Service Parade Ground. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with free, family-friendly activities including music and cultural dance, living history characters, community booths and yard games. At sundown, the city of Vancouver will present a movie on the lawn.

Downtown Camas will host
One Community, Many Hands: Celebrating America’s 250th
from 5 to 8 p.m. July 3. Enjoy carnival games, a DJ, community service opportunities, a history trivia passport activity and displays, art shows, cosplay, apple pie, ice cream, music and after-hours shopping. The Downtown Camas Association will unveil “What’s Your American Story?” featuring artwork by high school students. Make wildflower seed bombs and cards for seniors with the Girl Scouts. Bring nonperishable food items for the community pantry at LiveWell Camas. Bring a piece of clothing in need of repair and join the Mending Circle at Fuel Medical. Donate new or used children’s books at Autumn Leaf Bookstore. Donate cake mix, canned frosting and Sprite to the “Celebration Kit” drive at Arktana and Bigfoot Mountain Outfitters. Learn more at
downtowncamas.com
.

Battle Ground’s America 250 celebration

is 4 to 10 p.m. July 3 at Maddox Industrial Transformer, 1601 S.E. Commerce Ave., Battle Ground. A professional fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. Enjoy free hot dogs, free ice cream, free water and soda, free cotton candy and on-site food trucks selling meals and treats. Kids can play in the Little Patriots Zone with bounce houses, crafts and activities. Meet costumed actors portraying Ben Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Play carnival games, attend the Kids’ Parade for children ages 10 and younger and enjoy face painting and balloon art. Admission is free.

The
Ridgefield Fourth of July celebration

is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4, centered around Overlook Park, 113-131 S. Main Ave., Ridgefield. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and can best be viewed from Fourth Avenue and Division down Third Avenue to Pioneer Street and Eighth Avenue. The day also includes a fun run, free outdoor entertainment, contests and games, food and beverages from on-site food trucks and artisan wares from local vendors. Park for free at the Ridgefield Costco, 519 N. 56th Place, and enjoy free shuttle service to downtown Ridgefield; shuttles run from 8 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Roads in downtown Ridgefield, including Pioneer Street, will be closed. Learn more at
ridgefield4th.org
.

The
Yacolt Freedom Parade

is 10 a.m. July 4, starting at Railroad Avenue and West Hoag Street, continuing up Hoag Street to West Yacolt Road, then west to Amboy Avenue. It will end at Yacolt Primary School. Kids should bring bags to collect candy distributed during the parade. Following the parade, awards will be presented for Most Patriotic, Most Original, Best Animal Entry, Best Performance Entry, Mayor’s Choice and Overall Judges’ Choice. Afterward, join the party in Central Park for free family activities including a sidewalk chalk art contest, vendor market, watermelon-eating contest, kids’ zone, yard games and train rides at 1
, 2:30
and 4 p.m. The night will finish with fireworks at the ball fields.

The city of Washougal will host a
Fourth of July Non-Motorized Kids Parade
at 10 a.m. July 4 at Hathaway Park, 732 25th St., Washougal — a festive, family-friendly parade with bikes, push-powered scooters, wagons and walkers. Before the parade kicks off, enjoy games and activities, prizes and treats. Wear red, white and blue to show patriotic pride.

Pomeroy Farm, 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt, will host
Kids’ Fest
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4 and 5 featuring family activities, vendors and arts and crafts activities. Admission is $3 for ages 6 and up; ages 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free. Service animals are welcome. Some vendors accept only cash.

Monika Spykerman: 360-735-4556; [email protected]