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Life

July 30, 2026
Masked moviegoers line up for an afternoon screening of “The Goonies” during the pandemic-era reopening of the Liberty Theatre in Camas in October 2020. (The Columbian files)

Documentary fetes small theaters such as Camas’s Liberty Theater

Judging by the theaterless wastelands that Seattle documentarian Rustin Thompson has traversed, moviegoers in Clark County have a lot to be thankful for. Here, there are two thriving yet differing independent cinemas, the Liberty in Camas and the Kiggins in Vancouver, that together offer a rich variety of entertainment — from shameless blockbusters to artsy obscurities, from historical classics to rock concert films and live in-person community events.

July 30, 2026

Second Story Gallery to feature original children’s book artwork

The Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library will showcase original artwork from 15 children’s book illustrators from the Portland-Vancouver area during its exhibition “Between Page & Panel: A Celebration of Local Children’s Book Illustrators” from Sept. 4 through Oct. 17.

July 23, 2026
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Heart & hands: Summer art and craft classes across Clark County offer creative funSubscriber Exclusive

Ah, the joys of making something by hand! Clark County is bursting at the seams with makers and artisans, both masters of their craft and those who are eager to learn. Here is a sampling of the many creative opportunities from now through the end of August. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it does provide a broad palette of art forms and handiwork for you to explore. You could try bookbinding, leatherwork, raku, pastel painting, ceramics, watercolor, crochet, jewelry-making, glass fusing and cookie decorating, to name but a few classes offered this summer. If you don’t see anything that tickles your fancy here, check The Columbian’s free community calendar at events.columbian.com. We’re always posting new classes and workshops to feed your artsy soul.

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 anniversarySubscriber Exclusive

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.