Visit Confluence Winery (19111 NW 67th Ave,Ridgefield) for an evening of fun including a silent auction, door prizes, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine (of course!) on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funds raised will benefit the BlackPearl Equestrienne Troupe.

“The quaint community of Ridgefield, WA is home to the BlackPearl Equestrienne Troupe, a team of horses and riders dedicated to the philanthropic value of equestrian art. The troupe now travels along the west coast and performs with some of the world’s most beautiful and talented equines including Friesian, Andalusian and Spotted Baroque horses. Comprised mainly of stallions, the troupe performs choreographed dances to music, highlighting the trick training of Susan Dyer-DeBoer, the troupe’s founder and organizer.

The BlackPearl Equestrienne Troupe self-funds the majority of these costs and does so in honor of the immeasurable value these horses bring to the hearts of their public. In times like these, touching others through love is priceless.

In 2012, the BlackPearl Equestrienne Troupe will be piloting a one hour show in Albany, Oregon entitled “If Wishes Were Horses”. The intent is to take the viewer along on a journey of dreams that really do come true. The costs for creating such a production are significant and in an attempt to help offset these costs, the troupe and their supporters are hosting a silent auction to raise funds. Your help will keep the BlackPearls dancing for many others to enjoy.

Please join us on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 5-8 pm at Confluence Winery, located at 19111 NW 67th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA. We will provide a slideshow of some of our performances, along with the beautiful, live music of the Montavilla Jazz Committee. Premium Confluence wine will be available for purchase, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Donations for this auction will also be accepted until January 21, 2012. Items to be auctioned vary greatly from fine art to local artisan goods and services to stud fees, tack and much more. Cash and checks accepted. Payment may also be made by PayPal within 24 hours of auction completion. We look forward to seeing you there!” ~The BlackPearl Equestrienne Troupe

Tickets are $15 per person, or $25 per couple; call 360-909-6251 for more information.

Thanks to Susan Dyer-DeBoer of FeatherDance Equine Entertainment for the information!

This post: “Horsing Around at Confluence Winery” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the largest performing arts organization in Southwest Washington, is now in its 33rd season offering Classical Concerts and Special Events through Spring 2012.

It’s a “Bold New Beginning” for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra this year. Still providing world-renowned classical music and promoting young artists, this year they will also offer a Chamber Music Series and Music Alive!

“For the first time ever, we are excited to launch Music Alive!, a performance collaborative for Southwest Washington. This new initiative will elevate the arts and music through key partnerships with organizations such as Vancouver Children’s Opera, the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Columbia Dance and others, while providing an array of opportunities for involvement through outreach, education, entertainment and community. As a part of Music Alive! The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra launches a Chamber Music Series with more exciting plans in the works. More than ever before, The VSO is making music heard well beyond Skyview!” ~Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Concert Guide

Classical Concerts, held in the Skyview Concert Hall, will take place January 28 and 29, April 14 and 15, and May 26 and 27, 2012. The VSO Chamber Group Special Events will take place on February 3 and March 23, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church (309 W 39th St, Vancouver); and February 5 and March 25, 2012m at Zion Lutheran Church (824 NE 4th Ave, Camas). The 18th Annual Young Artists Concerto Competition will take place on February 19, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

For more information on upcoming events, including tickets, please visit the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

This post: “Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 33rd Season” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Cold, wet, rainy, snowy…must be time for Baseball! Well, time to get signed up for baseball or softball!

Registration for the Spring 2012 Baseball and Softball season are currently underway. In person registrations will take place Wednesday, January 18, 2012 between 5pm and 8pm, and Tuesday, January 24, 2012 between 5 pm and 8 pm at the Salmon Creek Round Table Pizza (13009 NE Hwy 99). You can also register online at Salmon Creek Little League. All players must be 5 years old by April 30, 2012; a Birth Certificate will be required for all new players.

Opening Day Ceremonies and Games will take place at the new Luke Jensen Sports Park on Saturday, March 17, 2012!

For more information, visit Salmon Creek Little League online.

Second Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center are not only fun, they’re free!

Each second Saturday of the month, from 1 to 3 p.m., kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. Events at the Water Resources Education Center (4600 Se Columbia Way, Vancouver) in Vancouver are designed for hands on fun for the whole family. When you visit the Water Center, you’ll experience a variety of exhibits, events and interactive educational programs designed to teach us how to be better stewards. But, the best part is..it’s fun!

Here’s what’s “on tap” for the 2012 Second Saturdays at the Water Resources Education Center:

January 14, 2012: Wondrous Weather Around Us! Rain or shine, Pacific Northwest weather can be fascinating!

February 11, 2012: Interesting Inventions! Inquisitive young minds can try their hands at re-creating and learning about several interesting inventions.

March 10, 2012: World Water Day. How much water is used to create some of our favorite foods? Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Join us and learn more about water through interactive, child-friendly activities.

April 14, 2012: Herps. Amphibians and reptiles are intriguing in how they move, live and eat.

May 12, 2012: Creature Families. Do all creatures have families?

June 9, 2012: Get Outdoors Day. Visit us at Fort Vancouver for the fun filled day of activities to help get you and your family outdoors.

July 14, 2012: Bubbles. Let’s celebrate summer with bubble fun.

August 11, 2012: Rocks and Soil. Explore rocks and soil! Not all rocks are the same.

September 8, 2012: Columbia Flyway. This is a partnership event and part of the Columbia Flyway Show.

October 13, 2012: Urban Wildlife. Is there wildlife in your neighborhood?

November 10, 2012: American Indian Heritage Month. Join us for our annual observance of American Indian Heritage Month.

December 8, 2012: Recycle Music. Recycle Man and other musicians recycle every day household items to help them make music.

This post: “Second Saturday Fun at the Water Center” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

I guess if it’s Fort Vancouver by candlelight, it should be titled “Shedding Old Light on Fort Vancouver.” Take a trip into the past and see what life was like at Fort Vancouver after dark.

Each adult attending the program will carry their own lantern (the Fort provides these) and tour with a Park Ranger and costumed interpreters. You will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver! These special tours will be offered December 17, 2011; January 7 and 21, and February 4 and 18, 2012.

As Fort Vancouver typically closes by 4 pm in the Winter, and 5 pm in the Summer (although their “Summer” hours begin in March), this is a unique opportunity to tour Fort Vancouver at night.

The Fort Vancouver Lantern Tours begin at 7 pm at Fort Vancouver (1001 E 5th Street) and last about an hour. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15. Please call the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center at (360) 816-6230 to make your reservations.

This post: “Shedding New Light on Fort Vancouver” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

One of the most unique Christmas lighting displays around Clark County starts this Thursday, December 8, 2011. It’s time for the 57th Annual Christmas Ships Parade!

The Christmas Ship Parade started out as one lone sailboat, and now the fleet averages 55 to 60 ships (between the Columbia River and Willamette River fleets) adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and will be on parade every night beginning December 8 and ending December 20, 2011! The parade begins at approximately 7 pm and lasts about two hours. The only thing that will cancel the parade would be unsafe weather or water conditions.

The Christmas Ship Parade has become a family tradition for many boat owners, and the Skippers pay for their own decorations and fuel costs, for the enjoyment of all. As this is an all volunteer organization, not all ships make it out every night. There are many places along the Vancouver Waterfront to view the Christmas Ship Parade, some inside and some outside. For a completedaily schedule, including maps and indoor and outdoor viewing locations, click here.

This post: “Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The 16th Annual Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees will take place November 25-27, 2011; and culminate with the grand finale Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, December 3, 2011. This year’s theme is “Trees, Treasures and Traditions” and will be held at Pearson Air Museum (1115 E 5th Street, Vancouver, USA).

The Festival of Trees is a three day festival which includes the Vancouver Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park, Vancouver Pops Holiday Concert, Vancouver Festival of Trees viewing (with entertainment, scavenger hunt and Santa) at Pearson Air Museum, the Hot Buttered Run and the Kids Kandy Kane Race produced by Energy Events (also taking place at Pearson Air Museum) and finishing with the Gala Dinner and Auction (also at Pearson Air Museum).

Thousands of Vancouver residents kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving each year by attending the Community Tree Lighting at Esther Short Park (West 8th and Columbia). Come join the fun on Friday, November 25, beginning at 5:30 pm. There will be entertainment, refreshments, elves, and, of course Santa. After the tree lighting, walk across the street to the Vancouver Hilton (301 W 6th St, Vancouver) to enjoy holiday tunes performed by the Vancouver Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Bert Coffman. There is no charge for these events, but a non-perishable food donation is requested.

Last year was the first year the Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees was held at Pearson Air Museum, and over 7,000 people viewed the festive holiday trees set against the backdrop of vintage airplanes. This year, the gorgeous trees and wreaths will once again be interspersed among vintage airplanes and on display at Pearson Air Museum throughout Friday (noon to 9pm), Saturday (10am to 5 pm) and Sunday (noon to 4pm), November 25-27, 2011. Holiday music will be provided by local entertainers and youth groups. The extremely popular Talking Tree will be chatting away and photos with Santa, taken in a historic airplane, will be available. There is also no charge for this event! What a great opportunity to visit the museum!

Energy Events is continuing the healthy tradition this year with the Hot Buttered Run (12K Run or 5K Run/Walk), and the Kids Kandy Kane Race on Sunday, November 27, 2011. The start and finish will be at Pearson Air Museum. After the run, stay and party with DJ Paradox, and hear the great sounds of the Holidays. Enjoy food and beverage, along with a tasty Hot Buttered Rum for the Adults (over 21), and Hot Chocolate for those under 21. “Energy Events will match every nonperishable food item you bring on race day and donate it to the Clark Country Food Bank. 500 participants with 1 can of food = 1,000 cans a food for the hungry. Please help us support our community by donating to the Clark County Food Bank.” For more information, visit Energy Events.

Put on your favorite holiday attire and begin making wonderful holiday memories by attending the magical Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and bid on trips, golf packages, diamonds, boxing lessons, incredible gift items,  gorgeous trees and much, much more. Tickets are $95 , reservations required. Please call 360-750-0409.

“Each year, the Vancouver Rotary Foundation Festival of Trees raises funds for scholarships and community grants in our community. This event is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. With the exception of the Gala Dinner and Auction and the Hot Buttered Run and Kids Kandy Kane Race, events are free. However, contributions of nonperishable foods for Share House and financial donations to help support the Festival, scholarships and community grants, are most appreciated. Watch for food bins and donation boxes. Thank you for your support!”

This post: “Annual Vancouver Rotary Festival of Trees” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The 25th Annual Veterans Day Parade at Fort Vancouver will take place Saturday, November 5, 2011 starting at 11 am, rain or shine. This year will also commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.

“For 25 years, Vancouver has honored veterans with this annual parade which begins at the east end of Officers Row at E. Reserve Street. The parade attracts more than 100 entries with approximately 2,500 individuals marching or riding in the parade. The public is encouraged to support veterans and troops while viewing one of the largest Department of Veteran Affairs sanctioned veterans parades on the West coast.” ~Fort Vancouver National Trust

Unlike previous years, this year’s parade route will stay entirely on the Fort Vancouver National Site, so you might want to check out the Parade Route before you claim your viewing spot! The parade will start with an Air Force fly-over and a 21 gun salute, followed by participating bands, military and veteran units, community organizations and dozens of scout troops.

This post: “Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver 2011″ was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Time to round up your young adventurers and head over to Columbia Springs this Saturday, November 5, 2011 for Family Field Trip Day from 2-6:30 pm. There will be fun, hands-on learning stations, fall craft projects, a bat house building workshop, and nature-at-night hikes for the whole family.

Join in a scavenger hunt, plant rubbings, activities focused around Bats and Birds (you even have the opportunity to make your own Bat House!). Then head out into the night on a guided tour around Columbia Springs to join owls, bats, and other furry friends. Learn how our senses are affected at night and how they differ from those of nocturnal animals.

The cost to participate is free for adults accompanying children, and $5 per child. The bat house building workshop has an additional $10 per family materials fee. Food will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information contact Mariah Acton by phone at 882-0936 ext. 230 or visit the Columbia Springs website.

This post: “Family Field Trip Day at Columbia Springs” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Join the folks at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill for their biggest event of the year, Apple Cider Pressing! This event will take place on Saturday, October 29, from 9 am until…well, until about 8,000 pounds of apples have been pressed into cider and all the cider has been taken home by guests! That is usually about 5 pm.

“Everyone is encouraged to get involved. The rumbling of the water powered belt and pulley system, the dimly lighted mill, the floor covered with sawdust and the sweet smell of the fresh pressed apple juice makes an atmosphere that will put a smile on the faces of all visitors.” The weather this weekend is supposed to be great (but, as you know, Pacific Northwest weather is a bit, umm, unpredictable ), and the Autumn colors should be fantastic! You may also see Salmon jumping the dam to return to their spawning grounds.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is located at 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd in Woodland, and is open year ’round on Saturdays between 1 and 4 pm, and Sundays between 2 and 4 pm. Besides Apple Pressing Day, there are also other special events held throughout the year, including the Blueberry Festival, Cornbread Making Day, Bread and Butter Day, and more.

This post: “Getting Juiced at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!