FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2011
For more information, contact:
Zach Stratton
360-750-1553 Ext 19
marketingadmin@visitvancouverusa.com


CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON, SCENE OF 
FUN-FILLED FALL AND WINTER FESTIVALS
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Even before the leaves begin to change, Clark County, Wash., is gearing up for 
a busy fall and winter festival season. From the Birdfest & Bluegrass Festival to the Christmas Ship 
Parade, Vancouver and surrounding Clark County boast numerous music, historic, cultural and family 
events for locals and visitors alike.  Upcoming festivals include:
September
Labor Day Weekend Wine Tour (Sept. 2-5)
Wineries throughout Clark County, Wash., will be hosting wine tastings and a variety of special 
events throughout Labor Day weekend to bring attention to the exceptional wines being produced in 
Washington's newest emerging wine region.
Campfire and Candlelight at Fort Vancouver (Sept. 17)
This annual event held at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will depict an evening as it would
have been for U.S. Army soldiers, Fort residents and Oregon Trail immigrants in the 1840s.  Visitors 
will experience numerous re-enactments of nighttime activities taking place throughout the Fort 
grounds and inside Fort Vancouver Village.
October
Birdfest & Bluegrass at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge (Oct. 8-9)
Now in its twelfth year, the Festival celebrates the natural beauty and rich culture of the Refuge as 
well as the beginning of fall migration and the return of the Sandhill cranes. Activities will include 
Sandhill crane tours, raptor shows, guided walks, and kayak tours as well as live bluegrass music, a 
Birders' Marketplace and guided tours of the historic Cathlapotle village.
Screaming Pumpkin Derby (Oct. 29)
While many people will be carving pumpkins in traditional fashion, families from near and far will have 
the rare opportunity to actually race them. The second annual Pumpkin Racing Derby will take place 
at the Serendipity Event Center and feature man-made Pumpkin Race Cars rolling down a track 
constructed outside the Event Center. Whether a competitor or a spectator, this day at the races is a 
must-do fall activity. Spectator admission is free. Owners of the pumpkin cars must pre-register and 
pay a $15 racing fee, which will make them eligible for trophies and prizes. Lunch is free to all 
registered racers and kids are encouraged to wear costumes and trick or treat in the haunted house.November
25 th Annual Veterans Day Parade at Fort Vancouver (Nov. 5)
Residents of Clark County and surrounding communities will gather to celebrate the region's 150-plus 
year history. The parade will be held at Fort Vancouver and pass by the historic houses of Officers 
Row, the Vancouver Barracks, and end at the Pearson Air Museum. More than 2,500 individuals and 
100 military, veteran and civic organizations participate in this parade, one of the largest on the West 
Coast. 
Thanksgiving Weekend Wine Tour (Nov. 25-27)
Wineries throughout Clark County, Wash., will be hosting wine tastings and a variety of special 
events throughout Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate the end of fall harvest in Washington's newest 
emerging wine region. This year's theme will focus on food pairings.
December
Christmas Ship Parade (Dec. 3-20)
Now in its 57 th year, this special parade showcases the lighted displays of more than 50 boats as they 
sail along the Columbia River, delighting thousands of residents with their spectacular nautical 
holiday light displays. Festivities will kick off on December 3, when the fleet will gather and have a 
special performance at the Port of Camas-Washougal. 
Christmas at Pearson Air Museum and Fort Vancouver (Dec. 10)
Traditional holiday festivities will take place at the Fort, while Santa Claus, a North Pole mailbox, hot 
cocoa and cookies will await visitors at Pearson Air Museum. Visitors will enjoy both Vancouver's 
military history and charming Christmas fun for all ages.
For more information on the Clark County area and other local events and attractions along with details 
on hotel packages and overnight accommodations, visit www.VisitVancouverUSA.com  or call (360) 816-
6230.
About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office (formerly Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau) is an 
economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the surrounding area as 
a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. The organization's mission is to promote 
Vancouver and Clark County by increasing convention and visitor business. For more information call (360)  816-
6230, or log on to www.VisitVancouverUSA.com .  
           
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