FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2011
For more information, contact:
Christina Starr, FRAUSE
(206) 352-6402 / cstarr@frause.com
VANCOUVER BECKONS WITH A COLLECTION OF CHARMING
FESTIVALS THROUGHOUT SPRING AND SUMMER
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Though gray skies and rain may currently dominate the forecast,
Vancouver, Wash., located just across the river from downtown Portland, Ore., is gearing up for
a busy spring and summer festival season. From the Wine & Jazz Festival to the Concours
d'Elegance classic car show, to the largest Fourth of July fireworks show west of the
Mississippi, Vancouver and surrounding Clark County boast numerous arts, music, and cultural
events for locals and visitors alike.
Upcoming local festivals include:
April
- Woodland Tulip Festival (Apr. 2-30)
At the Holland America Bulb Farm, tour the display gardens and show fields in full bloom. This event
is filled with music, dance, artisans, crafts, ethnic foods, and children's activities. Gardens and show
field are open all week but special events are held on the weekends.
- Lilac Days Festival (Apr. 16-May 8)
Stroll throughout four acres of blooming lilacs, exotic trees, vast shrubs and perennial plantings. Tour
the 1880s era Victorian farmhouse and country garden that comprise the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens.
May
- Memorial Day Weekend Spring Wine Release Tour (May 28-30)
Eleven local wineries will welcome visitors for wine tastings and other special events in celebration of
spring in Washington's newest emerging wine region. Participating wineries include: Bethany
Vineyards & Winery, Rusty Grape Vineyard, Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery, East Fork Cellars,
Confluence Vineyard & Winery, English Estates, and Olequa Cellars.
June
- Vancouver Marathon (Jun. 18-19)
Vancouver's first marathon will feature four events over two days: a 10K walk and a kids' marathon to
be held on Saturday, Jun. 18; and a full marathon and half marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday, Jun. 19.
To add to the race-day festivities, there will be bands playing music at five sites along the route and
local micro brews will be awaiting the runners at the finish line. July
- Independence Day at Fort Vancouver (Jul. 4)
Billed as the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi River, Fort Vancouver's annual Fourth of
July festival will be a part of a family-friendly fair at historic Fort Vancouver featuring food, arts and
crafts, live music and more. Fireworks will be launched from nearby Pearson Airfield.
- Washington State Little League Championships (Jul. 22-31)
For the seventh year in a row, Vancouver has been selected as the host city for the Little League
Girls Softball Western Region Tournament, which will draw teams from eight western states. Girls,
ages 11 and 12, all who have won their district and state tournaments, will compete for one of just ten
spots in the Little League Softball World Series.
- Ho'ike & Hawaiian Festival (Jul. 28-30)
Experience a traditional Hawaiian festival at Esther Short Park featuring a hula competition, arts and
crafts, Hawaiian food, and entertainment including several hula halau and Native American dancers.
August
- Clark County Fair (Aug. 5-14)
Enjoy old fashioned family fun at the annual Clark County Fair. View exhibits featuring farm animals
and other livestock as well as plenty of live entertainment and local food.
- Concours d'Elegance (Aug. 7)
View rare autos including exotic cars like Ferraris and Alfa Romeos, along with antique cars, such as
Ford's Model T. More than 200 cars will be parked along the scenic Officers Row in downtown
Vancouver.
- 52nd
Annual Northwest Antique Aircraft Association's Fly-in (Aug. 19-21)
Unique antique and vintage airplanes from across the country will be on display at the historic
Pearson Airfield, the oldest operating airfield in the U.S. View more than 200 planes and meet the
pilots, then visit the adjacent Pearson Air Museum for a glimpse into "The Golden Age of Aviation."
- 14th
Annual Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival (Aug. 26-28)
The 14th Annual Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the
Northwest and features internationally acclaimed jazz and blues musicians, more than 200 wines, fine
arts and crafts, and local cuisine.
Fall also brings a fantastic line up of events, including Campfires & Candlelight at historic Fort
Vancouver (September), the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge's BirdFest & Bluegrass festival
(October), and the Thanksgiving Wine Tour (November).
For more information on the Vancouver area and other local events and attractions along with
details on hotel packages and overnight accommodations, visit www.VisitVancouverUSA.com or
call (360) 750-1553.
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) 750-
1553, or log on to www.VisitVancouverUSA.com .
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