Don’t miss the annual Vancouver Rodeo (360/896-6654, www.vancouverrodeo.com [1]), a four-day benefit show taking place around the 4th of July. Look for bull-riding, dances, and even pony rides for the little ’uns.
Also in July, the annual Fort Vancouver Brigade Encampment fills the fort with trappers and traders dressed in 1840 period costumes. There are tepees, baking and cooking demonstrations, tomahawk throwing, and other demonstrations.
On the first Saturday in October, the locals get together to venerate their nearly-two-century-old apple tree at the sensibly-named Old Apple Tree Festival (360/619-1108, free). The festival focuses on environmental and historical preservation, and the Urban Forestry Commission is on hand to give away free cuttings from the legendary tree itself.
In early October, don’t miss the very popular Fort Vancouver Candlelight Tours with interpreters dressed in 1840s period clothing.
The Christmas Ship Parade (www.christmasships.org [2]) is another favorite event, with decorated vessels plying the Columbia and Willamette Rivers on the second and third weeks of December. You’ll also find Officers’ Row [3] decorated with traditional evergreens for the holidays, plus concerts and carriage rides to get you in the spirit of the holidays.
Links:
[1] http://www.vancouverrodeo.com
[2] http://www.christmasships.org
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/columbia-gorge-and-wine-country/vancouver/sights/vancouver-national-historic-reserve/officers-row