Festivities to be held on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and in downtown Ridgefield
RIDGEFIELD, WA – The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem located just 20 minutes north of the greater Portland-metro area, and hosts hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. With sweeping views of the Wildlife Refuge, downtown Ridgefield is considered by many to be the perfect place to shop, eat and enjoy music.
The Refuge and downtown Ridgefield are home to the BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival – hosted by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the city of Ridgefield. Thousands flock to the festival every year to celebrate the fall migration of the Sandhill Crane, experience wildlife first-hand, listen to local bluegrass music, and learn about the local history against the backdrop of open habitat as far as the eye can see.
A weekend of activity on the Refuge
Have you ever seen Sandhill Cranes dance? Walked the trails through Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge? Saturday will be packed with activities for all ages. From a bus tour around the Auto Tour and Sandhill Crane tours, to a Carty Unit self-guided walk, a guided Geology Tour, and family activities, Photo Contest display, and office tours – there will be plenty to do and see.
A special offering that makes the BirdFest unique is the Sandhill Crane tours. Not only do you get to view these outstanding birds, but you get an exclusive opportunity to visit an area of the Refuge not often open to the public. This unique wildlife viewing experience has become one of the festival’s signature events. Reservations must be made in advance through the Friends website.
The Refuge has two entrances, at the Carty Unit and the River ‘S’ Unit, and both are filled with activities for families and for the birder, photographer, or hiker. On Saturday, there will be children’s activities on the Carty Unit of the Refuge. Visitors can engage with regional experts along the trails who will share fun facts and information about the Refuge and the wildlife that inhabit it. This year’s featured bird is the Killdeer, can be found on the annual commemorative button, available for $5.00 at certain downtown locations.
Vendors, activities, and bluegrass music in downtown Ridgefield
The festival activities will continue throughout Downtown Ridgefield. Ridgefield First Saturday vendors will be open at Overlook Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with artisan bread and pastries, handmade crafts and gifts, snacks, ceramics and more. The make and take souvenir craft station will also be fully loaded with supplies and instructions for fun BirdFest & Bluegrass themed crafts.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without Bluegrass music. The Picker’s Festival invites pickers from around the Pacific Northwest to jam throughout downtown at dedicated indoor and outdoor jamming stations located at businesses, venues, and parks. Free Bluegrass Concerts, featuring local musicians Phoenix Duo, Ash Creek, Whistlin’ Rufus, Hardshell Harmony, Corral Creek and Whiskey Deaf are scheduled throughout the day. For a list of picker locations and a schedule of performances, visit https://ridgefieldwa.us/event/first-saturday-october/.
Also in downtown, the Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library will host its Fall Used Book Sale in the Ridgefield Library Community Room from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. If you are looking for a new challenge, visit the Abrams Park permanent orienteering course from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to learn how to orienteer and collect bird stickers along the way. The Carts by the Park food cart pod and local downtown restaurants will be open for anyone looking for a bite.
BirdFest & Bluegrass is a nonprofit festival hosted by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Ridgefield to encourage an appreciation for the wonders of music, nature and our special Wildlife Refuge.
For more information and a schedule of events, go to: https://ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfestbluegrass/
Information provided by city of Ridgefield.
Also read:
- Opinion: State is rightly emphasizing experience and skills, not degrees
Elizabeth New explains how a new state policy removes unnecessary advanced degree requirements, supporting skills-based employment and broadening opportunities for capable workers. - Opinion: The wealth migration is real – which states are benefiting?
IRS data shows Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming attracted significant wealth from new residents, while Washington state saw a loss of $500 million as its new capital gains tax took effect. - Expect delays on SR 14 in Vancouver for guardrail repairs Wednesday
State Route 14 travelers in Vancouver should plan for morning delays as WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes for guardrail repairs, affecting mileposts 6.0 to 7.0. - Clark County Fire District 10 responds to fatal structure fire on NE Fargher Drive
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to a structure fire on NE Fargher Drive in Amboy, where two victims lost their lives despite rescue and medical efforts. - Opinion: Voting with the Democrat Party – Back to the future!
Lars Larson connects the history of election rules to today’s debates, highlighting Supreme Court concerns over counting ballots after Election Day. - County seeks applicants for two positions on Community Action Advisory Board
Clark County seeks two volunteers to advise on funding strategies for basic needs, housing, and economic self-sufficiency programs serving local residents. - Michelle Belkot fired up over judge’s decision to dismiss her case against Clark County Council
A federal judge dismissed Michelle Belkot’s claims that the Clark County Council violated her rights and public meeting laws by removing her from the C-TRAN Board after she opposed light rail funding.
