Camas Days set for its triumphant return

The Bathtub Races are expected to make a triumphant return to Camas Days this Saturday. Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce

Two parades, bathtub races, live music, vendors, food and more this weekend in Camas

Camas Days is set to make a glorious comeback, and the Grand Marshall of the Camas Days Parade is someone who has been all Camas all of her life.

Marquita Call, who was named business person of the year by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce in 2021, has been selected as the Grand Marshall as Camas Days returns after a two-year hiatus.

The theme for this year’s Camas Days Hometown Festival is “Experience the Magic of Camas.”

Marquita Call, a lifelong Camas resident, business owner, and historian, is the grand marshal of the Camas Days Parade on Saturday. Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce

Turns out, Marquita Call has been doing that for decades.

Call was raised in Camas, graduating from Camas High School in 1962. Call has owned Camas Gallery for the past 12 years.

Known for her infectious personality, she welcomes visitors to her gallery with warmth and enthusiasm and shares her historic knowledge of Camas.

“One thing that will never change about Camas is its sense of wellness,” Call told the chamber of commerce. “I love this very special town.”

On Saturday, she will lead the main event of a special celebration, the parade for Camas Days.

Camas Days Hometown Festival officially is Friday and Saturday, but there are related events on Thursday and Sunday, according to a press release from the chamber of commerce.

The Camas Days Hometown Festival is returning after a two-year hiatus. This flyer lists just some of the events scheduled to take place this week in Camas. Photo courtesy Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce

There is a Concert in the Park at 6:30 p.m. Thursday featuring blues music from Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes at Crown Park.

Vendor and food booths will open at 10 a.m. Friday. Six city blocks of vendors throughout downtown Camas. Food booths will be on Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenues, food from all over the world.

A used book sale will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Camas Library.

Kids Street, including slides, obstacles courses, games, and more is on Dallas and 4th starting at 11 a.m. The Kids’ Parade is 12:15 p.m. on Friday.

A beer and wine garden for those 21 and over opens at 5 p.m. which will include live music (blues, rock, and classic rock) all evening.

The Beth Willis Band and The Caddies are scheduled to play Friday night.

The vendor and food booths, along with Kids Street, return Saturday at 10 a.m.

The Camas Days Grand Parade begins at 11 a.m., moving along from Oak to Adams.

Immediately following the parade will be the senior royalty luncheon to honor the Camas Days’ Royal Queen, Molly Coston. That will be at the Zion Lutheran Social Hall.

At 1 p.m., the epic Bathtub Races will commence.

The Beth Willis Band and The Hot Shots are expected to perform in the evening.

There is also a steak feed at Grove Field from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Bring your own steak knife.

And on Sunday, there is the annual softball tournament all day. Plus a Grove Field open house, which includes $25 airplane rides. There is Picnic in Color from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Camas, and a Ducky Derby drawing at Picnic in Color, beginning at noon.

For more information on Camas Days, go to: https://downtowncamas.com/event/https-downtowncamas-com-event-camas-days/2022-07-22.