
Annual event raises funds and awareness for breast cancer survivors
RIDGEFIELD – The Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival returns to the Port of Ridgefield this Saturday, August 2, for a full day of racing, community connection and family fun, all in support of breast cancer survivors in Clark County.

More than 50 dragon boat teams will compete in fast-paced, head-to-head heats along a 250-meter course on Lake River. The festival kicks off with opening ceremonies at 8 a.m., followed by a special breast cancer survivor heat that honors the strength and resilience of those impacted by the disease. Races continue throughout the day, culminating in an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

Off the water, guests can enjoy an expanded vendor village with food, artisan goods, wellness services and cancer awareness resources.
Proceeds support the Catch-22 Ospreys, Southwest Washington’s only all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, helping provide access to paddling and funding outreach that fosters healing, connection and early detection awareness.
Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival
- When: Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
- Admission: Free | Family-friendly | Free Parking Available
The event is made possible by generous community partners, including the Port of Ridgefield, the City of Ridgefield and Compass Oncology. Donations are welcome online or in person at the festival.

Also read:
- Letter: A misleading headline about a misleading initiativeBattle Ground resident Gary Obermeyer argues that Initiative 26-126 would restrict voting access rather than improve election integrity.
- POLL: Do you support Vancouver’s decision to restore open public comment at every council meeting starting in 2026?Vancouver will restore open public comment at every council meeting in 2026 after years of limiting remarks to agenda items.
- Opinion: Washington is bleeding taxpayers and now a State Representative wants to make it worseMark Harmsworth argues that a proposed statewide payroll tax would worsen Washington’s ongoing loss of jobs, businesses, and economic competitiveness.
- Theater students overcome challenges for the love of their art at River HomeLinkRiver HomeLink theater students overcome an atypical schedule and lack of a stage as they prepare Descendants: The Musical for performances at Prairie High School.
- Tix for Tots hosting original Nativity performanceA free Nativity performance and community event hosted by Tix for Tots will take place Dec. 20 in Battle Ground.
- Opinion: Simultaneous left turnsDoug Dahl explains how Washington law directs drivers to make simultaneous left turns by passing to the left of each other in an intersection.
- Opinion: WEA secret meeting about opposing the initiatives gets leakedAn opinion from Let’s Go Washington criticizes a leaked Washington Education Association meeting about opposing LGW’s initiatives on girls’ sports and school transparency.








