
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: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low! Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions.
- Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls.
- Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate BridgeThe U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project.
- Business Profile: Handel’s Ice Cream opens its first shop in Washington, in VancouverHandel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, with a grand opening planned for Jan. 17.
- Opinion: Why vote no on the Battle Ground School District levy?Dick Rylander outlines why he believes voters should reject the Battle Ground School District levy, citing costs, enrollment trends, test results, and district spending priorities.
- Letter: The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schoolsYacolt resident Mark Rose argues that rising superintendent salaries conflict with classroom cuts and repeated levy requests in Clark County school districts.
- Discover your future at WSU Vancouver’s Preview Day, Jan. 24WSU Vancouver will host a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, offering prospective students and families an inside look at campus life and academic opportunities.








