
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:
- Let’s Go Washington prepares to gather signatures for income tax repeal effortLet’s Go Washington needs 308,911 signatures by July 2 to put the income tax before voters in November.
- Vancouver Police arrest additional suspect in child molestation investigationWilliam J. Sneiderwine, 61, faces conspiracy and evidence tampering charges in the Wilmington child molestation case.
- Letter: ‘Once you decide your political opponents are sick, you don’t have to listen to anything they say’Camas resident Tony Teso argues Ken Vance’s column reframes political disagreement as mental illness to avoid engaging on substance.
- WDFW offers tips after resident reports a cougar sighting in Vancouver city parkMitch Ratigan was 20–30 feet from a cougar at Ellsworth Springs Park before grabbing his dog and running.
- Opinion: Greg Johnson’s $2 million contract delivered a huge messJohnson’s $1.9M pay coincided with IBR costs tripling and construction timeline doubling to 20 years.
- POLL: What issue should be the top priority for Southwest Washington’s next member of Congress?Sen. John Braun criticized WA’s new income tax while outlining his congressional priorities in Vancouver.
- Opinion: The Democrats’ disproportionate response to TrumpKen Vance argues Democratic hostility toward Trump has crossed from politics into dangerous derangement.







