Submitted by Downtown Camas Association
Show off your creative side at the annual Picnic in Color in Downtown Camas. This family-friendly, art-focused event is slated for July 24, the Sunday of Camas Days, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature an interactive puppet show, creative art projects, hands-on clay sculpting, kid-friendly food vendors, and much more. Admission and all art activities are free of charge. This event is organized by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA).
The event will take place on 4th Avenue from Cedar to Dallas Streets and Cedar Street from 4th to 5th Avenues. Start your creative adventure at the check-in booth on the corner of 4th and Cedar, near the fountain. Picnic in Color is sponsored by Shanahan Farmers Insurance, Carla Edwards, Realtor, Craft Warehouse, Periwinkle’s Toy Shoppe, and The Wild Hair.
Families are encouraged to come enjoy the Picnic in Color and the plethora of fun activities, all revolving around art and community. New projects and activities include wish boxes, which attendees can decorate with the help of The Artisan’s Guild of Camas. The young and the young at heart will be entertained by a puppet show at noon by the Portland based Pegasus Puppet Theater. Kids can create their own clay masterpiece with the help of artist Jen Hanson with Maker. Art and Play.
The colorful fun and creativity continue with a hands-on tie dye project hosted by Heather Fresh with UPWARD Camas, with shirts donated by Craft Warehouse. Children can also create small pieces of paper art, which they can add to a larger collaborative garden themed art piece, to be displayed in the Camas Library through the end of August. Local artist Peter O’Brien will be drawing caricatures. Kids of all ages can stop by The Wild Hair booth for some colorful hair flare. Festive music will be provided by DJ Linus.
We continue to proudly partner with the Rotary Club of Camas Washougal. Their “Ducky Derby Kid Races” is one of the many featured activities. The club, with the help of fellow Rotarian engineers, have created a working flume that will carry the retired ducks from previous Ducky Derbies down in a race to the bottom. Each child who attends will have the opportunity to decorate their duck prior to their adventure down the flume. The Rotarians will be on hand to sell raffle tickets for the 28th Annual Ducky Derby. Visit the CW Rotary Facebook page for more information or to purchase tickets ahead of time.
“As events in Downtown Camas are back in full swing, we’re thrilled to invite our community to Picnic in Color 2022,” said Jan Carter, event coordinator for the DCA. “Join in the collaborative event that shows the importance of art in in our town. Bring your family and friends and come show your creative side as we celebrate art and community in our wonderful town!”
Dining outdoors in our beautiful downtown is encouraged for this event. Bring your picnic baskets or purchase food and beverages from Picnic in Color vendors and Downtown Camas restaurants. Outdoor seating will be available. Gather and enjoy your picnic lunch on the quaint, tree-lined streets of downtown.
Dressing in bright colors is encouraged, as the streets will be lined with colorful decorations adding to the vibrancy of this event. Raffle tickets will be given to those dressed with a nod to art and color to enter a prize drawing with items donated by local Downtown Camas businesses.
The DCA is a nonprofit, community development organization that works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification, historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions.
For more information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit the Downtown Camas Association website or email events@downtowncamas.com.