Nonprofit group saves the annual festival, which takes place Friday through Sunday
BATTLE GROUND — There’s strong evidence that any rumors of the demise of the annual Battle Ground Harvest Days celebration have been greatly exaggerated.
Harvest Days will return this year with events throughout this weekend (Fri., July 19-Sun., July 21). The size of the community event had dwindled in recent years and this year’s event was in jeopardy when the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, which organized the event, merged with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce last fall.
With the continuation of Harvest Days in peril, a nonprofit group — The Battle Ground Festival Association — was formed. The group of volunteers have saved the event and restored most of the popular activities.
“We have several activities planned for the weekend with the hopes of expanding our event event more next year,’’ said organizer Kendra Laratta, owner of Ink Ability in Battle Ground and a member of The Battle Ground Festival Association. “Due to the short time to organize this year, we were a little limited on what we could pull together.’’
Here’s a look at this year’s schedule:
Fri., July 19
Noon-11 p.m.: Carnival at Battle Ground High School.
6:30 p.m.: Cruzzin’ Car Cruise on Main Street. No pre-registration; registration opens at 2 p.m. $20 fee to cruise 1978 and older vehicles only. No burn out pit this year.
Sat., July 20
7-10 a.m.: Clark County Fire District 3 Pancake Breakfast at the old library on Main Street.
10 a.m.: Parade on Main Street.
Noon-11 p.m.: Carnival at Battle Ground High School.
Noon-3 p.m.: Firefighter Combat Challenge and Kid’s Challenge (Fire District 3).
Noon-6 p.m.: Vendor Fair at Battle Ground High School.
Noon-4:30 p.m.: Entertainment on the Community Stage at Battle Ground High School. Local groups will perform different acts featuring a Dad Joke Contest and a Lip Sync Contest.
6-9 p.m.: Street Dance at Battle Ground High School.
Sun., July 21
Noon-6 p.m.: Carnival at Battle Ground High School.
5-9 p.m.: The Extreme Tour at Battle Ground Skate Park. Live music and action sports tour.
