Keep It Local Columbia County

10/06/2026

Great news for Columbia County!

From charming main streets, peaceful trails and exciting waterways, Columbia County has a lot to offer, and it’s Wela Negelspach’s mission to make sure people know it. “It’s a great […]

10/05/2026

Local businesses, it’s that time of the year again! We welcome you to be a part of the 10th annual Keep it Local for the Holidays campaign!

This year’s campaign will include:
❄️ The Wonderland Cards
❄️ Bigfoot Trail
❄️ Year-Round Countywide E-Gift card program (optional)
❄️ And a chance to win $5000! (yes, we’ve upped the grand prize!)

Local businesses can sign up for just $125 and enjoy 8 weeks of bolstered sales, brand exposure, and good ol’ community fun. In fact, in just the past 5 years, we have captured over 2 million dollars in local spending with this campaign!

Please sign up here soon, no later than October 30th: https://www.xpressformsbuilder.com/viewer/18363680-1e03-475c-80eb-fa2857f09a10

Interested in sponsoring? We have Silver ($900) and Gold ($1750) options available (first come, first serve). Due 10/15. Contact Sierra to learn more at [email protected]

09/12/2026

If you are a visitor of the Scappoose Bay Marina, the Port of Columbia County would love your feedback!

As they shared, "We want to hear from you! The Port of Columbia County is gathering community input to help shape the future of recreation at Scappoose Bay Marine Park." Currently, the Port is working on a Scappoose Bay Marine Park Improvement Project, focused on creating more accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and mobility levels.

To help guide this project, "Please take our short community survey and help us understand what improvements would make Scappoose Bay Marine Park more welcoming and accessible for everyone."

Their survey can be completed here in about 5 minutes: https://www.research.net/r/RecReady2026

Please take a moment to share your feedback!

09/10/2026

Looking to learn more about how you can get involved with Whoville in Scappoose? Tonight, there's an informational session! Details are in the attached image.

MEETING TIME: September 10th, 6pm
LOCATION: Scappoose Library

Can't make the meeting but you'd like to volunteer or contribute? Reach out to Janet Williams (971-645-3320) or Connie Thorpe (503-438-5798) to learn more and/or share your ideas.

08/28/2026

There’s a new dog washing business in Rainier called Handsome & Friends Self Serve Dog Wash & Pet Supplies! Watch this video for a tour and come on by to freshen up your dog’s coat! ✨

Here’s where to find them:

📍LOCATION: 109 E 1st Street, Rainier
🕐 HOURS: Thursday & Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 10am-4pm | Closed Monday-Wednesday

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾 To celebrate, we'd love to shout out the locally owned pet stores that keep Columbia County's dog tails wagging:

🐾 Wiggle Butz Dog Boutique (St. Helens) — sells locally made treats, pupcakes, birthday goodies, toys, bandanas, and other fun finds for your dog.

🐾 Purrz and Paws Pet Supply (Scappoose and St. Helens) — shop food, treats, toys, supplies, and more!

🐾 Columbia Feed & Supply (Scappoose) — sells dog treats along with their animal feed supplies.

🐾 Handsome & Friends Self Serve Dog Wash & Pet Supplies (Rainier) — sells pet treats, supplies, and shampoos along with their grooming services

🐾 Happy Tails Pet Store and Grooming (Vernonia) — another local stop for pet owners looking for food, treats, toys, and more! They also offer grooming services.

This National Dog Day, let's show some love to the local businesses that take care of our pets all year long! ❤️🐕

08/26/2026

Want to feel more confident taking care of your car? River City Autohaus is hosting a FREE "Confident Car Care Workshop," every first weekend, designed to teach women and children practical, hands-on vehicle care in a friendly, judgment-free environment.

Participants will learn helpful basics like checking and topping off fluids, changing a tire safely, jump-starting a battery, understanding dashboard warning lights, reading repair estimates, and doing a basic under-the-hood inspection.

The next class is September 6th at 2pm. As they share, "Spots will be limited so we can continue providing a hands-on experience where everyone gets time to learn, practice, and ask questions. To reserve your spot, send us a message and we’ll get you added to the list!"

📍 Location: River City Autohaus, 124 Eilertson St, St. Helens
📞 Phone: 503-867-0609
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: rivercityautohaus.com
🗓️ When: First weekend of every month

08/20/2026

One week away from today is Flora Designs’ Bouquet Walk event 💐 Save the date!

On Thursday, August 27 from 3–6pm, come to downtown Scappoose to build your own bouquet one stop at a time. For just $15, participants can hop from business to business, collecting fresh floral stems along the way, and then finish at Flora Designs where their team will assemble and wrap your bouquet to take home.

Participating stops include Sweet & Knot, Shadley Shack Coffee, Sushiro Ramen Cafe, Columbia River Jewelers, Columbia Feed & Supply, and Flora Designs.

Reserve your spot with the link below and enjoy a beautiful afternoon supporting local businesses!

scappooseflorist.com/shop/p/bouquet-walk-downtown-scappoose-summer-series

08/20/2026

There is a new business in Rainier, Columbia River Treasures! This new local thrift shop features stylish clothing, retro home goods, and unique finds sourced along the Columbia River.

They are a great stop for treasure hunting, refreshing your closet, or finding something fun and unexpected for your home. Come check them out and show your support!

📍 Location: 113 E 1st St, Rainier
🕒 Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 12–6pm | Closed Monday-Wednesday

08/19/2026

Let's help support a local Scappoose startup! SkyCast Digital Community Marketing is a local business that helps other local businesses reach more customers by placing digital ads on TVs across the county. They are currently raising funds to purchase more equipment and digital displays through a cool crowdfunding loan platform called Kiva.

As the owner Heidi shared, "This loan will have a major impact on the growth of SkyCast. By allowing us to add more digital advertising screens in new locations, we can provide much more affordable and effective advertising options for local businesses. Currently, many small businesses in our area struggle to find affordable ways to advertise, and this network will give them a powerful new platform."

If you’d like to support Heidi's business venture, please consider contributing here: https://www.kiva.org/lend/3220070.