The City of Battle Ground Parks & Recreation staff has been hard at work creating new community engagement events and preparing for some of our annual favorites this fall and winter. Check out the fun we have in store:
Howl-o-ween Pooch Parade and Pet Costume Contest: October 26, 6pm
The Battle Ground Community Center will be going to the dogs this fall! Adorable pups will be on parade in our 2nd Annual Battle Ground BARKS & Recreation pet costume contest. Registration is open until October 25, or until the contestant roster is full; the entry fee is $5 per canine contestant. Enter for your chance to win some amazing prizes!
Admission is FREE for all spectators. Full event details can be found on the City of Battle Ground website. We hope you join us for what is sure to be a PAWS-itively good time!
Halloween Fright Night: October 31, 4-6pm
Don’t let the name fool you, the only thing frightening about this event is how much fun you will have when you are there! This FREE family friendly event will feature Halloween themed games, prizes and of course… candy!
There are so many fun activities planned for this year’s event we couldn’t keep it all contain inside the Community Center. In the Community Center’s parking boils and ghouls can enjoy Trunk-or-Treating and brave C-Tran’s kid-friendly HAUNTED bus. It is going to be SPOOK-tacular!
Battle of Lights – November 1 (Registration Opens)
Channel your inner Griswold and deck out your home this holiday season for your chance to win a prize, and more importantly bragging rights! Registration is FREE and is open from November 1 – December 1. Entries will be evaluated on several points, some of which include creative use of lights, unique design, outstanding story/theme, overall presentation, etc.
For those of you just here for the show, we have you covered! The Parks & Recreation staff will assemble a roadmap of lights, so you, your friends and family can find your way through the tour of lights, December 4-21. You can even get in on the fun, by voting for your favorite in the People’s Choice Award category!
Winners will be announced on December 22nd. Additional details including contest rules, and event criteria will be announced on the City’s website before registration opens. We hope you will join us for this friendly and festive competition, sponsored by Columbia Credit Union!
NEW EVENT: Lights on Wheels – November 1 (Registration Opens)
Why should houses get all the holiday decorating fun!? Well, this year we are taking the spirit of the holiday season on a holly jolly joy ride! Decorate your ride and join us on December 2nd for an evening holiday lights parade, making spirits bright… and cars too! Participation is FREE and registration will open on November 1.
Does cozying up with your loved ones while watching the parade sound more like your speed? Great! Spectators are welcome to grab a spot along the route and enjoy the festive creations entered in this year’s parade. Full event details and a parade map will be shared on our website, stay tuned!
Holiday Bazaar – November 3 & 4
The Battle Ground Community Center is bringing together local crafters and artisans in our 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar!
This two-day event will showcase the talent from across our City and neighboring communities. With over 45 vendors selling handmade goods, you are sure to find the perfect collection of gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
Admission is FREE for shoppers. Vendors will be staged throughout the community center and outside to the covered patio. The Battle Ground Rotary will be hosting a refreshment stand for anyone looking for a mid-shopping snack.
Full event details, including product examples, are available on our website.
Holiday Craft Night: Holiday Gnome Project – November 10, 6pm
Bring the charm of the holiday season to your home with a friendly holiday gnome! The Parks & Recreation staff has taken care of all the details, designing the craft, gathering supplies, AND they will be on hand to provide guided instruction to the crafters.
The craft is rated for ages 16 and over, and pre-registration is required ($25/gnome kit). Reserve your spot online today.
2023 Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: December 1, 5:30pm
Thirty-four years and counting, join us for the official kick-off to the season at the 2023 Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration Friday, December 1st at the Battle Ground Community Center.
This FREE community event has it all; we gather as a community around the tree to enjoy holiday music as we await the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. They will be escorted by Fire District 3 Engine as Battle Ground Police Department leads the way.
After the tree is shining bright, the celebration will move into the warmth of the community center where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children and all who are young at heart. Families and friends are encouraged to bring cameras or phones to take free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Complimentary holiday cookies and hot cocoa, generously donated by Summit View Church, adding to the tradition and warmth of our community celebration.
It seems there is no end to all the fun that awaits our incredible community this fall and winter. A complete listing of our 2023 Annual Events can be found at: www.cityofbg.org/Annual-Events.
The Battle Ground Community Center is located at 912 E. Main Street. Our Parks & Recreation Staff is available to answer any questions, during regular business hours, on 360-342-5380.