Downtown Camas Association kicks off 2025 First Fridays with a mystery

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) will host its annual “Clue” themed First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, throughout downtown Camas.

The First Friday event features a passport activity, games and crafts based on the 1940s murder mystery board game and 1985 “Clue” movie based on the board game. In addition, participating shops and restaurants will offer after-hours shopping and dining; art galleries will host receptions for new exhibits and First Friday participants can enter to win a variety of prizes donated by local merchants.

“Grab your thinking cap and gather your friends and family for this delicious mystery in downtown Camas,” Leah Nichelson, the DCA’s event and project manager, said. “We love seeing people dressed up in their ‘Clue’ inspired attire. This event is such a fun and creative way to spend an evening, make some memories, and explore our art galleries and all our local businesses have to offer.”

Participants can pick up their “Clue” passport and activity list at the DCA table inside Journey Church, at 304 N.E. Fourth Ave., starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

Five participants will also receive a special “Secret Passage” card that offers additional treats throughout the evening. First Friday-goers who dress up like one of the “Clue” suspects — which include Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Mr. Green, Lady Lavender, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White, Professor Plum and Dr. Orchid — will receive five extra chances to win prizes.

The Liberty Theatre will show “Murder by Death” at 8 p.m. Friday, and will provide free popcorn to every person who solves the mystery during the “Clue” themed First Friday passport activity game.

LiveWell Camas, located at 417 N.E. Birch St., will host its first Somatic Salon, inspired by French salons where intellectuals gathered in the mid-1800s through early 1900s to discuss art and culture. LiveWell’s salon will feature an evening of live music, poetry, art and connection. The salon will be held in an open house format, and visitors are encouraged to visit the yoga and movement studio between 5 and 8 p.m. during the First Friday event.

Second Story Gallery, located on the second floor of the Camas Public Library, at 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., will host an art reception for photographer Leslie Struxness’ “Transformation Through Travel” show, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. Gallery 408, located at 408 N.E. Fourth Ave., will host art shows and receptions as well as live art demonstrations throughout the First Friday event.

RedDoor Gallery, located at 411 N.E. Dallas St., will present artwork by Natasha Ramras in a special “Emerging Artist Exhibition” that runs through Feb. 12. Ramras, of Vancouver, is an award-winning artist from the Pacific Northwest who works primarily in oil on canvas and has exhibited her paintings in Delaware, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition to the RedDoor Gallery, Ramras’ paintings are currently exhibited at the Village Gallery in Portland; at Pacific Artists Gallery in Lincoln City, Oregon; and at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center in Vancouver. She is a juried member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, Pacific Northwest Pastel Society and the American Pastel Society.