By CASEY MCCARTHY

Staff Writer

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events are limited this year due to restrictions from COVID-19.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge in Moses Lake, sponsored last year by Hands and Paws Animal Assistance, is not expected to happen this year. Last year’s fireworks celebration in Quincy is not scheduled this year either.

While community events and gatherings are still limited, the Sand Scorpions will have fireworks for sale at their stand behind the Airway Deli Mart, 5053 Airway Drive NE, in Moses Lake, now until 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve unless supplies run out earlier.

Brandon Douglass, a member with the Sand Scorpions, said they have seen an uptick in business this year compared to previous New Year’s sales.

“We had a record Fourth of July and we’re expecting a record for New Year’s,” Douglass said.

He said their club was basically built from the funds they raise at the fireworks stand they’ve operated for at least 25 years. Douglass said the money raised has helped them grow and expand their group and equipment each year.

Douglass said workers are encouraging everyone to practice social distancing as they come out and added that everyone did a great job of this during Fourth of July sales.

“Everyone’s pretty respectful about it,” Douglass said.

The Sand Scorpions will also be hosting their annual Christmas Tree Burn at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes on New Year’s Day, with community members welcome to bring their tree to the burn.

Douglass said people can come through the Potato Hill Road entrance and the burn will be at the first camping lot area. He added it will be hard to miss once the trees get going.

The event Jan. 1 begins at noon and typically lasts between two and four hours, depending on the wind and weather. Chili and hot cocoa will be available.