BASIN EVENTS: Aug. 8-16, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — Who says things have to slow down in August? There’s plenty to do in the Basin this week. Here’s a sample: 

Aug. 8 

Cowboy Breakfast  

Kick off Grant County Fair week with the Cowboy Breakfast and Pee Wee Stampede. Biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs and coffee, plus a stick horse rodeo for the kids. $10 per plate. 7 a.m. at Sinkiuse Square in downtown Moses Lake. Presented by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Info: 509-765-7888.  

Mattawa National Night Out 

Get to know your local police and other emergency personnel at this nationwide event. Music, activities and lots of equipment on display. 4 p.m. in Hund Memorial Park. Info: 509-932-4112. 

Aug. 8-10 

Touch a Tractor 

Imagine standing next to a machine that you have to climb a staircase to enter. Come out to the orchard, pick peaches and nectarines and check out these amazing, modern work horses. Prepicked boxes will also be available. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Verhey's Peaches, 6636 Road 10 SW, Royal City. Info: verheyspeaches.org. 

Aug. 9 

Concealed Carry Class 

This four-hour comprehensive training course is designed to educate individuals on the laws and regulations surrounding the carrying of concealed firearms. This class covers essential topics such as the use of force, firearms safety and the proper handling and storage of firearms, as well as the specific laws and any requirements for obtaining permits in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. Upon completion of the class, attendees will be eligible to apply for the above-mentioned permits and will also receive a WA — HB-1143 Gun Safety Certificate. Cost is $74.99. Sponsored by Legal Heat. 7-11 a.m. at Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1020 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info and tickets: bit.ly/LegalHeatTix. 

Brent Lee Skills Clinic

BMX skills workshop with a focus on corners and race strategy from an acknowledged master. $40 per person. 9-11 a.m. at Moses Lake BMX, 610 S. Yakima Ave. Info: moseslakebmx.com. 

Cop & Fire On Top 

Join in water fights with Quincy Police Department and Grant County Fire District 3 to raise money for Special Olympic Athletes. Squirt guns will be provided. Firefighters are on target from 10 a.m.-noon, cops noon-2 p.m. at Akins Fresh Market, 106 F St. SW, Quincy. Info: 509-787-4718. 

Hot Desert Nights 

Car show sponsored by the Mattawa/Desert Aire Lions Club. Enter as many cars as you want for $20. Doors open at 11 a.m. at Desert Aire Park. Info: 206-275-8582 or 253-606-9506.  

Moonlight Paddle 

Back by popular demand, the Moonlight Paddle is open to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and inflatables. Life jackets and lights are required. Prizes wil be issued for best lights, best decorated and best-dressed captain. Sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce. 7 p.m. at West Beach Park. Info: soaplakecoc.org. 

Aug. 10 

Self-Defense Fundraising Seminar 

Join 40-year martial arts veteran Sifu Charlie Hicks for a day of martial arts training, skill building and community spirit. Proceeds go to support the Joni's Angels Martial Arts Scholarship Program, a charity program that pays for economically disadvantaged young people to attend martial arts classes. $60 per person or $75 VIP registration, which includes a hand-crafted escrima stick. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. At Freewind Martial Arts, 206 W. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-9055. 

Aug. 12 

Storytime with Valor 

Story, songs and crafts with Kids Hope facility dog Valor. 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489 

Amazing Magic Show 

Jeff Evans’ career in magic began from a book of coin tricks he read when he was twelve years old. Today he performs hundreds of shows each year throughout the Pacific Northwest, proof that anything you want to learn can be found in books. Bring your whole family and prepare to be amazed. 3:30-4:15 p.m. at the Ephrata Public Library, 45 Alder St NW. Info: 509-754-3971. 

Breaking the Silence: Recognizing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues 

Explore early warning signs, why early action matters, and what local support is available — while listening and learning from each other. The town hall will begin with a short presentation, then the floor will be opened for discussion, questions, and shared experiences. Free to all concerned adults. Spanish interpretation available. Hosted by Quincy Partnership for Youth. 5-5:30 p.m. at 101 F. St. SW, Quincy. Info: 509-797-5242 or quincypartnership.org. 

Aug. 12-16 

Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo 

The county’s biggest annual blowout with carnival, rodeo, demo derby, vendors, livestock exhibits and, of course, the traditional Space Burgers. Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.  

Aug. 15-17 

Summer Theatre Double Feature 

Quincy Valley Allied Arts presents two plays: “In Grandma’s Basement” by Emily Ellis and “The Cupcake Caper” by Nancy Bend. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Tickets $10, children 5 and under free. All performances start at 6 p.m. Friday: White Heron Winery, 23832 Fine Wine Road NW, Quincy. Saturday: George Community Park. Sunday: Lauzier Park, Quincy. Info: quincy-valley-allied-arts.org. 

Aug. 16 

Back to School Story Time 

Fun-filled back-to-school-themed story time with guest librarian Season Fleming. Children can enjoy the $2 kids lemonade special and indulge in fun stories, activities and more. No charge. 10-10:30 a.m. at Desert Rose Cafe, 745 E. Hemlock, Othello. Info: 509-331-3416. 

This weekend at the movies:  

Fairchild Cinemas: Bad Guys 2 (PG); Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13); Freakier Friday (PG); How to Train Your Dragon (PG); I Know What You Did Last Summer (R); Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13); The Naked Gun (PG-13); Superman (PG-13); Weapons (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for showtimes.  

Lee Theater: Not posted at press time. See www.leetheaters.com for updates.   

Ritz Theater: How to Train Your Dragon (PG) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates. 

    Magician Jeff Evans will perform at the Ephrata Public Library Aug. 12.
  

    Kids Hope facility dog Valor will be the guest of honor at a story time at Moses Lake Public Library Aug. 12.