Moses Lake Family Picnic draws strong community support
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 1 week AGO
There were 35 vendors at the third annual Moses Lake Family Picnic ranging from Moses Lake Community Coalition to Sila.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Two children fight one another with balloons they got at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday.
Megan Watson, coordinator for the Moses Lake Community Coalition, compliments art that children were drawing on the table.
One child fishes a squishy at the Moses Lake Family Picnic.
Four girls learn how to make a battery from pennies at Sila’s booth at the Moses Lake Family Picnic.
A girl gets a glitter “tattoo” at the Moses Lake Family Picnic. Children were running around covered in tattoos, glitter and colored hair from various booths.
A young picnic attendee gets her hair “dyed” with a temporary pink color at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday.
A young boy plays hopscotch by himself at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday at Neppel Landing.
Kids Hope Facility Courthouse Dog Valor makes an appearance at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday. He helps calm children when they have to make court appearances.
MOSES LAKE — The annual Moses Lake Family Picnic took place on Saturday at Neppel Landing, celebrating the joys of community and family engagement in a day filled with activities, food and local vendors. According to Downtown Moses Lake Association Executive Director Malory Miller, this year’s event significantly outperformed last year’s, drawing an estimated 600 attendees.
“We had around 37 booth vendors signed up originally, and even with two backing out, we had 35 vendors overall,” Miller said. “This is 10 more than last year, which is a huge increase in community participation.” The event provided a platform for local businesses to showcase their offerings through various interactive activities.
Activities for children included a chance to color their own pinwheels courtesy of Care Moses Lake, while Edward Jones hosted a fishing game where participants could “catch” prizes with toy squishies. Moses Lake Parks and Recreation organized traditional games such as cornhole and potato sack races, which drew participation from both children and adults.
Miller highlighted that Moses Lake Pediatric Dentistry, this year’s platinum sponsor, had a major presence with booths offering glitter hair spray and other engaging activities.
“It was joyous to see kids with colorful hair and smiling faces,” Miller said, adding that “the energy in the air was contagious, and it was a fantastic day overall.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event featured complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers, which quickly ran out due to high turnout.
“We sold out around 12:30 PM, which was remarkable,” said Miller, attributing the food donations to local businesses, including Ernie’s Meats and Care Moses Lake.
Miller expressed her gratitude for the volunteers who helped make the day a success.
“Last year, I only had two volunteers. This year, we had 14. Their support allowed everything to run smoothly, especially as I’m eight months pregnant,” she said.
Miller stated that the strong turnout has prompted plans for the fourth annual Family Picnic next year, affirming that community interest continues to grow.
“It’s heartwarming to see the community come together, and I want to thank everyone who participated and supported this event,” she said.
For updates, residents are encouraged to follow the association on social media.
“It's a win for us, because people get to learn about the DMLA and what we do for the community,” Miller said. “But then also, their kids are getting their energy out, getting some freebies, free food. And then as well, as you know, the booths can share what they do and what they can offer.”
Two children fight one another with balloons they got at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday.
Megan Watson, coordinator for the Moses Lake Community Coalition, compliments art that children were drawing on the table.
One child fishes a squishy at the Moses Lake Family Picnic.
Four girls learn how to make a battery from pennies at Sila’s booth at the Moses Lake Family Picnic.
A girl gets a glitter “tattoo” at the Moses Lake Family Picnic. Children were running around covered in tattoos, glitter and colored hair from various booths.
A young picnic attendee gets her hair “dyed” with a temporary pink color at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday.
A young boy plays hopscotch by himself at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday at Neppel Landing.
Kids Hope Facility Courthouse Dog Valor makes an appearance at the Moses Lake Family Picnic Saturday. He helps calm children when they have to make court appearances.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
‘Show up’
Local leaders say community voices shape schools, cities and trust
WARDEN — When Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez looked out over the audience at the April 28 Warden City Council meeting, she didn’t see empty seats. She saw neighbors. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.” That message – that showing up matters – was echoed by city and school leaders across the Columbia Basin, many of whom say public participation directly shapes decision-making, transparency and long‑term planning.
Warden council bans kratom, considers parking regulations
WARDEN — Warden City Council passed a kratom ban and special event permit Tuesday night. It also discussed its comprehensive plan update and an ordinance for parking regulations. Around 17 residents were in attendance, a fairly large showing for a Warden council meeting. “First of all, before we start, I want to say thank you to all those that came to the meeting tonight,” Mayor Rosaelia Martinez said. “I know we are all busy people, and I really appreciate your input because it really validates what a lot of people are hoping to achieve in the city. Thank you. Your time is valuable and we appreciate you being here.”
Columbia Basin Hospital nominates Allred for board
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Hospital received one application for a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners for Public Hospital District No. 3. Dr. Lowell Allred has applied for the role. He was officially nominated for the role at the April 28 board of commissioners meeting. “Public notice of this nomination shall occur between April 29 and May 14, to allow time for registered voters residing in the hospital district to also submit nominees for the vacant position,” said Chief Executive Officer Rosalinda Kibby.