COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring has sprung in the Basin and it’s time to check out the flowers in Othello and Quincy, art in Coulee City, businesses in Ephrata and jobs in Moses Lake, among a host of other things. Here’s what’s happening in April:

April 1

Meditation at the Museum

Meditation is a grounding practice that helps you to know yourself better, appreciate yourself and others more, and allows you to get more relaxed. Mindfulness practice helps us consciously cultivate a sense of connection, calm and well-being so that our day-to-day lives can have more meaning and ease. In this class, you will learn the foundational practices that calm and steady the mind, develop meditation techniques, explore ways you can be more present and mindful in everyday life, learn and practice together with others, and ask questions to share in the experience. Class is free and geared toward adults. 4 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.

Easter Bunny photos

Have your children’s photo taken with Lucy Long Ears. $10 per photo. Photos will be edited and sent by email in 5-7 days. 12-3 p.m. at The Bookery, 1 Basin St. NW, Ephrata. Info: https://bit.ly/NorElleSnapshotsFB.

Community Spaghetti Feed

Celebrate Autism Awareness Month with the Autism Support Group of Grant County. Grant County has been instrumental in supporting families affected by autism, ensuring they feel connected and never isolated, and this is the Autism Support Group’s way of thanking the community. Each plate is $1 at the door and features spaghetti with or without meatballs, a salad, a dinner roll and cookies while supplies last. 5:30-7:30 at the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, 61 Basin St. NW. Info: grantcountyautism.org.

Sweet Pea Master Class

Join Valerie Parrott for a fun, interactive master class on growing sweet peas. Everybody will get to take home a mini greenhouse, plant stakes and five packages of sweet peas including heirloom, high scent and tri-colored, as well as a personalized booklet on the history of the flower and a step-by-step growing guide. 6-7:30 at U Rock Ranch, 465 Road T NE, Warden. Info: 509-431-1879.

April 2

Kinder Registration

Children in the Royal School District who turn 5 on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall and can register at this event. Parents should bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization card. 4-6 p.m. at Red Rock Elementary School, 230 Wildflower NE, Royal City. Info: 509-346-2206.

April 3

Quincy Booster Car Wash

All proceeds benefit Quincy High School girls basketball. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Quincy Community Center, 1450 First Ave. SW. Info: 509-787-3501.

April 5

Spring Fling

Say goodbye to winter and hello to fresh finds. Local artisans, handcrafted gifts, fresh baked goods and farm-fresh produce, as well as a scavenger hunt for the children. Presented by the Moses Lake Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds Commercial Building, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100.

Free Family Saturday: Rainbow and Cloud Fan

April showers not only bring May flowers, but they also bring rainbows. Join the museum for this sweet, simple craft. Free Family Saturday is fun for the whole family and is open to all ages. 12-2 p.m. or while supplies last at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.

Easter Bunny photos

Have your children’s photo taken with Lucy Long Ears. $10 per photo. Photos will be edited and sent by email in 5-7 days. 12-3 p.m. at Smulligan’s Pizza and Barbecue, 1111 N. Evelyn Drive, Moses Lake. Info: https://bit.ly/NorElleSnapshotsFB.

Washington Meat Summit

Meet other folks who are passionate about supporting Washington’s local meat sector. The day will feature a keynote address from Reed Anderson owner and operator of Anderson Ranches and Kalapooia Processing; a low-stress handling demonstration to improve animal well-being and quality; consumer education based on customer expectations and peer-to-peer resource sharing, networking and problem solving. 9:30 a.m. at Pillar Rock Grill, 1373 Road F.2 NE, Moses Lake. Info: 206) 743-4169.

April 9

Child Abuse Prevention Month Event

Join Kids Hope and Valor for fun activities for children, information booths for caregivers and food for everyone. Caregivers and children of all ages and abilities are welcome. No charge. 3-7 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509) 764-8402.

Ephrata Business Expo

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, network, and showcase your business. This event is open to the public, with snacks and drinks available. 4-7 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW. Info: 509) 717-0050 or ephratachamber.org.

April 11

Coulee City Art Walk

Check out artists from all over the area at local businesses. 10 a.m. in downtown Coulee City. Info: 509-681-2018.

Build a Mini Book

Tweens, teens, and adults are invited to celebrate National Library Week, observed April 6-12, by creating a miniature book. 4:30-5:30 p.m. or while supplies last, at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.

April 11-12

Mattawa City Cleanup

Come on down to dispose of any unwanted items. Limit one load per residence. 9 a.m. Tuesday-4 p.m. Wednesday at Mattawa City Shop, 710 E. First St. Info: 509-932-4037.

April 12

Almira Lions Club UTV Fun Run

Ride is approximately 50 miles long. Cash prizes for first, second and third place. $40 per rider. All proceeds to toward Almira Lions Club Park improvements. Registration at 7:30 a.m. at the Almira Community Center, 408 W Main St.; first riders depart at 8 a.m. from Lions Park. Info: https://bit.ly/AlmiraLionsFB.

Crafternoon

Bring any portable craft project and connect with other crafters. Free to all adults, but there is a short registration form to fill out. 12-3 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or museum@cityofml.com.

April 13

Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra

The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition as one of the finest student/community orchestras in the region and its repertoire contains some of the most demanding pieces in orchestral music. Sponsored by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Tickets start at $5 for music students, $30 for general admission. Special pricing for families. Tickets available for purchase at the door or online. Info and tickets: www.CommunityConcertsML.com

April 15

Hide and Seek with Unicorn and Narwhal

Children and tweens are invited to celebrate National Unicorn Day (observed on April 9) and National Narwhal Appreciation Day (observed on April 22). Find tiny unicorns and narwhals hidden around the library for a prize. There will also be unicorn- and narwhal-themed crafts. 4-5:30 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.

April 17

Job and Career Fair

This event connects job seekers with over 60 employers, offering a great opportunity to network and explore career opportunities. Open to students, alumni and the community. A community partnership event brought to you by the WorkSource Services Team: Big Bend Community College, WorkSource, OIC of Washington, Job Corps, SkillSource, Department of Social and Health Services, and Department of Services for the Blind. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Big Bend Community College Masto Center, 7662 Chanute St. NE, Moses Lake. Info: https://bit.ly/BBCCJobFair25.

April 18

Easter Bake Sale

Come and buy some homemade baked items for your Easter weekend. Cakes, cookies, sweet breads, kraut runza, kuchen and other items. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at H.E. Gritman Senior Center, 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509) 659-1921.

April 19

Coulee City Kids Fishing Derby

Prizes for first, second and third place for each age group. Overall winners for biggest fish, smallest fish and most overall weight receive a trophy. Organized by volunteers with support from Coulee City Chamber of Commerce, Town of Coulee City, Port of Coulee City and many generous individual donors. Free for children 14 and younger. Registration at 8 a.m., derby 9-11 a.m. at Coulee City Campground. Info: 509-633-3074.

Guitar Jams

Guitar jams are a chance for you to learn or practice playing simple chords while singing along with instructor Jennifer McCarthy and other participants. Bring your acoustic guitar (no loaner instruments are available) and the desire to make music at the museum once a month. Enjoy the benefits of singing and playing in a group. No charge. 1-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or museum@cityofml.com.

April 24-25

Othello FFA Plant Sale

Variety of annual plants, perennials, herbs, and vegetables. 3-6 p.m. both days or while supplies last at Othello High School, 340 S. Seventh Ave. Info: 509-488-3351.

April 24-26

Quincy FFA Spring Plant Sale

The Quincy Future Farmers of America will offer spring bedding plants, hanging baskets and vegetable starts. 2 p.m. Thursday-12 p.m. Saturday at Quincy High School, 403 Jackrabbit St. Info: 509-787-3501.

April 25

Meghanne Storey

Meghanne Storey is a dynamic singer/songwriter, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Her indie/folk/rock and at times pop sound will catch you tapping your toes and humming along to well-known favorites and unique original tunes. Featuring guitarist Brandt Parke and drummer Doug McGrew. No admission charge. 5:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177.

April 26

Central Basin Audubon Society Bird Walk

Bring Discover pass, binoculars, snacks and water, a chair and your coffee. The plan is to spend some time sitting near the parking area and watching the golden eagle nest, as well as watching for other birds in the area. 8:15 a.m. at the Caribou Trail parking area, Sun Lakes State Park, 34400 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City. Info: 509-475-3143.

Dr. Seuss Breakfast

Do you like green eggs and ham? This is your chance to try it and celebrate your memories of these great books and the adventures of childhood. Suggested donation $20. All proceeds benefit Big Bend Cooperative Preschool. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 A.  St., Moses Lake. Info: 509-361-8221.

Moses Lake MomCo Touch a Truck

Turn the children loose to check out – and maybe climb on – construction equipment, police cars, fire trucks and more. Face painting, raffles, food vendors and more. The first hours will be low-noise for children with sensory issues. 10- a.m.-2 p.m. at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1045 W Ivy Ave. Info: https://bit.ly/MLTouchaTruck25.

Downtown Spring Cleanup

Join the Downtown Moses Lake Association for a rewarding day of community service. Teaming up with the city of Moses Lake and Lakeside Disposal, we’re clearing alleyways of trash and debris. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 205 S. Division St. Info: downtownmoseslake.org or 509-770-1700.

April 27

Suncatcher Workshop

Create a beautiful suncatcher as we watch through the chakras and how the crystals’ energy connects with them. Come as strangers and leave as friends. Wine tasting is encouraged. 2-5 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Pl, Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-9532.

April 28

Coffee and Support

Grab your favorite coffee and start your Monday out with a good cup of joe and support from those who are on the autism journey with you. Sponsored by the Autism Support Group of Grant County. 9-11 a.m. at Cup of Joy Cafe, 430 E. Division St., Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.

    Local art of all kinds will be on display at the Coulee City Art Walk April 11.
  

    Quincy High School Future Farmers of America will hold its annual plant sale April 24-26.