BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 7-15
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 weeks, 6 days AGO
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves. | November 7, 2025 3:30 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — This week celebrates veterans, and there are several events honoring those who served. There are also holiday markets, live performances and much, much more. Here are a few possibilities:
Nov. 7-8
Piper Barn Show
A tradition for over 30 years, this holiday bazaar features more than 60 vendors offering handmade goods, home décor, vintage finds, clothing, gifts and seasonal treasures.The Ephrata Senior Center will take a busload there on Saturday leaving at 10 a.m. Admission $7 the first day, free after that. Lunch and dinner served daily. Noon-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at 1508 Road S SE, Moses Lake. Info: www.piperbarn.com.
Nov. 7-11
Christmas Market
Artisan vendors, festive classes and seasonal soups, coffee and selections from the grill. 4 p.m. at Seed Cupboard Nursery, 12543 Road H SW, Royal City. Info: 509-750-8911.
Nov. 8
Movies and Robots
Explore the world of robots on and off the screen! Participants will watch robot-themed movies, then bring the action to life by coding their own robots. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the George Public Library, 403 S. Washington Way. Info: 509-785-7043.
Operation Offroad
Off-road adventure in the Moses Lake Sand Dunes for local veterans and their significant others. A carne asada lunch will be provided. Sponsored by the Sand Scorpions and Forward Operating Base. Rides start at 10 a.m., lunch noon at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes ORV Park, 978 Sand Dunes Road. Info: 509-761-9742.
‘A Time for Peace’
Benefit dinner and auction for St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. 1960s/70s dress is encouraged. 5 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, 520 Nat Washington Way, Ephrata. Info: saintroseschool.org.
Nov. 11
Coffey Anderson Veterans Day Concert
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, patriotism and community with a special Veterans Day performance by country music star Coffey Anderson. 7 p.m. at Quincy High School Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. NE. Info: 509-787-2140.
Elks Veterans Dinner
Community event to honor veterans. $10 per person, free to all active-duty military and veterans. Lodge opens 4:30 p.m., ceremony 5 p.m., spaghetti dinner 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Elks Club, 217 N. Elder St. Info: www.elks.org.
Nov. 13-15
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Othello High School Drama Club presents William Shakespeare’s beloved story of young love, magic and comedic chaos. Admission $10, students with ASB $8. 7 p.m. at McFarland Middle School, 790 S. 10th Ave., Othello. Info: 509-488-3351.
Nov. 14
H.E. Gritman Senior Center Fundraising Breakfast
Enjoy a homemade breakfast of pancakes and sausage or biscuits and gravy and sausage. Cost is $7 and all ages are welcome. All proceeds go to support the activities at the Senior Center. 7-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921.
Introduction to the Indigenous Art Form of Beading
Local indigenous artist Amanda Keewatinawin will host a workshop on the indigenous art form of beading and how to create your own beaded fringe earrings. Hand-curated kits and instructions will be provided for each participant along with a brief history of indigenous beadwork. Ages 18 and older. 5:30-8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.
Nov. 15
Harvest to Holidays Market
Moses Lake Farmers Market off-season market. Fresh produce, holiday gifts, baked goods, handmade treasures and more. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds Commercial Building, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100.
Retro-Con
Power up your nostalgia at Retro-Con, the ultimate celebration of all things retro. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love the classics, this one-day event is packed with vintage treasures and pop culture gems. Rare toys, video games, collectibles and more. Admission free for all ages. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Youth Dynamics Building, 106 E. Third Ave., Moses Lake.
Maria Pearson Book Signing
Local author Maria Pearson will be at The Bookery signing copies of her newly published children's book “Pumpernick Village: Miss Possibility Panda,” a heartwarming, magical tale about courage, purpose and following your calling. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Bookery, 1 Basin St. NW, Ephrata. Info: 509-754-5321.
Ukulele Jams
Ukulele jams allow you to learn or practice playing simple chords while singing along with instructor Jennifer McCarthy and other participants. Bring your instrument and desire to make music to the museum once a month and enjoy the benefits of singing and playing in a group. Don’t have a ukulele? The museum has a few on hand for you to borrow during class. No charge, ages 5 and up. 1-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: Info: 509-764-3830.
Jacie Sites and the Nitpickers
Live music from Pendleton-based award-winning fiddler Jacie Sites and her band. Adults $5, kids 12 and younger free. There will be a hat-pass for the musicians. Refreshments served by the Georgettes. 3 p.m. at the George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency Blvd. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Black Phone 2 (R); Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc (Not rated — English dubbed or Japanese with English subtitles); Christy (R); Predator Badlands (PG-13); Regretting You (PG-13); Sarah’s Oil (PG) Stitch Head (PG); Tron: Ares (PG-13); Truth and Treason (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Predator Badlands (PG-13); Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (PG-13); The Running Man (R). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: One Battle After Another (R). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
An earlier version of this calendar gave an incorrect time for the Jacie Sites and the Nitpickers concert in George. It has been corrected above.
Country singer Coffey Anderson will perform a special Veterans Day concert in Quincy Tuesday.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Moses Lake teachers march downtown
MOSES LAKE — Teachers from across Moses Lake marched from Sinkiuse Square to Frontier Middle School Thursdayin support of the Moses Lake Education Association’s work stoppage. The teachers stayed at Frontier while a band played at Carl Ahlers Park across the street and passing motorists honked. The teachers had been on strike for four days while the union negotiates a new contract with the Moses Lake School District.
Mini-farm for sale has deep Grant County roots
SOAP LAKE — There’s a little piece of history in the mini-farm for sale east of Soap Lake. “It’s been with the same owner since the 1930s,” said Anna Van Diest of Moses Lake Realty Group, who is listing the 25.19-acre property at 20226 NE Adrian Road, just south of SR 28. The well, still in use, was dug in 1931, she added, more than two decades before the Columbia Basin Project brought irrigation water to the Basin. There’s not much left now of the town of Adrian, but if things had gone a little differently in 1910, the Grant County Courthouse might have been located where the farm now stands. When Grant County was formed out of the eastern part of Douglas County in 1909, the city of Ephrata, then just over 300 people, was named the county seat. The people of Adrian got up a petition the following year to grab the county seat away, according to the Washington history site historylink.org, but were defeated in a 945-802 vote. A few remnants of the town and the railroad cutoff nearby are still visible from the road or in aerial photos.
‘People connector’
Small business mentor Allan Peterson prepares to retire
MOSES LAKE — Allan Peterson is hanging it up after more than two decades of helping the little guy find success. “(We) really appreciate all that he has done for Grant County,” Grant County Economic Development Council Director Brant Mayo said. “He’s been an unsung hero of the growth in this area.”