BASIN EVENTS: Nov. 13-25
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months AGO
Othello High School will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” this weekend at McFarland Middle School.
JOEL MARTIN/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Bingo for K-9s will support the Columbia Basin K-9 program Nov. 22.
Moses Lake will kick off the holiday season with the Downtown Tree Lighting Nov. 21.
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 14, 2025 3:15 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is getting nippy and the holidays are fast approaching. Whether it’s shopping, art, music or theater, there’s something for everybody happening in the Basin this week.
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 Drive 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.
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.
Nov. 16
Coffee for a Cause
Join Othello First Presbyterian Church for coffee and cinnamon rolls. Proceeds support Sole2Soul, a ministry that supplies new shoes to children who need them. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ironworks Cafe & Market, 335 S. Broadway, Othello. Info: 509-488-9957.
Old Time Fiddlers
Musical jam for anyone who wants to play or just enjoy the music. 2-4 p.m. at the Moses Lake Senior Center, 608 E. Third Ave. Info: 509-765-7809.
Nov. 19
Create & Cackle
Do you like to make stuff? Do you have an unfinished project? Want to just hang out and finish a project? Just drop in, have a drink and a snack and create. Knitting, drawing, sewing, crocheting, perler beading, coloring, painting, origami or basket-weaving – the only limit is what you bring. Bring your own project and drinks/snacks and hang out with like-minded individuals. 6 p.m. at The Main Event, 116 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 843-323-2218.
Nov. 20
Friends of the Moses Lake Library Book Sale
Peruse through gently used books and take home a new treasure for your home library. Proceeds go to help fund library programs. 2-6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-771-7634.
Bingo for K-9s
Support the Columbia Basin K-9s with prizes, silent auction items, a 50/50 drawing and bingo. Hosted by Sheriff Joey Kriete with dinner by A-Crew BBQ. A $5 donation is suggested per bingo card. Dinner 56 p.m., bingo 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
‘Seabiscuit’
Screening of the film starring David McCullough and Jeff Bridges about the life and career of the famous racehorse. 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Senior Center, 124 C St. NW. Info: www.ephrataseniorcenter.org.
Nov. 21
Community Turkey Drive
Volunteers will be at Moses Lake grocery stores encouraging shoppers to purchase and donate a frozen turkey or canned food. Food will be distributed to help local families enjoy healthy meals this holiday season. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Safeway, Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods, and Moses Lake Grocery Outlet. Info: 509-765-5606.
Downtown Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with Moses Lake’s traditional tree lighting. 4-6 p.m. at Sinkiuse Square. Info: www.downtownmoseslake.org.
Nov 21-22, 24-25
‘Mamma Mia!’
Set on a sunny Greek island, “Mamma Mia!” tells the story of Sophie, a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna’s past in hopes of discovering which one is her father. As the big day approaches, the past and present collide in this heartwarming and hilarious tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery – all set to the timeless hits of ABBA. Come join the MLHS Theatre Troupe for this high-energy musical filled with laughter, heart, and unforgettable music. 7 p.m. Friday-Tuesday, 32 p.m. matinee Saturday at Moses Lake High School, 803 Sharon Ave. E. Tickets and info: https://bit.ly/MLHSMammaMiaTix.
Nov. 22
Winter Wonderland Market
Sixty-plus businesses, plus coffee, food and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free for the whole family. Hosted by Poppin’ Up 509. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: [email protected].
Gratitude Banquet
Thanksgiving meal to recognize all recovery personnel. Guest speakers, dinner and raffles. Hosted by the Alano Club of Moses Lake. 5 p.m. at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 121 Alder St. SW. Info: 509-398-1812.
Buckets N Boards
Buckets N Boards is a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of percussion, clean comedy, ridiculous songs, beautiful harmonies, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and a variety of musical talents. Presented by Columbia Basin Allied Arts. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. at the Big Bend Community College Wallenstien Theater, 6991 College Parkway NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.cba-arts.org.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Black Phone 2 (R); Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc (Not rated — Japanese with English subtitles); Keeper (R); Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (PG-13); Predator Badlands (PG-13); Regretting You (PG-13); Sarah’s Oil (PG) Stitch Head (PG); The Running Man (R); Tron: Ares (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); Wicked: For Good (PG) See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Anemone (R). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Bingo for K-9s will support the Columbia Basin K-9 program Nov. 22.
Moses Lake will kick off the holiday season with the Downtown Tree Lighting Nov. 21.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Endless battle
Noxious Weed Control Board works to keep invasive plants under control
MOSES LAKE — Some of the nastiest plants in Grant County were the topic of a class led by Jay Johnson, a consultant with the Grant County Noxious Weed Control Board, Tuesday. The Noxious Weed Control Board, as its name would suggest, is tasked with keeping weeds under control in Grant County. That’s not a small job; the board’s website lists 129 species of noxious weeds that are found around Grant County. A noxious weed is defined as an invasive, non-native plant that threatens agricultural crops, local ecosystems or fish and wildlife habitat, according to the Noxious Weed Control Board. Washington state law requires that these weeds be identified and their spread kept to a minimum, if not completely eradicated. “We’re one of those agencies a lot of people don’t really understand,” Johnson said. “We’re a county office and … our funding is tax-based assessment. When you get your tax bill and you look down at all the expenses that you pay for, there we are.”
BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 16-24
COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you feel like shopping, crafting, learning or seeing a show, there’s something happening for you this week in the Basin. Oct. 16 ‘My Family (Mi Familia)’ screening Spanning three generations, “My Family (Mi Familia)” is a heartfelt drama that follows the Sánchez family as they build their lives in East Los Angeles. Through love, hardship, triumph, and sacrifice, the film explores the immigrant experience, the strength of family bonds, and the traditions that connect one generation to the next. Lowrider show and taco truck before the screening. Sponsored by Columbia Basin Allied Arts, EDUBS C/S and the Moses Lake Creative District. $12 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m., film begins at 7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center Auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St. Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org.
Moses Lake author encourages women to look beyond church culture norms
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake author’s book, “A Christian Woman Striving to Live Her Faith in a Man-Controlled World,” takes aim at the role to which many churches relegate the female half of their congregations. “It’s to encourage women in the faith,” Linda Curran said. “A lot of churches say, ‘Teach Sunday school, do this, do that, but don’t (evangelize.)’" In her book, Curran recounts a time when she moved to a new community and joined a church there. She was surprised to learn that, as a new female member, she had been automatically assigned church cleaning duties. When she questioned it, she wrote, she was met with condescension and her objections were brushed aside. In other churches, she said, women who were capable of teaching were relegated to “women’s ministry.”