BASIN EVENTS: December 2025
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
Royal Intermediate School will host its annual holiday bazaar Dec. 3 in Royal City.
FILE PHOTO
Ephrata will celebrate the holiday season with Bells on Basin Dec. 13.
Young shepherds watch their flocks by night in a float in last year’s Miracle on Main Street Parade in Othello. This year’s celebration is Dec. 6.
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 28, 2025 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — Now that the Thanksgiving turkey coma has passed, it’s time to get off the couch and start the December festivities. Here are some things happening this month.
Nov. 29
Museum & Community Center Breakfast Fundraiser
Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and sausage with coffee or juice for a $15 donation. Children 10 and under can opt to order one biscuit for $5. Proceeds benefit Washtucna Historical Museum & Community Center. 8 a.m. at Sonny’s Tavern, 250 SW Main St., Washtucna. Info: 509-646-3310.
Downtown tree lighting
Ephrata’s holiday season begins with free hot cocoa and a brightly-lit tree. Hosted by the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce. 4:30 p.m. at Ephrata Recreation Department, 112 Basin St. SW. Info: 509-717-0050.
Dec. 3
Royal Intermediate School Holiday Bazaar
Gifts, crafts, arts, treats and a visit from Santa. 4:30-7 p.m. at Royal Intermediate School, 6261 Road 12 SW, Royal City. Info: 509-346-2226.
Dec. 4
Classical Sounds of the Season
Classical selections for cello and piano by Kevin Hekmatpanah and Yoon-Wha Rhoh of the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra, followed by a holiday sing-along. Sponsored by Central Basin Community Concert Association. 7 p.m. at the Big Bend Community College Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy NE, Moses Lake. Info and tickets: www.CommunityConcertsML.com.
Dec. 5
30th Moses Lake Ag Appreciation Parade and Street Party
Music and food, as well as photos with Santa, followed by a parade with trucks and farm equipment decked out in bright lights. Street party begins at 5 p.m., parade at 7 p.m. at Sinkiuse Square, Moses Lake. Info: www.downtownmoseslake.org.
Dec. 6
Farm Family Brunch
The Farm Family Brunch is a heartfelt celebration of our local farmers and their families — a time to relax, share stories, and enjoy a warm meal together. Kids will love meeting Santa and snapping festive photos to capture the holiday spirit. Sponsored by Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. 8 a.m. at Michael’s on the Lake, 910 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: www.moseslake.com.
Winter Holiday Bazaar
Find Christmas treasures for yourself or as gifts. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Community Church of Ephrata, 54 K St. SE. Info: 509-754-6130.
Merry Market and Tree Festival
The Moses Lake Farmers Market and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake combine Habitat’s Festival of Trees with a holiday market. Stroll through decorated trees and have photos with Santa, while exploring the market’s gifts and goodies. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100.
Handmade & Vintage Christmas Market at CCS
Handcrafted items from students and vintage finds from Pieces by Parrott, plus holiday-themed treats from the Associated Student Body. Proceeds go toward the school’s greenhouse fund. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Covenant Christian School, 1001 N. Grape Drive, Moses Lake. Info: 509-431-1879.
Winterfest
Holiday bazaar, library book sale, turkey bingo, hot coffee and cocoa. The fun starts at 10 a.m., and Santa will make his appearance at 4 p.m. in downtown Soap Lake. Info: www.soaplakecoc.com.
A Christmas Miracle on Main Street
This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Country,” so grab your cowboy boots and get ready for a festive, family-friendly celebration. Food vendors, craft vendors, petting zoo, reindeer experience and more, followed by a parade and tree lighting. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. at Othello City Hall, 500 E. Main St. Info: 509-331-6768.
Lake City Blues
Live unplugged music from the iconic Moses Lake blues band. Bring a friend or two and a pair of dancing shoes. Snacks, beer and wine available. 6:30 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 S.Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-4193.
Dec. 7
Free Kids Ornament Making Night
Fun-filled afternoon for making Christmas ornaments, plus tree lighting and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 4-6 p.m. at Highlighters Art Club, 504 W. Main St., Coulee City. Info: [email protected].
Community Christmas Concert
Quincy Valley Allied Arts Community Choir and Orchestra presents favorites of the season. Free admission with an item for the Quincy Food Bank. 6 p.m. at Quincy High School Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. Info: quincy-valley-allied-arts.org.
Dec. 11
Kids Hope Bingo Night
Support Kids Hope with a basket raffle and bingo. Tickets $5. 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
Dec. 12
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.
‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’
The children of Mars are watching too much Earthling TV, so their elders kidnap Santa Claus in this 1964 campy classic film. Pre-film activities include a graham cracker house building station, cosmic iceball toss and more. Ugly sweaters encouraged. Free for the whole family. Presented by Columbia Basin Allied Arts. Activities begin at 6 p.m., movie begins at 7 p.m. at Moses Lake Civic Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: www.cba-arts.org.
Celtic Christmas Celebration
Violinist Geoffrey Castle’s “Celtic Christmas” program will feature the Geoffrey Castle Celtic Band, Irish tenor Dan Connolly, singer Emily McIntosh, bagpiper Don Scobie and the Seattle Irish Dance Company. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-514-3849. 7 p.m. at the Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway NE, on the Big Bend Community College campus. Info: www.ChristmasInWashington.com.
Dec. 13
Bells on Basin
Ephrata pulls out the stops for this community holiday celebration, starting with breakfast with Santa and finishing with a lighted Christmas parade. Activities for children and adults throughout the day. Sponsored by the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce. 509-717-0050.
Dec. 14
Marlin Handbell Choir
Experience the enchanting sound of 100 English handbells, bringing beloved holiday classics to life. The concert will conclude with a fun sing-along, inviting all to join in the festive cheer. Don't miss this special holiday experience – perfect for family and friends to enjoy together. Admission is by donation. Cookie decorating at 1 p.m., concert begins at 3 p.m. at the George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com.
Ladies Christmas Tea
Theme is “A Weary World Rejoices.” Appetizers, tea, and good conversation. Guest speaker is Pastor Bridget Bern of Spokane Bethel Church of the Nazarene. All ladies welcome. RSVP by Dec. 3 to [email protected]. 4:30 p.m. at Moses Lake Nazarene Church, 422 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-765-4343.
Dec. 17
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.
Dec. 18
Singo
Singo is a new and exciting musical spin on the traditional game of Bingo. Instead of listening for a number, players are listening to their favorite music. Each player receives a free Singo card printed with the titles of popular songs. While Singo randomly plays song clips, players can sing along and mark matching song titles on their cards. The first player to mark five songs in a row and to shout "Singo" wins the round. Admission is free and prizes will be awarded. 6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
Dec. 21
Nazarene Gift Drive
Do you have toys and books taking up space at your house, or need gifts for children because money is tight? Volunteers from Moses Lake Nazarene Church will get them set up and ready for families to “shop” for the perfect gift for their children at no cost. Gifts should be in ready-to-use condition. Church members will supply cocoa, cookies and some gift-wrapping supplies. Toys can be dropped off 2-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday at Moses Lake Nazarene Church, 422 S. Balsam St., until the day of the swap. 3-6 p.m. at U Rock Ranch, 465 Road T NE Warden. Info: 509-765-4343 or moseslakenazarene.org.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (PG-13); Predator Badlands (PG-13); The Running Man (R); Wicked: For Good (PG); Zootopia 2 (PG). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Zootopia 2 (PG); Wicked: For Good (PG); Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (R). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Soul on Fire (PG). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Ephrata will celebrate the holiday season with Bells on Basin Dec. 13.
Young shepherds watch their flocks by night in a float in last year’s Miracle on Main Street Parade in Othello. This year’s celebration is Dec. 6.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.”