BASIN EVENTS: April 17-25
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 weeks, 1 day AGO
More than 60 employers will be at Big Bend Community College for the annual Job Fair Thursday.
FILE PHOTO
Quincy Valley Allied Arts presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” this weekend.
Cutting-edge technology will be on display at Big Bend Community College’s Mechatronics Meltdown Saturday.
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. | April 17, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — Is it spring or isn’t it? You’d never know by the way the weather has gone back and forth this month. Don’t let that stop you from getting out and doing things this week, though. Here are some things to check out:
April 17
Safe Kids, Strong Communities
Free family-friendly event in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pizza, face painting, child safety education and hands-on activities for children of all ages and abilities, as well as prize giveaways. All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 3-7 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-764-8402.
Bring Your Own Book Club
Readers meet and have a guided discussion about participants’ various books and maybe discover a new book or genre. 5 p.m. at George Public Library, 403 S Washington Way. Info: 509-785-7043.
April 17-18
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
Quincy Valley Allied Arts presents the musical based on the Biblical story of Joseph. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday at Quincy High School Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. NE. Info and tickets: www.quincy-valley-allied-arts.org.
April 17-19
Youth Dynamics 30th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate 30 years of Christian outreach with three days of fun and fellowship. Alumni night, tours of the building, desserts and comedy by Bob Smiley. 106 E. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-855-4095.
April 17-26
‘Around the World in 80 Days’
Masquers Theater presents the Jules Verne classic. Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. With his resourceful servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he’s a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays at Masquers Theater, 322 Main Ave. E, Soap Lake. Info: www.masquers.com.
April 18
Free Kids Fishing Derby
For ages 0-14. Participants must bring their own equipment. Prizes for each age group, plus goody bags for the first 100 participants. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Coulee City Campground, N. Fourth St. Info: 509-633-3074.
Mechatronics Meltdown
Big Bend Mechatronics Club presents an opportunity for young folks to interact with some of the latest technology, including RC tractor obstacle course, drone tank laser tag, retro gaming, mini drones, and 3D printers. Free for all ages. 10 a.m. at Big Bend Community College, Building 3700, 7662 Chanute St. NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-793-2222.
Spring Bingo
Proceeds support Grange activities. Bingo cards $1. Snacks and baked goods available for purchase. 3 p.m. at Moses Lake Grange No. 1151, 14724 Road 3 SE. Info: 509-850-0242.
Music and Wine Straight from the Vine
Live music by Moses Lake saxophonist Doug Coutts. Wine and craft beer available, as well as local meats, cheese and Cornfusion Gourmet Popcorn. 7-9 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: camascovecellars.com or 509-750-4193.
Craft Collective: Custom Doormats
Unleash your inner crafter to relax, connect with others, and get creative making custom doormats. Craft materials available while supplies last. 6-7:30 p.m. at Othello Public Library, 125 E. Hemlock St. Info: 509-488-9683.
April 22
‘Scooby-Doo and Krypto, Too’
Free, child-friendly movie with free popcorn. 4 p.m. at Ritzville Public Library, 302 W. Main Ave. Info: 509- 659-1222.
April 23
Big Bend Job & Career Fair
More than 60 employers will be on campus for this free event. Network with companies, explore career options, and discover programs that can launch your future. Bring your résumé. Sponsored by Microsoft. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Big Bend Community College, 7662 Chanute Street NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-793-2222.
Big Bend Bingo Night
Fundraiser for Big Bend Community College Foundation. Sheriff Joey Kriete will call numbers, A-Crew BBQ will serve tacos, and Moses Lake Taproom will have beer and wine available. Prizes and silent auction. Bingo cards available with a suggested donation. 5 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
April 24
Children’s Day
Get ready for a day full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit at the new stage area in Hund Memorial Park. Each child will receive a treat bag packed with goodies like snacks, candies, and fun surprises. 4 p.m. at Hund Memorial Park, Mattawa. Info: 509-932-4037.
Hiram B. Freedom and his Honky-Tonk Holy Ghost Revival
Live outlaw country music by the King of the Hillbilly Poets. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177.
Voces de Esperanza Gala – Under the Stars
Enjoy an elegant evening featuring traditional Mexican music, authentic Mexican cuisine, an open bar, and more. Proceeds support Unidos Nueva Alianza Foundation. Tickets $100 at unaz-gala.raiselysite.com. 6-9 p.m. at Quincy Business and Event Center, 115 F St. SW. Info: 509-289-7637.
Covenant Christian School Barbecue Dinner
Brisket and pulled pork dinner, live auction, silent auction and dessert auction. Proceeds support Christian education and help keep tuition costs low. $25 per place in advance, $30 at the door. 6-8 p.m. at Moses Lake Alliance Church, 1100 N. Grape Drive. Info: 509-762-9060.
April 25
Fr. Kerr Honorary Golf Tournament
Proceeds support St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Lunch and cart included. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at Moses Pointe Golf Course, 4524 Westshore Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.saintroseschool.org.
Touch a Truck
Fire trucks, police cars, heavy equipment and more for children to climb on and explore, plus face painting and raffle prizes. Hosted by MomCo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Ave. Info: themom.co.
Kids & Kites Festival
Come and fly kites at a fun, family-friendly event. 100 free kites for the first 100 children 10 and younger. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lauzier Park, Quincy. Info: 509-393-6868.
Bee Hotels
Celebrate Earth Day by creating a bee hotel while learning about the interesting bee species they serve and their importance to the ecosystem. Bee hotels mimic the natural habitats of leafcutter and mason bees and provide shelter and nesting for further growth in population. The finished project is a tin can or wooden box filled with natural nesting materials that participants can hang in their yard, garden, or balcony. A limited amount of supplies will be available. 12-2 p.m. at Soap Lake Public Library, 32 Main Ave. E. Info: 509-246-1313.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: A Great Awakening (PG-13); Beast (R); Hoppers (PG); Project Hail Mary (PG-13); Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG); The Drama (R); The Mummy (R); You, Me and Tuscany (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: The Mummy (R); Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Reminders of Him (PG-13) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Quincy Valley Allied Arts presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” this weekend.
Cutting-edge technology will be on display at Big Bend Community College’s Mechatronics Meltdown Saturday.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Mail carriers to collect food Saturday
MOSES LAKE — Mail carriers in Moses Lake will collect food for the Moses Lake Food Bank Saturday, part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. “(We’re asking) for a small donation of non-perishable food by your mailbox,” said carrier Michelle Schmidt, who’s coordinating the drive this year for Moses Lake. “And then on Saturday when we’re delivering, we’ll be picking up the food as we go along our route.” Schmidt suggested marking the food donation clearly, so carriers don’t pick up someone’s delivery order from a store. Anyone wanting more information can ask their mail carrier. The drive, put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers the second Saturday in May, has been going on since 1993, according to the NALC’s website.
Palos Verdes moves into Moses Lake
Mae Valley homes a first for the Othello-based builder
MOSES LAKE — One of Othello’s biggest developers just started its first new housing development in Moses Lake. “We’ve been building in Othello for the past 12, 13 years, and then moved to the Quincy area seven, eight years (ago),” said Angel Garza, owner of Othello-based Palos Verdes. “We’ve always had our eye on Moses Lake.” Garza was there Wednesday to cut the ribbon at Sandhill Place, the new Palos Verdes development in Mae Valley. Palos Verdes has 31 lots under development, Garza said, with right of first refusal on another 50 or so, including some that face the Moses Lake Golf Club. The homes at Sandhill Estates are a little different from Palos Verdes’ previous floor plans, Garza said, something he had some reservations about at first.
BASIN EVENTS: May 8-16
COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is just about perfect and there are things going on all over the Basin. Here are some options to check out. May 8-10 ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Basin Community Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical. 7:10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1:10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Moses Lake High School Theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave. Tickets and info: basincommunitytheatre.com.