BASIN EVENTS: March 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 1 week AGO
The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo will be March 17 at the Grant County Fairgrounds.
FILE PHOTO
Comedian Robert Ca$h Moore will perform at Rick’s Eatery in Moses Lake March 13.
The Poor Boyz perform at a past Brews & Tunes in Moses Lake. This year’s event is March 14.
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. | February 27, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is in sight and there’s lots to do this month in the Basin. Here are a few suggestions.
Feb. 27-28
Columbia Basin Home & Garden Show
Whether you’re planning spring home projects, dreaming of spring gardens, looking for fresh inspiration, or just love browsing artisan vendors, sipping coffee and connecting with the community, this event has something for everyone. Free admission on Friday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Grant County Fairgrounds Commercial Building, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-8911 or seedcupboardnursery.com.
Feb 27-March 7
‘Footloose’
Quincy High School presents “Footloose.” 7 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28 and March 5-6, 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6 at Quincy High School Performing Arts Center, 403 Jackrabbit St. Tickets and info: https://bit.ly/QHSFootlooseTix.
Feb. 28
Samaritan Hospital Community Open House
The community is invited for a look at the new Samaritan Hospital, which opens for patient care March 7. Preregistration is recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Register for a tour time at WeAreSamaritan.org/Open-House. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 2000 S. Clover Drive, Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-5606.
Golden Giving Night
Banquet and auction to support the Quincy Food Bank. Irish-themed dinner and live entertainment. 5 p.m. at the Port of Quincy, 101 F. St. SW. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/GoldenGiving26. Info: quincyvalley.org or 509-787-2140.
LJ Polmateer
Live music by Moses Lake singer-songwriter LJ Polmateer. 7-9 p.m. at Moses Lake Tap Room, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
March 5
Live music with Owen Barnhart
Country solo artist Owen Barnhart’s sets include soulful banjo, fingerpicking guitar and a crystal-clear voice - covering everything from classic country and Americana to classic rock and folk tunes. 6:30 p.m. at Gård Public House, 112 Evergreen Ave. NW, Royal City. Info and reservations: 509-414-1484.
March 6
Artrageous
Picture a spectacle where music, dance, and live painting collide in a mesmerizing fusion, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Artrageous is a visual concert that fuses the mesmerizing music of original recording artists and composers with multisensory, dynamic live art curated by award-winning artists. The combined experience creates an immersive journey designed to create lasting memories and a sense of purpose and joy while stimulating your mind and senses. 7 p.m. at Big Bend Community College Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org.
March 7
Dr. Seuss Bingo and Silent Auction
Oh, the fun you’ll sponsor! Proceeds benefit Big Bend Cooperative Preschool. 4:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 A St., Moses Lake. Info: bigbendcooperativepreschool.com.
Oxford House Bingo Night
The Oxford House is hosting its first fundraiser of the year Saturday. The bingo bundle with food is $20 with additional cards for $10. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. The funds raised will help open and furnish new Oxford homes, support houses in need and provide training opportunities for members. Doors: 4:30 p.m. 5-8 p.m. Grace Harvest Church. For more information contact: [email protected].
Youth Outdoors Unlimited Auction
Live and silent auction and banquet. Proceeds go to take youth with disabilities or life-threatening illness on hunting and fishing trips. 4:30-9:30 p.m. at Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, 3015 W. Marina Drive, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: https://charityauction.bid/YOUMosesLake2026.
March 13-17
‘Up the Down Staircase’
Step inside the halls of a bustling urban high school where idealism meets reality in this heartfelt and often humorous story of a young teacher finding her way. The play follows Sylvia Barrett as she begins her first teaching job – full of hope, enthusiasm, and big dreams. But between endless paperwork, rule books, red tape, and unforgettable students, she quickly learns that education is about far more than lesson plans. 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, 2 p.m. Saturday matinee at Moses Lake High School, 803 E. Sharon Ave. Info and tickets: https://bit.ly/MLHS-UTDS.
March 13
Sourdough for Beginners
Are you ready to finally take the plunge into sourdough and all of its benefits? Come learn a skill as old as time and get your hands doughy. Laura, a WSDA-certified commercial sourdough baker and instructor, will teach you all you need to know to bake an artisan sourdough boule from start to finish. Tickets $99, available at https://bit.ly/SourdoughTix26. 5-7:30 p.m. at The Drip, 123 W. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Info: [email protected].
Comedy Night
Featuring Tacoma-based Robert Ca$h Moore. 7 p.m. at Rick’s Eatery, 819 W. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-761-9644.
March 14
Lucky Finds Market
Local treasures, fresh spring foods, unique handmade gifts and more at this offseason event by the Moses Lake Farmers market. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100 or farmersmarketml.com.
Brews & Tunes
Check out regional breweries, cideries and distilleries, local music and a whole downtown full of shopping. Non-alcoholic options are available. Participants will receive seven tasting tickets, a map of the event, swag bag and a customized tasting glass. 1-5 p.m. starting at Sinkiuse Square, 306 SD. Ash St., Moses Lake. Info and tickets: 509-770-1700 or downtownmoseslake.org.
Coffee & Canvas Spring Paint Event
Guided paint session with artist Nellie Hoots. Invite your friends and family for an evening of creativity, laughter, and maybe a little tea party magic. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Desert Rose Cafe, 745 E. Hemlock St, Othello. Registration and info: https://bit.ly/SpringPaint3-26.
March 17
Moses Lake Chamber Business Expo
Discover a vibrant showcase of local businesses, enjoy delicious food and drinks, play fun games, and connect with neighbors during a spirited community celebration together. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes & Shamrocks.” 4-7 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info and registration: www.moseslake.com.
March 18
Create & Cackle
Do you like to make stuff? Do you have a project unfinished? 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.
March 19
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.
March 21
Cruisin’ into Spring Car Show
Classics, lowriders and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Dr NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com/cruisin.
Model Home Build Competition
Students in grades 6-8 are invited for a fun day of hands-on building. Model kits are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own materials and add-ons. No charge, but registration required by March 13. Info and registration: https://bit.ly/HFHGML-ModelHome26.
Corral Creek
Bluegrass concert featuring American roots music and storytelling. Adults $5, kids 12 and younger free. There will be a hat-pass for the musicians. Refreshments served by the Georgettes. 53 p.m. at the George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency Blvd. Info: www.georgecommunityhall.com.
March 24
Gentlemen’s Quartet
Instrumental quartet with female vocalist. GQ is a modern, elegant take on some of the most famous music ever written, fusing together multiple genres in a perfect symphony of sophistication, virtuosity and humor. Sponsored by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Tickets $30 for adults, $10 for students, with special rates for families and music teachers and students. 7 p.m. at the Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.communityconcertsml.com.
March 27
‘Zootopia 2’
Free screening of family-friendly film. Rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake arrives in Zootropolis and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. Bring your favorite treats to enjoy, just remember to clean up afterward. 1 p.m. at Quincy Public Library 208 Central Ave S. Info: 509-787-2359.
March 31
Mobile market
Free drive-thru for fresh and nonperishable items. No appointment or paperwork needed – just come by if you need a hand. Limited to 250 families. Provided by Second Harvest Tri-Cities. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1399 Nat Washington Way, Ephrata. Info: 2-harvest.org.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Bendito Corazon (not rated); Crime 101 (R); GOAT (PG); I Can Only Imagine 2 (PG) Iron Lung (R); Scream 7 (R); Send Help (R); Solo Mio (PG); Wuthering Heights (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: I Can Only Imagine 2 (PG) Scream 7 (R). See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: GOAT (PG). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Comedian Robert Ca$h Moore will perform at Rick’s Eatery in Moses Lake March 13.
The Poor Boyz perform at a past Brews & Tunes in Moses Lake. This year’s event is March 14.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Quincy National Night Out scales down
QUINCY — Quincy’s National Night Out was more compact this year, which worked out well, said QPD Sgt. Joe Westby, who’s in charge of event planning for the Quincy Police Department. “National Night Out is a big event, and the fact that we’re able to shrink it up is like a breath of fresh air,” Westby said. “If you're always doing the same thing, it's kind of nice to switch things up and see how it works.” National Night Out took place Thursday on the block of C Street next to the police station, a shift from previous years when it was held at Lauzier Park. The smaller space meant fewer emergency vehicles for children to explore, but it also meant less walking for attendees. Grant County Fire District 5 brought a fire truck, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office had a patrol boat. Renew, the Grant County behavioral health agency, had a booth and so did Quincy Partnership for Youth. Veterans Operation Creation sang the national anthem, and the Quincy Animal Shelter brought kittens that piled over each other making friends with passersby. As before, the QPD served grilled hot dogs.
Quincy Police retirements leave big shoes to fill
QUINCY — There are some big shoes to fill at the Quincy Police Department. “We’re losing 48 years of experience between them,” Quincy Police Chief Ryan Green said at the retirement party for Capt. Jorge Trujillo and Det. Damon Powell Thursday. Trujillo, who grew up in Sunnyside, has been with QPD for 19 years, he said, coming on as a patrol officer fresh out of the military. From there he served as a field training officer, a detective and finally captain. “I consider him my left-hand man,” Green said. “He runs the operations side of the house … He knows the agency very well, and he knows the community.” Trujillo has some projects around the house to tackle now that he’s retired, he said.
Big fun on a small scale
Wheat Land Communities’ Fair opens Thursday
RITZVILLE — The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair isn’t as big or as flashy as some of the county fairs around central Washington, but the folks who keep it going like it just the way it is. “It’s somewhere you can go and get an old-time traditional feeling, and you’re comfortable letting your kids roam the grounds and experience all that it has to offer,” said Board Member Lori Williams. “It’s more of a feeling than (one) specific thing,” The fair starts Thursday in Ritzville and runs through Sunday. Starting Friday, the 56th Ritzville Rodeo will take place alongside the fair at the rodeo grounds. This year the entertainment budget was expanded, Williams said, to be able to offer more fun that’s covered by the cost of admission. For the kids, there’s face painting, balloon art, Lego crafts, races, contests and games. Children can also ride on a little train towed around the fairgrounds behind a tractor.