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BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 20-27, 2026

JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 4 weeks AGO
by JOEL MARTIN
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. | March 20, 2026 3:00 AM

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty to do this week in the Columbia Basin. Here are some possibilities. 


March 20  


Rylei Franks  

Live music by local singer-songwriter. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: ryleifranks.com 


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 22 


Mom Meetup 

Support and friendship for moms of all faiths and all ages of children. Childcare provided. 3-4:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Chapel, 612 Third Ave. SE, Ephrata. Info: 509-760-7669


March 23 


Naloxone Training 

Learn to identify and respond to an opioid overdose with hands-on training. Presented in English and Spanish by Grant County Health District. 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Quincy Public Library, 208 Central Ave. S. 509-787-2359 


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


Nate Ford Live  

Comedian Nate Ford has performed across the country, from the dimly lit dive bars that ooze with character to the grandeur of prestigious theaters, as well as being seen on “Last Comic Standing” and “The Prairie Home Companion.” 8-10 p.m. at Pastime Sportscenter, 119 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info and reservations: 509-428-4117


March 26 


Family History Night 

Learn about the history of the Columbia Basin, and enjoy cheese zombies or chili with a cinnamon roll. Hosted by Ephrata Middle School PAWS. Proceeds fund EMS’ eighth-grade celebration. Tickets $7, available at https://bit.ly/EMSHistory26. 5-7 p.m. at Ephrata Middle School, 384 A St. SE. Info: 509-754-4659


Bingo Fundraiser for Daze of Camelot 

Raffles, drawings and bingo. Prizes include a smart TV, a kayak and gift baskets. Proceeds support Daze of Camelot Animal Sanctuary. There will also be a supply drive; please bring any laundry detergent and pet food you can spare. No charge, but a donation of $5 is suggested per bingo card. 6-8 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: moseslaketaproom.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  


Pine Needle Basketry 

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket making in this hands-on beginner class. Participants will learn the fundamentals of coiling techniques, how to prepare and work with natural pine needles, how to start with a ceramic base, and how to incorporate simple embellishments. No prior experience is necessary. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a small, handcrafted basket and the skills to continue this relaxing and rewarding craft at home. All materials are provided. 1 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830


Humanities Speaker: Feliks Banel 

Northwest historian, broadcaster and storyteller Feliks Banel presents “All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and Things,” an engaging look at how our state’s towns, landmarks, and even local brands got their names. Sponsored by Humanities Washington. No charge. 5 p.m. at Ritzville Public Library, 302 W. Main Ave. Info: ritzvillelibrary.org


Under the Stars Daddy-Daughter Dance 

Dinner and dancing for dads and daughters. Treat boxes and water included, plus photos available on-site. Hosted by Royal High School Family, Career, Community Leaders. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/RHSDaddyDaughter26. Dinner 5:30 p.m., dancing 7-8:30 p.m. at Royal High School, 955 Ahlers Ave. N. Info: 509-346-2256


This weekend at the movies:  


Fairchild Cinemas: GOAT (PG); Hoppers (PG); Project Hail Mary (PG-13); Reminders of Him (PG) Scream 7 (R); Undertone (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times. 


The Showhouse: Project Hail Mary (PG-13); Reminders of Him (PG-13)  See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times. 


Ritz Theater: I Can Only Imagine 2 (PG). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.  

    The Moses Lake Taproom will host a bingo fundraiser for Daze of Camelot Animal Sanctuary March 26.
 
 
    Northwest historian Feliks Banel will present “All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and Things” at the Ritzville Public Library March 27.
 
 


ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN

Alleged assault on officer, paramedic lands man in jail
July 16, 2026 1:05 a.m.

Alleged assault on officer, paramedic lands man in jail

MOSES LAKE — A man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a paramedic and a Moses Lake Police Officer, according to a statement from the MLPD. Jared Blake Hunter, 34, was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of third-degree assault – law enforcement officer, according to Grant County Jail records.

Man arrested in Moses Lake for drive-by shooting
July 15, 2026 10:22 a.m.

Man arrested in Moses Lake for drive-by shooting

MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested in a drive-by shooting incident in the Cascade Valley area of Moses Lake Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Austin Bennett, 27, was booked into jail on suspicion of drive-by shooting, according to the Grant County Jail roster. As of Wednesday morning, he did not have a listed bail amount. At about 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, GCSO deputies and Moses Lake Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 7900 block of Stanley Road Northeast, according to the statement. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including a spent .223-caliber cartridge casing.

National Night Out
July 16, 2026 3:20 a.m.

National Night Out

Police departments prepare to meet the public next month

MOSES LAKE — The Ephrata Police Department will host its first National Night Out this year, joining several other Basin communities. “We’ll have static vehicle displays: one of our patrol cars, the fire truck, (and) Lifeline is hopefully going to be joining us with an ambulance,” EPD Office manager Jennifer Hansen said. “We’ll be serving free hot dogs and everyone is invited for a free swim.” The event will be held Aug. 4 at Splash Zone, the city water park, according to Hansen, who took the lead in planning the event. It’s long been a priority of the department to get to where it could host National Night Out, and although this is the first year, Hansen said, it won’t be the last.