BASIN EVENTS CALENDAR: March 20-27, 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 2 weeks AGO
The Gentlemen’s Quartet will perform at the Wallenstien Theater March 24.
COURTESY PHOTO/LIVE ON STAGE
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.
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
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.