BASIN EVENTS: May 22-29
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 3 weeks AGO
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. | May 22, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Memorial Day weekend and there will be celebrations and solemn remembrances all over the Basin. There’s also live music, art and community gatherings to enjoy. Here are a few ways to start the summer.
May 22
Historic Marker Dedication
A sign detailing the life of Nathaniel “Nat” Washington will be dedicated at the Nat Washington House. Sponsored by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Colonists and the Sons of the American Revolution, Spokane Chapter No. 1. 11 a.m. at 42 C St. NW, Ephrata. Info: www.jonasbabcockdar.org.
May 22-24
Spring Fest
Moses Lake’s biggest blowout of the year. Carnival, parades, car show, 3-on-3 basketball tournament and more. Info: www.springfestinmoseslake.com.
May 22-24
Last Stand Rodeo
PRCA rodeo plus Cow Pie Jog, mutton bustin’, Cowboy Breakfast and parade. Coulee City Rodeo Grounds, 505 E. Walnut St., Coulee City. Info: laststandrodeo.com.
May 23
Downtown Ritzville Pop-Up Market
Local vendors, small businesses, car show, and a day centered around shopping and supporting the community. Sponsored by the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in downtown Ritzville. Info: ritzvillechamber.com.
Spill the Tea Master Class
Learn to grow, preserve and package your own herbal tea. Suggested donation $10 to cover supplies. 10 a.m. at Covenant Christian School, 1001 N. Grape Drive, Moses Lake. Info and RSVP: [email protected].
May 25
Dimestore Prophets
Live music by local band. 8 p.m. at Sporty’s Bar & Grill, 507 E. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: sportysml.com.
May 26
Of the Sea
Join other artists in painting a moonlit whale or a clever octopus. 5:30 p.m. at Harvest Moon Saloon, 213 Railroad St., Wilson Creek. Tickets and info: dp-artz.square.site.
May 27
Big Bend Community College Plant Sale
House plants, herbs and vegetables $3-$20. Cash only. Proceeds support BBCC agricultural programs. Info: bigbend.edu.
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 22818 SR 17 N., Soap Lake. Info: 2-harvest.org.
May 28
B Street Bash
Celebrate 20 years of data center prosperity with free food and desserts, beer garden, music, games and community celebrations. Sponsored by Microsoft. 5-8 p.m. on B Street Southeast, Quincy. Info: 509-787-2140.
Bingo
Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program. Free, but $5 per card donation suggested. 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 E. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
May 29
Restore City Youth Auction
Dinner and live and silent auction to fund youth trip to National Youth Conference. Tickets $20 per person or $35 for a couple. Childcare available by donation. 6 p.m. at Restore City Church, 2227 W. Peninsula Drive, Moses Lake. Info: restorecity.church.
May 30
Whimsy in the Park
Fantasy croquet and park games, performers, bubbles, face painting and artisan and food vendors. Fantasy costumes encouraged and prizes for best child and adult costumes. Sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce. 12-8 p.m. at East Beach Park, 125 First St. NE, Soap Lake. Info: soaplakecoc.org.
Sludgefest
Heavy metal music festival featuring Merlock, Sawdust, The Velvet Helmets and more. All ages welcome. 12 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: camascovecellars.com.
‘Aladdin’
A magical tale told with ballet, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop dance. Presented by Ballet Academy of Moses Lake. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/AladdinBalletML26. 1 and 6 p.m. at Moses Lake High School, 803 E. Sharon Ave. Info: balletacademyml.com.
This weekend at the movies
Fairchild Cinemas: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13); Michael (PG-13); Mortal Kombat II (R); Obsession (R); Passenger (R); The Sheep Detectives (PG); Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13); Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Obsession (R); The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13); The Backrooms (R). See othelloshowhouse.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: The Sheep Detectives (PG) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Several patriotic organizations will dedicate a sign at the Nat Washington House in Ephrata Friday.
Downtown Ritzville will host a popup market and a car show Saturday.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
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.
‘Year of the Horse’
Up Town Art Gallery opens equine-themed exhibition
MOSES LAKE — According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 (and a little bit of 2027) is the year of the horse. That was a good reason, decided the owners of Up Town Art Gallery in Moses Lake, to hold a special art show centered around the magnificent creatures. “We’ve got, I don’t know how many local artists,” said Judy Kalin, who co-owns Up Town Art Gallery with Leanne Hickman. “I think there are 10 or 12 of us.” The equine theme took on a lot of forms: oils, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal and Hickman’s trademark painted feathers. There were rope baskets made from lariats, wooden horse sculptures and a stuffed unicorn as well.
‘What Royal City is all about’
Summerfest celebrates small-town pride, community spirit
ROYAL CITY — Royal City celebrated the sunny season with its annual Summerfest last weekend, and the event was by any measure a success. “The feedback has been really great,” said Committee Chair Jill Larsen. “People loved the parade; it’s an election year, so that brings out more people. Our dancing horses were as popular as ever. I’m pretty sure we had around 75 horses this year.” This year’s Summerfest featured a couple of new events, both geared toward younger attendees. The Royal Ranchers 4-H Club hosted goat tying, which actually involved untying a ribbon from the tail of a goat. A 4-H volunteer held the baby goat still so the smaller competitors could get a hold on the ribbon; for the older kids, a mama goat led them on a chase around the ring.