SENIOR EVENTS: October 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 hours, 7 minutes 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. | October 7, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening for seniors in the Basin this month: live music, crafts and lots of spooky fun to share with the grand-ghouls.
Oct. 9
H.E. Gritman Senior Center Fundraising Breakfast
Enjoy a homemade breakfast of pancakes and sausage or biscuits and gravy and sausage. Cost is $7 and all ages are welcome. All proceeds go to support the activities at the Senior Center. 7-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921.
Oct. 10
Fall Festival
Live music, food, vendors, kids’ activities, animals to feed, hayrides and more. Lots of room to run and play, or sit and relax while listening to the music and sipping some fresh apple cider. 12-5 p.m. at Cloudview Farms, 17305 Frey Rd, Ephrata. Info: cloudviewfarm.org.
Murder & Moonlight at Moore Manor
Interactive murder mystery party where you become part of the story. You are invited by the esteemed Count Dragula, the “Queen” of Moore Manor, to celebrate at the Blood Moon Ball where night walkers and blood drinkers celebrate their immortal life. Throughout the evening, attendees will become the undead investigators to solve the mystery that unfolds. Vampire- and goth-inspired costumes are highly encouraged. Must be 21 or older. Presented by Columbia Basin Allied Arts and Moore Brewing Co. 6 p.m. at Moore Brewing Co., 302 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: moorebrewingco.com.
Oct. 11
Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra
The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition as one of the finest student/community orchestras in the region and its repertoire contains some of the most demanding pieces in orchestral music. Presented by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., show at 3 p.m. at Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.communityconcertsml.org.
Oct. 17
Othello Fall Festival
Trunk or treat, contests, food and family activities, plus a movie at dusk. Sponsored by the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce. 2-9 p.m. at Kiwanis Park, 870 S. Shady Lane. Info: 509-488-2683.
Oct. 19
Create & Cackle
Join fellow artists, makers and creatives to hang out and finish that project you’ve been working on. 6 p.m. at The Main Event, 116 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 843-323-2218.
Oct. 29
‘Hocus Pocus’
Screening of the 1993 Halloween comedy starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Senior Center, 124 C St. NW. Info: www.ephrataseniorcenter.org.
Piano Men
A high-octane, emotionally charged musical journey led by father-son duo, Terry and Nick Davies, and a world-class band that takes audiences on a ride they won’t soon forget. Bonded by blood and a deep love for the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, Terry and Nick showcase their musical genes through a roller coaster of iconic hits, delivered with authenticity, showmanship and a deep sense of legacy. Presented by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. at Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.communityconcertsml.org.
Oct. 30
Downtown Ephrata Trick-or-Treat
Join local businesses and residents in downtown Ephrata for a trick-or-treating adventure. 5-7 p.m. at Rock Park, 32 Basin St NW, Ephrata. Info: Eprhatachamber.org.
Oct. 31
Moravida Festival
Moravida Festival is a vibrant celebration of life inspired by the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos. There will be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, engaging children’s crafts, diverse food vendors, and much more. This event is open to all and free to attend. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.
Harvest Festival
Exciting activities including live music, food vendors, booth vendors, and a variety of games, plus trunk-or-treating. Sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association. 2-5 p.m. at Sinkiuse Square, 306 S. Ash St., Moses Lake.
The Ephrata Senior Center will screen the 1993 Halloween comedy “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 29.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Garcia, Dent share views on representation and rural challenges
EPHRATA — Voters in Washington's 13th Legislative District will choose between an experienced incumbent and a first-time challenger as they decide who will represent them in the state House of Representatives. Republican Tom Dent, who has represented the district since 2015, is seeking another term against Democrat Juan "Jerry" Garcia. The 13th Legislative District spans all or portions of Grant, Adams, Kittitas, Yakima and Lincoln counties, covering a large section of rural Central Washington. As voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 general election, the Columbia Basin Herald asked both candidates a series of questions about the issues facing the district and the state Legislature. Their responses will be published as part of a two-part Q&A series leading up to Election Day.
SENIOR EVENTS: October 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening for seniors in the Basin this month: live music, crafts and lots of spooky fun to share with the grand-ghouls.
Alzheimer’s Walk raises money for dementia research
MOSES LAKE — A record number of people turned out at McCosh Park Sept. 19 to do their part in fighting dementia through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “We had a wonderful number of participants,” said Julie Reathaford, walk manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, who is based in Tri-Cities and organizes the Moses Lake walk. “We had more people than we’ve ever had.” The number of participants on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website is 236, but a lot of people registered the day of the event, Reathaford said. Those registrations had to be sent to Seattle to be processed, and the final numbers aren’t back yet. The same applies to the funds raised at the walk. The website showed $32,480 raised, or 72% of a $45,000 goal, as of Monday but donations are still coming in, Reathaford said, and will continue to until the end of the year.