Dining | Ellington

September 30, 2026 3:20 a.m.

Hispanic cultures blend at UMANI

MOSES LAKE — The range of cultures represented in downtown Moses Lake was broad: Mexican, Caribbean and South American performers stood side-by-side with U.S. Chicano lowriders and West Coast rap at the annual UMANI festival, a celebration of Hispanic life. “The streets are full, the vibes are good, the music’s great and the cars are stunning,” said Shawn Cardwell, executive director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which puts on UMANI every September.

October 2, 2026 3 a.m.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 2-10, 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s October, and the spooky season is just around the corner. Meanwhile, check out some of the goings-on in the Basin this week.

October 5, 2026 3 a.m.

Youth Dynamics auction to have ’80s theme

MOSES LAKE — It’s time to acid-wash the jeans, dig out the leg warmers and go wild with the hairspray at Youth Dynamics’ banquet and auction Oct. 17. The theme is “Back to the ’80s,” and attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite movie characters from that era, according to Moses Lake Youth Dynamics Director Sean Sallis. Tickets are available until Oct. 10, Sallis said. There are still plenty available, but so far this year’s event is more popular than ever, he said. “As of (Thursday), we’ve sold 23 tables, and we’ve never sold that many tables by Oct. 1,” Sallis said. “(At last year’s auction), there were a lot of new people who had never been to our auction before, who had been invited to a table, and some of those people are now buying their own table with their friends.” Dinner will be prime rib catered by Firehouse Barbecue, followed by a dessert dash with a sweet treat for each table, Sallis said. There will be a photo booth and mocktails by Eleventh Hour. The event is alcohol-free, he said.

October 7, 2026 3 a.m.

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.

October 9, 2026 3 a.m.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 9-17

COLUMBIA BASIN — The days are warm, the nights are getting chilly and there are plenty of chances to get out and about. Here are a few.

October 16, 2026 3 a.m.

BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 16-24

COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you feel like shopping, crafting, learning or seeing a show, there’s something happening for you this week in the Basin. Oct. 16 ‘My Family (Mi Familia)’ screening Spanning three generations, “My Family (Mi Familia)” is a heartfelt drama that follows the Sánchez family as they build their lives in East Los Angeles. Through love, hardship, triumph, and sacrifice, the film explores the immigrant experience, the strength of family bonds, and the traditions that connect one generation to the next. Lowrider show and taco truck before the screening. Sponsored by Columbia Basin Allied Arts, EDUBS C/S and the Moses Lake Creative District. $12 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m., film begins at 7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center Auditorium, 401 S. Balsam St. Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org.

October 20, 2026 3:20 a.m.

'Breast Cancer and Joy'

Community rallies around Moses Lake teacher during breast cancer battle

MOSES LAKE — Surrounded by friends, family, coworkers, students' parents and community members, Moses Lake teacher Joy Fry spent Thursday evening celebrating something bigger than a hamburger. Rock Top Burgers & Brew hosted a "Joy Celebration" on Oct. 15, raising money for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation while honoring Fry, a Garden Heights Elementary fourth-grade teacher who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Working alongside restaurant staff, Fry helped create a special burger for the month of October, with proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit that has supported her throughout her cancer journey. "I feel so blessed," Fry said, looking out at the crowd that filled the restaurant. Breast cancer has touched Fry's family for generations. Her mother died from breast cancer at age 34, and her sister was diagnosed with cancer at 23. Because of that history, Fry said she has long been proactive about screenings and working with her doctors.