Ephrata hears Summer Sounds

EPHRATA — Ephrata took on a festival atmosphere during the weekend, when activities, food and two stages of music were offered at Basin Summer Sounds.

The event kicked off Friday night when the first of the bands playing in front of the Grant County Courthouse. On Saturday the festivities continue with games and more music to entertain the audiences.

"We just blew away our opening night," said music coordinator Chris Youngberg.

Chair Janice Moore commented on the support organizers received from the city of Ephrata.

"The city of Ephrata, they have just given us the biggest shot in the arm that we could ever get," Moore said.

Bands played several styles of music, from Celtic, indie rock and bluegrass, to country western, classic rock and swing, Youngberg said.

She hoped the event introduced the community to new styles of music.

"Not a lot of people listen to Celtic music, but today they're going to go, 'Wow, this is awesome,'" Youngberg said.

In addition to participating in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, children could attend workshops to learn about musical instruments, arts and dance, or play on toys including a water slide, climbing mountain and bungee cord.

"The bungee cord was the funnest," said young Ephrata resident Sean Couture. "I did a ton of backflips."

Cecelia Couture said the event was a great inexpensive day for children.

Ephrata resident Janet Konshuk said with the exception of the aquatic center, not many activities are offered in Ephrata for children.

"I read it in the paper and I thought, 'Something perfect for my kids' age groups,'" Konshuk said.

Soap Lake resident Becky Chase, who attended Basin Summer Sounds with her visiting children and grandchildren, said she had more fun at the event than she has had in years.

"I haven't laughed this hard in ages," Chase said.