Moses Lake Museum tops off potato luncheon

Annual event raises funds for quality exhibits

MOSES LAKE - Freya Hart says the annual potato lunch would be a success for her personally if there are "minimal" leftovers remaining.

"I typically say at every one of our openings no one's leaving until the food has been eaten," the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center manager said with a laugh.

The annual potato luncheon runs Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, located at 228 W. Third Ave.

"The purpose of the potato luncheon is to serve as a fund-raiser for supporting exhibits and programs at the MAC," Hart said. "That helps us bring in traveling exhibits, speakers and pay for instructors. While we do have money for those types of activities typically budgeted, it allows us to up the quality a little bit."

The center tried to boost its menu this year, Hart added, so the lunch includes a potato and choice of toppings, salad, beverage and a chocolate chip cookie from Griffin's Bakery.

The museum is prepared to serve up to 500 people, Hart said.

The luncheon began as a program attached to the Baked, Mashed and Fried Art Exhibition which ran at the museum for a number of years.

"As momentum for the show dwindled, the potato luncheon became the number-one hit," Hart said. "It took on a life of its own."

Cost is $6 for a ticket. Orders are going out to local schools as well, Hart said.

"It's another chance to view the Columbia Basin Juried Exhibition, that will be up during the potato luncheon," she said. "And you also have a chance to meet with a number of city officials who will be your servers for the afternoon event."

For more information, call the center at 509-766-9395.