Residents turn out for 'spudtacular' event

MOSES LAKE - Residents from around the Columbia Basin had some potato for their lunch Friday.

About 400 people participated in the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center's annual fund-raiser potato luncheon Friday.

Patrons went through a line of community leaders serving the spuds and an assortment of toppings, salad, beverages and a Griffin's Bakery cookie for dessert, then perused the center's Juried Exhibition as they let their food settle.

"It's a fun activity, it's a little bit different than have to deal with streets, water lines, sewer lines and complaints and problems," Moses Lake City Manager Joe Gavinski said after serving oversized potatoes to the customers who came through the door.

"It's a Moses Lake tradition," Moses Lake City Councilmember Bill Ecret agreed. "Once you attend, you're hooked."

"It's spudtacular," Spencer Grigg, City of Moses Lake Parks and Recreation director, said.

Moses Lake City Councilmember Dick Deane credited Linda Bishop with contacting local schools, setting the paperwork and getting the orders for 88 potatoes delivered throughout the school district.

Zachary Henninger, 6, almost 7, was enjoying the meal. He said he was in attendance "because my dad pushed me."

After some coaxing from his parents, Henninger said his favorite part of the meal was the chili.

Museum Manager Freya Hart said the fund-raiser was a success, estimating the total number of customers was very close to 400.

"We're overwhelmed by people's response," Hart said. "It lets us know we're giving people something they enjoy."