Weekend fun at Basin Summer Sounds
Tayla Lynn performs her own music as well as covers of popular country songs by artists such as Miranda Lambert, and some of her grandmother, Loretta Lynn's, hits.
Music, food and fun seems to be the overall theme of Ephrata's annual Basin Summer Sounds event. Starting in 2004, this was the tenth year the free music festival brought local vendors, live entertainment and other family-friendly activities to downtown Ephrata.
This year's free music festival featured musical guests Ian Mcferon, Cody Beebe and The Crooks, and Hamilton Loomis Friday evening. The music started early on Saturday as Rocklyn Road hit the stage at 10 a.m. The duo, Danika Nolton and Gary Johnstad, is known for playing a mix of classic rock, county and rockabilly. At 11 a.m. the Mastiko Childrens Choir took the stage and entertained the audience with a high-energy singing and dancing performance. Local singer/songwriter Mary Loeffelbein performed at 1 p.m., followed by Seattle's Once Upon a Tuesday. Massy Furguson, also out of Seattle performed at 5 p.m. followed by Tayla Lynn at 7 p.m. and headliner Little Texas at 9. The band Jars of Clay was originally announced to perform at this year's festival, but the event bringing them this way was cancelled, according to Basin Summer Sounds Facebook page.
In addition to the music, the two-day event offers a variety of activities, like the Rim 2 Rim basketball tournament and car and cycle show, that people from all over the state come to enjoy.
For some, attending the annual festival has turned into a tradition. Nancy Webster-Schubeck of Bellingham said she loves coming to Basin Summer Sounds because it's like a family reunion, class reunion and great time all into one. "It gets better every year. The music is great too!" said Webster-Schubeck.
With the festivities taking place in Ephrata's downtown area, some local businesses had a busy weekend. Pam Leseman, chamber of commerce board member and owner of Pita Pit said business was good over the weekend. "We saw a lot of new faces and people that had never been to Pita Pit," she said. One of Leseman's favorite parts of the festival is seeing all the kids who have moved away come back to visit.