Columbia Basin events for March 18-24

COLUMBIA BASIN — The Columbia Basin may seem quiet and slow, and it can be when that’s what you want, but it also has a lot going on that area residents can have a little fun with. Here are several events coming up in the next week. If you have an event you’d like to appear in the paper, submit it via our website’s events tab.

March 19

Moses Lake Business Expo

Join members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce for a safari into what local businesses have to offer the community. This event regularly sells out and is a great way to support local. The fun starts at 4 p.m. and runs three hours at the Grant County Fairgrounds. Visit MosesLake.com for more information about this event and the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce and visit gcfairgrounds.com for more events hosted regularly at the fairgrounds.

Adult guided sketch

Guided sketching and drawing class for ages 16 and older taught by museum fine art instructor Cheryl Fall. This class will guide you to develop – or improve – your drawing skills through the basics of sketching from a variety of set-ups. We’ll cover live sketching techniques, drawing beautifully draped fabrics, sketching everyday objects, as well as techniques to establish value and scale. All materials are provided for this class; however, you may choose to bring your own sketchbook and/or pencils. Museum members are eligible for discounts on classes. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam. Info: 509-764-3830.

March 21

‘Becoming Helen Keller’

Part of the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center’s Women’s History Film Series. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind since early childhood, was a passionate advocate for change, using her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty. “Becoming Helen Keller” examines the complex legacy of this author, advocate, lecturer and human rights pioneer. 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 410 S. Balsam St. Admission is free, but seating is limited to the first 200 people. Info: 509-764-3830.

March 22

Sip & Paint at Country Deli

The hometown restaurant will host Rustic Girl Painting for a painting workshop with a touch of wine from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This particular event will focus on teaching attendees how to paint an adorable sloth poking its head out of a tree. Cost is $37 and the venue is located at 245 Basin street NW in Ephrata. Registration for this and other painting workshops is available at RusticGirlPainting.com. 

March 22-24

Space Burgers

The Moses Lake Lioness Club will open its iconic Space Burger booth to serve the traditional Grant County sandwiches. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at the Grant  County Fairgrounds, Moses Lake. Info: www.facebook.com/LionessMosesLake.

Sandhill Crane Festival

For over two decades Othello has celebrated the annual return of nearly 35,000 sandhill cranes to Othello, Washington every March as they migrate north to their breeding grounds in Alaska. The festival offers an incredible opportunity to view the cranes up-close, with tours led by local experts. The festival also boasts other specialty tours of the flora, fauna and geology of the area and many lectures, as well as children's activities. Info: www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org.

March 23

Enjoy a Safari

The Quincy Valley Historical Society invites the public out for a three-hour tour of African culture. With cohosts Rod and Rita Luce, this educational evening will include the food, music and art of mid-Africa. Admission is $15 and the event will be held at the museum at 415 F Street SW in Quincy. Call 509-787-4685 or email officeqvhsm@gmail.com for more information. Tickets are available by phone or at https://bit.ly/3UMu7hu. 

Moses Lake BMX Open House

Free beginners-only open house to try the fresh alternative to traditional sports. Tour the facility and test out the track with no obligation. 1 p.m. at Moses Lake BMX, 610 S. Yakima Ave, Moses Lake. Reserve space at https://bit.ly/3wSXp4f. Info: moseslakebmx@yahoo.com.

Music and Wine Straight From The Vine

Live music by local duo Wendy Lee and Garry Brunton at Camas Cove Cellars. Water, soda, snacks, local farmstead cheeses by Umapine Creamery and local meats from Pure Country Pork are available in the tasting room along with local wine. The performance is inside and limited seating is available. 4 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars,  911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: camascovecellars.com.

Worth the trip

‘A Taste of Ireland’ in Spokane

Performed by former world Irish dance champions, and featuring lead dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, “A Taste of Ireland” transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping a capella tap battles and heartwarming storytelling. Event takes place at 7:30 p.m. March 20 at the Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave., Spokane. Tickets start at $45 and are available at https://bit.ly/3VfBYEn.