From Music To Rodeo, There’s Lots To Do On Memorial Day Weekend

Summer may not officially arrive for three more weeks, but Memorial Day weekend sets off a mental alarm clock that sends everyone packing for the lake, the woods or the mountains.

Maybe that’s why there isn’t a whole lot going on this weekend. People are expecting you to make your own plans for the three-day weekend. Go figure.

Luckily, there are a few events planned to amuse the outdoors recreation-impaired this weekend.

Cool jazz

The John Stowell/Brent Jensen Quartet will perform at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge tonight from 9 to 1 a.m. You’ll hear an electric guitar sound like a singing voice and a “liquid” soprano sax from Stowell and Jenson, respectively.

Stowell has toured with Lionel Hampton, Herb Ellis and other jazz greats and is highly regarded for his unique approach to the guitar. Jenson is currently receiving rave reviews for his recently released CD, “Invitation.”

Admission is $3 at the door.

Giddy-yup

It’s getting to be that time again. The Coulee City Last Stand Rodeo is one of the first pro rodeos to kick off the rodeo season around these parts. It’s this weekend.

The action starts tonight at 6:30 with the annual Bull-A-Rama, where cowboys take on the bulls (not sure exactly what happens here, but it sounds interesting, to say the least).

There’s a Cowboy’s Breakfast at 6 a.m. Saturday and a Cowpie Jog (5K fun run) at 8 a.m. The parade starts at noon and then there’s all that rodeo stuff you’ve come to expect - ropin’, tyin’, ridin’ and such.

The Coulee City area is surrounded by Banks Lake and Sun Lakes, so there’s always swimming, boating, fishing and relaxing to be done, as well.

General admission for the rodeos (Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.) is $8, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free to kids under 6.

Community festivals

Moses Lake takes care of its residents this weekend with its Spring Festival, open to anyone looking for fun.

There’s everything you’ve come to expect from a community fete, including a fun run (8 a.m. Saturday), sidewalk sales, antique cars, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. You’ll also find radio-controlled car races, a three-on-three basketball tourney and two parades.

It starts tonight and runs through Sunday evening. Much of the entertainment and many of the activities are free. Everyone is welcome.

If you’d like to hit a small-town party but would rather not take the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Moses Lake, try Coolin’s Annual Spring Festival, a tiny town on the south end of Priest Lake.

There’s an arts and crafts sale, carnival games, a silent auction (at 5 p.m. Saturday) and more - it’s all centered around the noon parade on Saturday. There’s a fun run at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Thanks for the son

Thousands of the area’s churchgoers will gather Saturday for the annual March for Jesus, an event that grows in popularity every year.

It started as a way to show faith in God, but has evolved into a demonstration of unity and love, organizers say. Anyone wanting to participate is welcome to join in. Marchers will meet at 10 a.m. on the east side of the old Spokane Coliseum. The procession departs at 11 a.m., and ends at Riverfront Park around noon. Prayers, singing and special messages will follow.

Parking will be limited, so marchers are encouraged to carpool to the Coliseum.

To the dogs

If you’re one of those people who can’t click the channel away from those dog obedience shows on cable (kind of like slowing down to gawk at an accident), or if you just like dogs and the things they do, don’t miss the four-day dog show at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds this weekend.

Dozens of breeds will be represented among the thousands of dogs there; they’ll be judged on obedience as well as on temperament, markings and how well they meet their breed standards.

Spectators are encouraged and there’s no admission charge. Today, boxers, cockers and chows will be judged in a specialty dog show. Shelties are having their own specialty show at Plantes Ferry Park in the Spokane Valley today.

Up close

In the second of a “Meet the Artist” series sponsored by Cheney Cowles Museum, Harold Balazs will demonstrate the creation of enamel art on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

The intent of the series is to acquaint the public with local artists and to bring people into the museum.

Balazs will be in the Carriage House Shop, located next to the museum at 2316 W. First.

Out of town miscellaneous

If you’re wondering about the age or the value of a quilt you’ve got lying around the house, wonder no more. Sally Ambrose, one of 43 appraisers certified by the American Quilter’s Society, will answer these questions at the Adam East Museum & Art Center in Moses Lake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Cost is $10 per appraisal; that money will go to support the museum.

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Blue Mountain Chapter, is hosting a fly-in at the Walla Walla Regional Airport on Saturday. There will be a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. and flying events such as spot lands and other competitive skills.

Next week

Opera Buffs of Spokane, sponsored by Spokane Symphony Associates, will present the Eastern Washington University Music Theatre Workshop performing selections from the musical “Secret Garden” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rockwood Retirement Community Center, 2105 S. Forest Estates Dr.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Getting out Starting this weekend, those of us in Eastern Washington can take a look at the facility that powers Seattle. Boundary Dam near Metaline Falls supplies power for Seattle City Light and the powerhouse is open for tours through the summer months. Visitors can take a guided tour through the powerhouse and into the depths of the dam from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. It’s free and it’s impressive. To reach the dam, follow the signs just south of Metaline Falls, or call the dam for information, (509) 446-3083.