A person from the crowd sits on someone’s shoulders with excitement during the Flo Rida performance July 15, 2023, at Pendleton Whisky Music Fest at the Round-Up Arena in Pendleton. The 2024 event is July 13.

Catch a flick at the SAGE Center

BOARDMAN — The next movie night at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, is Friday, Feb. 16. The featured film is Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Admission is free and includes popcorn and a bottle of water.

‘Caesar Sings Nat King Cole’ at Power House

WALLA WALLA — The music of Nat King Cole is featured during an upcoming show in Walla Walla.

The performance features jazz crooner Caesar, who grew up in Chicago. He went on to tour the world with Grammy winner Julio Iglesias.

“Caesar Sings Nat King Cole” is Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. at the Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave. Reserved seats are $45 for adults and $20 for students.

“I like to put my own spin on the timeless songs that Nat made famous for today’s audience,” the singer said in his biography. “My voice is a little deeper, but what Nat stood for, and that kind of music influence is what’s missing in popular music today.”

For tickets, visit www.phtww.org or call 509-529-6500. For more about Caesar, search www.hirecaesar.com.

Sumpter’s poker run is Feb. 17

SUMPTER — Sumpter’s annual poker run is Saturday, Feb. 17, but this year’s event will only have the walking portion due to poor snow conditions in town, which would impact parking and make this timed event more difficult.

There will be seven stations located in town. Registration starts Friday, Feb. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Sumpter Schoolhouse, then continues Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The awards ceremony and raffle will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at the groomer’s shed.

Although the poker run will not include a trail portion, the Sumpter Snowmobile Club encourages riders to participate in the walking poker event, then explore the groomed trails. For information, check the club’s page on Facebook.

Next Chapter hosts Valentine’s party

HERMISTON — Love is in the air and The Next Chapter Bookstore is planning an event for mom, dad and the kids. The Valentine’s Day Family Party and Story Time is Saturday, Feb. 17 in the Talery Plaza, 1000 S. Highway 395, Suite C.

The Valentine-themed story time starts at 11 a.m. and the fun continues until 1 p.m. Participants are invited to drop in and create Valentine and book-themed crafts, play games and grab a goodie bag to take home.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3kEDobQ or call 541-667-7080.

Valentine’s murder mystery dinner is Feb. 17

LA GRANDE — Le Bebe Cakes, 1101 Washington Ave., is hosting and catering an evening of mystery and intrigue at the Valentine’s Bourbon Club Murder Mystery Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 17, 5-8 p.m. This event includes a Hollywood experience with a themed buffet dinner and desserts.

This is an adults-only event with a full bar available. Entertainment will be provided by the Tayde McAndie jazz band with musicians from classical, swing, and jazz backgrounds who experiment with popular tunes.

Tickets are $79 per person and space is limited. For information or to register, call 541-963-2253.

Bumper League features kids’ bowling

HERMISTON — Hermiston Parks and Recreation is striking up a partnership with Desert Lanes Family Fun Center with the Bumper League for children ages 3-5.

The 10-week program rolls out Feb. 21 and runs each Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. at 1545 N. First St., Hermiston. In addition to an hour of supervised bowling, snacks, drinks and gift certificates for Cuppa Yo will be provided after each session.

The cost is $60. Register via bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call Ray Fields at Desert Lanes at 541-567-6364.

Community Center celebrates 3rd anniversary

UNION — Catherine Creek Community Center, 667 N. Main St., is throwing a party to celebrate its third anniversary on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a springtime bazaar with vendors and food with a cake cutting and toast at 1 p.m. Music will be provided by Elwood, who plays folk and soul music “straight out of the Blue Mountains.”

For more information, please call 541-562-2038 or check the Facebook page.

Veterans ski for free Feb. 26

ANTHONY LAKES — Local veterans and their families can ski for free on Monday, Feb. 26, at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Free lift tickets, rentals and lessons will be available.

The chair lift operates from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The lodge and rental shop opens at 9 a.m. Lunch is included, and veterans resources will be on site. Other activities — a tour to the top of the hill or snowshoeing — are available for those who don’t ski. Pre-register at anthonylakes.com/event/veterans-appreciation-day-2/.

For more information, contact Brian Blais, Union County Veterans Service Officer, at bblais@chdinc.org or 541-962-8842.

Theater opens ‘Murder on the Orient Express’

ELGIN — The Elgin Opera House is bringing Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express” to the stage in February and March at the Jewel Theater, 831 Alder St. It is directed by Grant Turner.

The show opens Saturday, Feb. 17, with shows at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The play continues Feb. 23-24 and March 1-2. Tickets are $18 and available at elginoperahouse.com or by calling 541-663-6324.

Toddler Takeover cruises into Hermiston

HERMISTON — If your little ones are suffering from cabin fever, Toddler Takeover offers a perfect way to expend energy in a warm and safe environment.

Parents are invited to bring their children ages 5 and younger, along with their trikes, scooters or Big Wheels to ride indoors. In addition, there is a pit stop with children’s activities. The event is Wednesday, Feb. 21, 9-10:30 a.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395.

The drop-in activity costs $1 per child at the door. For more information, search www.facebook.com/hermistonrec or call Hermiston Parks and Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Spend spring break at Anthony Lakes

ANTHONY LAKES — Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is again offering a spring break camp for kids who want to learn how to ski or snowboard — or improve their skills.

The camp is March 25-29. It is all-inclusive with lift tickets, rentals and lessons. Space is limited to 100 participants from ages 7 to 18. The cost is $250.

The daily schedule is registration from 8:45-9:45 a.m., followed by a lesson from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Then participants can use their tickets and equipment for the rest of the day.

For information or to register, visit anthonylakes.com. Under the “Winter” tab, select “Ski School” and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Halfway’s poker run is Feb. 18

HALFWAY — The annual Denny Oliver Memorial poker run, sponsored by the Panhandle Snowmobile Club, is happening Sunday, Feb. 18 in Halfway. The $5 hands run from 9 a.m. to noon, with payout to five places at 6 p.m.

The run is 25 miles and has bonfires at each station. A sno-park permit is required.

The total payout is $4,000 — $1,600 for first, $1,000 for second, $800 for third, $400 for fourth and $200 for fifth.

The day begins with breakfast at 7 a.m. and ends with dinner at 4 p.m., both at the Halfway Lions Club. Proceeds from this event support the Lions Club and Pine Valley Grange.

For information, call Jason Harriman, 541-742-6641.

Hunters Association plans banquet Feb. 24

LA GRANDE — Oregon Hunters Association Union/Wallowa counties chapter will hold its annual fundraising banquet Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in La Grande.

The event consists of dinner, raffles and auctions. Some of the items to be auctioned are fishing trips, hunting trips, furniture, prints, jet boat trips and weekend getaways. There will be many guns for raffles as well as a general raffle and women’s raffle. Proceeds go to youth shooting sports, scholarships, habitat projects, search and rescue, etc. For tickets and information, call 208-350-1687.

‘Love at the Pub’ set for Feb. 14

LA GRANDE — Side A Brewing, 1219 Washington Ave., is planning a “Love at the Pub” event with live music in honor of Valentine’s Day.

The concert is free and will be held in the Firehouse Museum. Food and beverage service will be available.

The music starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and features Jeremiah Dockweiler accompanied by Dr. Mio Aoike on piano, Davon Dunajski on guitar and Kevin McAllister on percussion.

Valentine’s Day dance supports the radio

BAKER CITY — Celebrate Valentine’s Day by supporting community radio at the first-ever “Love & Radio Dance” on Feb. 14 at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. (enter through the 16th Street parking lot). Doors open at 6 p.m.

This is a benefit for 89.9 FM KBZR, a local radio station that will go on air later this year. The evening features DJ Auralux and includes song dedications, dance instruction, a Valentine’s photo booth, food by MC Taco Bus and drinks at the Strade B Bar.

Tickets are $5 in advance at eventbrite.com, or $10 at the door.

Knights of Columbus host Mardi Gras event

HERMISTON — Dinner, dancing and live music with Brass Fire Band is featured during the fifth annual Mardi Gras celebration hosted by Knights of Columbus Council No. 3999.

The festive event is Saturday, Feb. 17, 6-10 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. The fundraiser also includes a cake dash and silent/live auctions.

The cost is $30 per person or a table of eight for $200. Tickets are available at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 565 W. Hermiston Ave., Agape House, 500 W. Harper Road, both in Hermiston, or by calling Mark Gomolski at 773-580-3253.

Grange plans fundraiser for 4-H

NEW BRIDGE — The New Bridge Grange will have its annual biscuit meal on Saturday, Feb. 24, with proceeds supporting the newly re-organized 4-H program.

The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person, or free for ages 5 and younger. The meal includes locally made sausage, homemade biscuits, gravy, kielbasa, tater tots, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and juice.

Group hosts old-time dance in Milton-Freewater

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music are hosting an old-time dance featuring contras, squares and other dances.

The event is Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. at the Timberrib, 84847 Winesap Road. It features the Wednesday Night Band and local callers, who will provide instructions.

Admission is $5 or $3 for WWFAM members. Participants are invited to bring finger foods to share. To help preserve the dance floor, don’t wear boots or spiked heels.

For more information about WWFAM events, visit bit.ly/3CG0CEf. For questions, email htostby@gmail.com or call 541-938-7403.

Young artists invited to enter poster contest

LA GRANDE — Art Center East is partnering with the Eastern Oregon Climate Change Coalition to sponsor a climate change poster contest. Cash prizes will be awarded for ages 13 to 18, with an additional category for children age 12 and younger.

“We need to engage all generations, especially our youth who will be most affected by a warming climate over time,” said Jeff Blackwood, EOC3 board president.

Prizes are $500 for first, $300 for second, $200 for third and $50 for honorable mention.

Free art supplies and space to work will be provided at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave., on Feb. 24 from 3-5 p.m.

Entries must be submitted before midnight on March 30. To enter, email a digital file to info@artcentereast.org or drop it off at ACE, which is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit artcentereast.org. This contest is supported by Amazon Web Services.

Whisky Music Fest announces 2024 lineup

PENDLETON — Multi-platinum country music superstar Thomas Rhett will headline the 2024 Pendleton Whisky Music Fest. In its eighth year, the event is July 13 at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds.

Referred to as the “Party in Pendleton,” the lineup also includes Dustin Lynch, Jo Dee Messina and rising star Thomas Mac. In addition, Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc and Sugarhill Gang will treat fans to an immersive dance party with ‘90s chart-topping hits.

Tickets, which are $99 to $175, went on sale Feb. 2. While premium recreational vehicle camping sites are sold out, tent camping and some RV sites are still available.

Joel Gibson Jr., Precious Byrd, and DJ Sovern-T get the event rolling with the kick-off party July 12 in downtown Pendleton. The free event features local food vendors and signature cocktails at outdoor bars.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com. For group sales of more than eight tickets, call the box office at 541-612-3421.