Baker Middle School carnival is March 7

BAKER CITY — Baker Middle School will have a carnival on Thursday, March 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school, 2320 Washington Ave. The evening includes food, a silent auction, games and a raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each from BMS students or at the school’s front office.

Proceeds from the carnival will go toward a new sound system for the gym.

Online poetry workshop starts March 7

Fishtrap is hosting an online poetry workshop led by E.A. Greenwell on Thursdays in March from 6-8 p.m. Registration is $240 or $215 for Fishtrappers.

Participants will explore the works of Christopher Gilbert and renowned poets, and have the opportunity to draft their own poems. No prior experience is necessary.

Greenwell is a senior connectivity specialist for the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and program manager of writing at the Centrum Foundation in Port Townsend, Washington.

Printmaking class begins March 7

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture offers “Reduction Printmaking for Beginners” with Shanlee Cox starting March 7, and continuing March 14 and 21, from 5:30-8 p.m. Registration is $150 at josephy.org.

Students will learn about the reduction printmaking process and complete an edition of six two-layer linocuts. Class will be held in the center’s printmaking studio.

EOU presents winter concert March 8

LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s winter concert will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at McKenzie Theater. Admission is free, but donations to music scholarships are graciously accepted.

EOU’s jazz ensemble 45th Parallel will be playing a student-transcribed and organized vocal and instrumental concert. This term’s theme is “Sweet Jazz,” and they’ve prepared a selection of pieces including “Misty,” “I Wish You Love,” “La Vie en Rose,” “Nature Boy” and more.

Several student singers worked with the ensemble’s director, Greg Johnson, to transcribe and arrange their own songs. Student Jill Morris arranged the rest of the pieces to be played and was instrumental in organizing the concert’s theme.

EOU’s African drumming ensemble, fiddle ensemble, and creative ensemble will also contribute.

BlueMountaineers play in Union March 8

UNION — On the second Friday of each month, head to the Catherine Creek Community Center, 667 N. Main St., to hear The BlueMountaineers and enjoy lunch. The next gathering is March 8.

The music starts at 11:30 a.m. and continues after the meal, which starts at noon.

Eli Howard and the Greater Good play HQ

LA GRANDE — On Thursday, March 7, HQ at 116 Depot St. will welcome Eli Howard and the Greater Good with the full band. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.

The band has a country rock sound that has created a dedicated fan base in the Northwest and beyond, but the band has also shared the stage with artists including Steel Woods, Whiskey Myers, Shane Smith and the Saints, and William Clark Green. Their single “Wildfire” has climbed the charts on Spotify.

For more information, check out lagrandehq.com or call 541-612-0551.

Wildhorse celebrates with fireworks

MISSION — Fireworks will light up the sky like the fourth of July next week at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Wildhorse will celebrate its 29th anniversary with a 20-minute fireworks show on Saturday, March 9.

This year, Wildhorse is also offering free “special effect firework” eyeglasses for participants to enhance the viewing experience. Those glasses can be picked up on March 8 at Mission Market, the Wildhorse Gift Shop and Club Wild, or at the Hamley Western Store in Pendleton.

The fireworks show will begin at 8 p.m. on the north side of the campus, but attendees are advised to arrive early to guarantee a parking spot. Parking lots at Wildhorse and surrounding businesses often fill up before the show begins, and traffic can back up at the interchange with Interstate 84 (Exit 216).

Musical accompaniment will be broadcast on 104.1 FM KCUW Community Radio in what Wildhorse is calling a “special fireworks pyromusical” during the show.

After the fireworks end, Wildhorse is hosting a free ‘90s Throwback Dance Party for age 21 and older.

Dance party supports Day of Dance event

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center is planning a 1980s dance party on Saturday, March 9 to raise money for a Day of Dance event.

The dance party fundraiser runs from 6-9 p.m. at the Baker Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St. Tickets at the door are $25 for couples or $15 for singles.

The evening features a DJ playing 1980s rock and pop, as well as costume contests, raffle drawings and a 50/50 drawing.

Taste the Marketplace on March 6

LA GRANDE — Taste the Market Place’s monthly event at Market Place Fresh Foods, 1912 Fourth St., will be held March 6, 5:30 p.m., in conjunction with McLaughlin Events & Marketing.

The evening includes tasting wines and a culinary experience by the chefs of the Market Place Fresh Foods. Once a month, the store features rotating wineries from Walla Walla as well as a chance to meet the winemaker.

This month’s winery, DAMA Wines, is a women-owned winery. The cost of the event is $20 or $30 per couple. For more information, call 541-962-7500.

Ashleigh Flynn, Janis Carper perform at The Range Rider

ENTERPRISE — Ashleigh Flynn and Janis Carper will take the stage Friday, March 8, 7 p.m. at The Range Rider, 107 NW First St.

Flynn grew up in Kentucky and cut her teeth on local bluegrass music and Motown. A prolific songwriter and performer, she arrived on the Americana scene in 2008 with the release of her third LP, “American Dream.” “A Million Stars followed” in 2013. For more, visit ashleighflynnandtheriveters.com.

Carper is an award-winning songwriter, singer and guitarist who has a dozen recordings to her credit. Her vocals, masterful guitar playing and well-crafted songs have been heard at festivals, concert halls and radio programs nationwide. Her skills as an accompanist, producer and teacher broaden the scope of her musical endeavors.

Carper has had the opportunity to be an honorary “Riveter” filling in on lead and rhythm guitar on occasion when Flynn has toured in Eastern Oregon, including an appearance on the main stage at Juniper Jam in 2022, and Pine Fest in Halfway in 2023.

Mt. Vernon plans spring kick off

MT. VERNON — The City of Mt. Vernon is planning a “Celebrate Good Neighbors” spring kick off event on Saturday, March 9. In partnership with the Grant County Senior Advisory Council, the evening will include bingo, dinner and music.

The gathering starts at 4 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon Community Center, 640 Ingle St. Chefs from the John Day Senior Center will serve pot roast and mashed potatoes or baked chicken and rice, along with salad, side dishes and dessert. Tickets are $10 and available at bit.ly/CGN_Dinner.

Music will be provided by the James Gang and Snaffle Bit will have a no-host bar until 9 p.m. Grant County firefighters eat for free. For information, contact City Hall at 541-932-4688.

Women’s event planned for March 9

BAKER CITY — A women’s event hosted by Rural Christian Women — Eastern Oregon is planned for Saturday, March 9, at the Baker City Nazarene Church, 1250 Hughes Lane, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Keynote speakers will be Dee Sarton and her daughter Brie, hosts of “A Home That Heals” podcast.

This event is free and includes worship music, inspirational messages, refreshments and fellowship. An RSVP is encouraged but not required. To register, visit the Facebook page “Rural Christian Women — Eastern Oregon.” Childcare is available — sign up online or call 541-523-3533.

This gathering is sponsored by local area churches, KTSY and Baker City MOMco.

Historical Society plans meetings

LA GRANDE — The Union County Historical Society is meeting again and will gather at the cabin on the Union County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m. for a meet-and-greet. There will be light snacks and drinks.

The group’s purpose is to preserve the area’s history. All are welcome.

EOTEC offers indoor activities

HERMISTON — Another fun-filled weekend is planned as Rec It Arena returns March 8-10 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road.

It features indoor activities, including everything from inflatable fun and a toddler zone to games and basketball. It kicks off with Family Night on Friday, March 8, 4-7 p.m. The cost is $5 per person at the door (one free child with a paying parent). And teens have the place to themselves from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Open play for everyone is Saturday, March 9, noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, noon to 4 p.m. It costs $5 per person.

Also, concessions are available for purchase at all events. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3SQQ7VT or call Hermiston Parks and Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Craig Ferguson brings laughs to Wildhorse

MISSION — Tickets are still available for “The Fancy Rascal Tour” featuring Craig Ferguson. He will perform stand-up comedy on March 14, 7 p.m. in the Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

The show is open to adults 21 and older. Premium reserved seats are $79 and general reserved are $69. In addition, each ticket provides $5 in free slot play.

The funnyman hosted “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” from 2005 to 2014. He is known for his self-deprecating humor, puppet characters and celebrity impersonations, including Sean Connery, Bill Clinton and Queen Elizabeth II.

Wildhorse is located off Interstate 84, exit 216, near Pendleton. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3GJ6IpX. For questions, call 800-654-9453.

Everyone’s favorite ogre comes to Hermiston

HERMISTON — Students from Armand Larive and Sandstone middle schools are teaming up to present “Shrek: The Musical Jr.” Co-directors Stacy Cooley and Dan Allen have been working with nearly 50 students for the show.

The musical will be staged March 8-9 at Armand Larive Middle School, 1497 SW Ninth St. Curtain time is 7 p.m. on both nights. Admission is $5 each or $20 for a family of four or more.

Based on the Oscar-winning animated film and Broadway production, “Shrek: The Musical Jr.” is a special adaptation for younger performers. Beauty is in the eye of the ogre when the cast of fairytale misfits embark on an adventure to rescue a princess.

Heppner prepares for a wee bit ‘o fun

HEPPNER — Get out your green pen and mark your calendar for the Wee Bit o’ Ireland celebration March 14-17 in Heppner.

Don’t miss out, some of the activities require pre-registration — including The Great Green Parade, the Cruz-In Car Show, the Remembrance 5K Walk/Run, Bed Race Team, Welly Toss, O’Planky Team Relay Race and Road Bowling. For more information or registration forms, visit bit.ly/49PFsld.

The event also will feature lots of food, music and fun. For questions, contact the Heppner Chamber of Commerce at 541-676-5536 or heppnerchamber@gmail.com.

Regional theater plans auditions for two shows

BAKER CITY — Eastern Oregon Regional Theater is planning auditions this month for two shows.

Auditions for “Pirates of Penzance” will be March 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. at the theater, 2101 Main St. This show is open to ages 16 and older. People need to come prepared with a song to sing plus their own background music on the phone. Performances will begin June 14 and run for two weekends.

Auditions for “Motherhood Out Loud” will be held March 27 and 28 at 6 p.m. This show needs multiple women ages 18 and older, plus one man. Performances will begin May 10 and run for two weekends.

Gun, outdoor show planned March 23-24

JOHN DAY — The Strawberry Mountain gun and outdoor show is March 23-24 at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 411 NW Bridge St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $5 per day. It is advertised as a “buy, sell, trade” event, along with a gun raffle and 50/50 drawing. Concessions will be available from the Snaffle Bit. For information, visit grantcountyoregon.net, email winegarm@grantcounty-or.gov or call 541-575-1900.