Taphouse trivia on tap for Feb. 15

BAKER CITY — Barley Brown’s will host a taphouse trivia night on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at the taphouse, 2200 Main St.

Gather up a team of four and test your knowledge with MC Add Collard. There is no sign up fee. If you don’t have a team ahead of time, teams will be made that night. Questions will come from the game “Pub Trivia” with no specific category. Prizes will be will awarded to the winning team.

Halfway crab feed scheduled for its 57th year

HALFWAY — The Halfway Lions Club’s 57th annual crab feed is Saturday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Halfway Lions Hall.

Tickets are $60 for all-you-can-eat crab and sides. The meal is free for ages 10 and younger.

Tickets are available at Ryder Bros. in Baker City, Richland Feed & Seed, Halfway Feed & Seed and Halfway Sober Liquor Store and Gifts, or purchase online at Eventbrite, https://tinyurl.com/2nrcarp9. Another option is to mail $60 per ticket, along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, to Halfway Lions, P.O. Box 441, Halfway, OR 97834.

Proceeds support the Halfway Lions Club’s charitable causes.

Inland NW Musicians perform Feb. 16

BOARDMAN — The Inland Northwest Musicians will present its first concert of 2025 on Sunday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m. at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road.

The performance will consist of five pieces ranging from a trumpet-only piece “Storms Path” by Brian Balmages to March Slave Op. 31 by Tchaikovsky.

One of the more unique pieces is “The Merry-Go-Round of Life” by Joe Hisaishi from the popular Studio Ghibli movie “Howl’s Moving Castle.” The final piece is “Wellington’s Victory” by Beethoven.

The Inland Northwest Musicians is led by Music Director and Conductor R. Lee Friese and Associate Conductor Phillip Simpson. This concert is funded by Morrow County Unified Recreation District and sponsored by the SAGE Center.

The concert is free, with donations accepted at the door.

Skate into weekend fun at EOTEC in Hermiston

HERMISTON — You can still slide into winter fun on the iceless skating rink at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road.

The outdoor rink is open Friday and Saturday nights, 5-8 p.m. through March 1. The cost is $5 for children and $7 for adults. The fee includes skate rentals.

With the season winding down, a sweet deal is available all weekend, Feb. 14-15, for Valentine’s Day — pay for your entry and get half off for your sweetheart. The season closes with Disco Party Night on March 1.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3gopqsj. For questions, call 541-289-9800.

Spend a few hours in Ireland

BAKER CITY — Spend a few hours in Ireland this month as Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre shares the story of two families, a land dispute, love, loss and laughter.

“Outside Mullingar” performances are 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the theater, 2101 Main St.

Tickets are $13 adults, $11 for EORT members and $5 students at the door, online at easternoregonregionaltheatre.com or by calling 541-523-9652.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the pool in La Grande

LA GRANDE — The entire family can celebrate Valentine’s Day at Veteran’s Memorial Pool, 401 Palmer Ave., with their Family Night Ducky Races from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is Family Night rates of $2.50 person. Each duck is $1 and starting at 6:30 p.m., the ducks are released at intervals throughout the evening.

The first ducks reaching the finish line win prizes from the swim store, including swim passes and goggles. For more information, call 541-962-1347.

Galentine’s Day event set for Feb. 15

LA GRANDE — On Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., McLaughlin Events and Marketing and The Market Place in La Grande at 1101 Washington Ave. present the annual Galentine’s Day event, a celebration of shopping small and supporting a delightful selection of women-owned small businesses.

Explore local shops and vendors, each offering unique treasures and delightful finds in downtown La Grande. As you shop, fill out your bingo card for a chance to win a prize featuring goodies from every participating business and vendor.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/4dZ0n6T.

Community center hosts lunch Feb. 14

UNION — On Feb. 14 at noon, the Catherine Creek Community Center, 667 N. Main St., is hosting a community meal sponsored by Donna and Dwight Brooks with live music. All are welcome and there is a suggested donation of $4.

For more information, call 541-562-2028 or visit their website at CatherineCreekCommunityCenter.com.

‘Love at the Pub’ returns Feb. 14

LA GRANDE — Side A Brewing Public House, 1219 Washington Ave., will host “Love at the Pub,” their annual Valentine’s Day concert, on Feb. 14.

There will be live music from 7-9 p.m. featuring local musicians and a selection of hit songs ranging from artists like Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Queen, Prince and many more. For more information, call 541-605-0163.

Father Daughter Dance is Feb. 15

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Milton-Freewater Junior Show Father Daughter Dance is Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m. at the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth St.

Fathers (grandfathers, uncles or father figures) are encouraged to invite their daughters to a special night out and create memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets are available at the door for $50 per couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Cash or check only.

Art by Amy Photography will take a picture of each couple. The night includes flowers, finger food and dancing.

Organizers planned for 50 girls and their dates when they hosted the fundraiser in 2009. With 88 couples enjoying the evening, they decided to make it an annual event. Proceeds go to the junior show’s operating fund.

The Jr. Show is held yearly on the second weekend in May for 4-H and FFA members in Umatilla County and part of Washington. For more information, visit www.mfjrshow.com. For more about the dance, call Brittany, 509-540-2996 or Ila, 509-520-6853.

Halfway poker run is Feb. 16

HALFWAY — The Panhandle Snowmobile Club’s Denny Oliver Memorial Poker Run is Sunday, Feb. 16. The day starts with breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Halfway Lions Club.

The poker run is 9 a.m. to noon and covers 25 miles, with bonfires at each station. A Sno-Park Permit is required.

Hands are $5 — no limit — with a $4,000 payout. Prizes are $1,600 first, $1,000 second, $800 third, $400 fourth and $200 fifth.

Dinner is at 4 p.m. at the Lions Club, followed by payout at 6 p.m. Proceeds support the Halfway Lions Club and Pine Valley Grange.

For information, call Jason Harriman, 541-742-6641, Mary Herold, 541-742-6446 or Jake Roe, 541-540-2065.

Casino-style fundraiser supports the museum

BAKER CITY — Baker Heritage Museum’s A Night at Old Auburn fundraiser is Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Baker Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St.

This event, organized by the Friends of the Baker Heritage Museum, supports the museum and the main focus this year is the Armstrong Nugget gold exhibit.

Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The meal, prepared by Campbell’s Catering and Sweets, includes tri-tip donated by Wilson Cattle Co., potatoes donated by Blatchford Farms, salad and dessert.

This year’s theme is Old West/miner, and there will be a costume contest.

A live auction follows dinner, then everyone can try their luck at casino-style games of blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. Attendees will buy funny money to exchange for chips at the tables. At the end of the night, the chips can be exchanged for raffle tickets, which can be added to a jar next to the item you most want to win — a Blackstone grill, lawnmower, freezer and 50 pounds of ground beef, a pizza oven, a fire department birthday party, an outdoor furniture set and several gift baskets.

“We’ve got some really good raffle items,” said Fred Warner, chair of the Friends.

Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased by Feb. 18 at Lew Bros. Les Schwab, 210 Bridge St. in Baker City, and online at https://tinyurl.com/mrywr3p2.

Those who would just like to play the games, without dinner, can buy a gaming ticket for $10 either in advance or at the door. For updates, check the Facebook page for Baker Heritage Museum.

Try your hand at Sumpter’s poker run/walk

SUMPTER — The Sumpter Valley Snowmobile Club’s annual poker run — with snowmobile and walking options — is happening Saturday, Feb. 15. Registration is at the Sumpter schoolhouse on Friday from 6-8 p.m. or Saturday (8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for walkers; 8-10 a.m. for snowmobilers).

The walking route includes seven stations in town. The snowmobile run requires three trail stations and four town stations.

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

Rec Center opens doors for Teen Night

PENDLETON — Youths can hang out with their friends, eat pizza and participate in open gym games and activities during Teen Night at the Rec Center.

The next event is Friday, Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m. at the Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 SW Dorion Ave. Admission is free.

Partnering with Pendleton Parks and Recreation, the Pendleton Public Library also offers special activities during Teen Night. The free drop-in event continues every other week. For more information, visit www.pendletonor.gov/parksrec, search Facebook via bit.ly/40WKhrg or call 541-966-0228.

BMCC hosts Valentine’s Day contra dance

PENDLETON — Blue Mountain Community College and the Pendleton Contra Dance Community will host a Valentine’s Day contra dance with live music on Friday, Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m. in the BMCC student union.

It’s free for BMCC students. Also, all community members are welcome with a suggested $5 donation. Dancers are encouraged to wear comfortable, non-marking shoes.

Kicking off the night, a “Learn to Contra” session will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. for newcomers who want to pick up the basics before the dancing begins. No prior experience or dance partner is necessary — all moves will be taught before each dance.

A live band featuring local musicians will provide music throughout the event.

Looking ahead, more BMCC contra dances are set for March 14 or 21, April 11 and May 9. For more details, visit pendletoncontradance.org or follow facebook.com/PendletonContraDancers.

Put on your dancing shoes

ENTERPRISE — Get ready to kick up your heels during an Old-Time Community Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall, 105 NE First St.

The all-ages gathering features a live string band and caller. A variety of dances — squares, circles, reels, contras and waltzes — will be taught; beginners are welcome. No partner is needed.

Admission is by a suggested donation of $5 per person, $10 for a family and free for children under 12. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack to share.

The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance hosts the dance on the third Saturday of each month through April. For more information, email info@wvmusicalliance.org or call Laura Skovlin at 541-398-0800.

Monthly contra dance is Feb. 15

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music have a contra dance set for Saturday, Feb. 15, starting at 7 p.m. at the Timberrib, 84847 Winesap Road.

Live music will be provided by the Wednesday Night Band. All dances will be taught by local callers.

Admission is $5 or $3 for WWFAM members. Those attending are welcome to bring finger foods to share.

To preserve the dance floor, do not wear boots or spiked high heel shoes. For information, contact Howard Ostby at htostby@gmail.com or Dan Clark at clarkdn@charter.net.

Whisky Fest announces full lineup, ticket sales

PENDLETON — Joining headliner Cody Johnson for Pendleton Whisky Music Fest are three-time Grammy winner Nelly, Riley Green, Ian Munsick and Jacquie Roar. In its ninth year, the event is July 12 at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds.

Ranging from $99 to $175, tickets went on sale Friday, Feb. 7. In addition, recreational vehicle and tent camping sites are available. Premium RV sites sell out quickly.

The free kick-off party is July 11, 6 p.m. to midnight in downtown Pendleton. Performers include Kurt Van Meter, The Chattahoochees and DJ Sovern-T.

For full festival information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com. For questions, email tickets@pendletonroundup.com.

Unlock jigsaw skills during Puzzle Palooza

UMATILLA COUNTY — Participants can piece things together during Puzzle Palooza events hosted by the Hermiston Public Library and the Athena Public Library. Teams will put their jigsaw skills to the test with 500-piece puzzles. The events are free and puzzles are provided.

In Hermiston, teams of up to four people — ages 12 and older — will compete Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. at the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE Second St. Snacks and beverages are provided.

Register via bit.ly/40yfa5e. For questions, call 541-567-2882.

In Athena, teams of three or four people will complete on Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon at the library, 418 E. Main St. The winning team receives a 1,000-piece puzzle and each member gets a $25 gift card.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/4aNAJSC. To register, call 541-566-2470.

Hermiston High School presents sweet musical

HERMISTON — Community members are invited to tantalize their tastebuds as the Hermiston High School theater program presents its spring musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

The showtimes are Feb. 14, 7 p.m., and Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

General admission tickets are $15 or $13 for ages 10 and under, senior citizens and students with associated student body cards.

Based on the 1964 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, the play treats audience members to an adventure as Charlie Bucket seeks a golden ticket to win a visit to Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory. Along the way, they’ll enjoy catchy musical numbers and watch as other contest winners are devoured because of their bad behaviors.

The production is under the direction of Jordan Bemrose; the technical director is Joshua Blake and the musical conductor is Sean McClanahan. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3rSMh5c or call 541-667-6100.

Musicians: apply now for March competition

EASTERN OREGON — Inland Northwest Musicians is accepting applications for its 23rd annual Young Artists Competition, scheduled for Sunday, March 9, at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395.

This competition is open to young musicians in four categories: Elementary Division (through grade 5), Junior Division (grades 6-8), Senior Division (grades 9-12), and Young Adult Division (through age 25).

Instrumentalists and singers will perform for a panel of adjudicators. All participants will receive critique sheets and winners will be chosen from each division. All winners will receive cash prizes and some winners may be selected to perform with the Inland Northwest Orchestra in concert on April 26.

The entry fee for the competition is $30 and the deadline for application is Feb. 28.

Information and application materials are available at www.inlandnorthwestmusicians.com. For questions, contact Alice Massey, Young Artists Competition chair, at alicemassey626@gmail.com or 541-379-5564.

‘The Mousetrap’ continues in Elgin

ELGIN — A snowed-in house, a murder and a mystery combine in Agatha Christie’s classic play, “The Mousetrap.”

Director Grant Turner and a cast of suspects are bringing the story to life at the Jewel Theater in Elgin Feb. 14 and 15.

The world’s longest-running play, “The Mousetrap” tells the story of a murder at the remote Monkswell Manor. The story begins with the characters as they arrive at the manor and proceeds through a murder, a police detective’s investigation and the final reveal of whodunit.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Buy tickets at elginoperahouse.com.

Get the dirt at Soil School

LA GRANDE — A happy, healthy garden starts with happy, healthy soil. What does soil health really mean? How do you build it? What do you do if you have “bad soil”?

Soil School will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OSU Extension-Union County, 10507 N. McAlister Road.

There will be two guest speakers. OSU Small Farms Specialist and Soil Scientist Nate Stacey will cover the principles of soil health and how to achieve them in your garden, how to evaluate your garden’s soil health, and how to get your soil tested (and how to read the report!).

Liz Turner, owner of The Compost Chick, a Union County business that offers composting services, will cover the fundamentals of home composting.

Lunch is included in the workshop fee and will feature vegetables grown in local, healthy soil. Cost is $15. Call 541-963-1010 or email sarah.west@oregonstate.edu to register.