Quick Takes: April 2 and beyond

Published 10:50 am Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Fort Walla Walla Museum open house is April 5

WALLA WALLA — Enjoy a day of free admission on Saturday, April 5, during an open house at Fort Walla Walla Museum, 755 NE Myra Road.

The event offers visitors a chance to see what’s new at the old fort — and to mark the official re-opening of the Pioneer Village for the warmer months.

With five exhibit halls and a 17-structure pioneer settlement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Learn about the territorial prison, horse-era agricultural practices, the history of Fort Walla Walla and more.

Also, the April Fools Scavenger Hunt continues through April 30. Modern items are hidden among the museum’s exhibits. Young and old eyes alike can work together to find these historical inaccuracies.

As you discover stories from the past, from the Oregon Trail to the horse-powered wheat harvest, record things that are out of place for a chance to win a small prize in the museum store.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.fwwm.org or call 509-525-7703.

Powder River Choir presents two concerts

BAKER CITY — Powder River Choir will present “Music in the Air” on Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. and Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m.

Both concerts are in the Baker High School auditorium.

The choir is directed by Tom Isaacson and accompanied by Reed Wagstaff.

Bookminders to discuss psychological thriller

HERMISTON — “The Heiress” by Rachel Hawkins is the featured selection for the upcoming Bookminders, the Hermiston Public Library’s book club.

The club meets Tuesday, April 8, 1:30 p.m. at Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE Second St. The free club is open to all adults.

The story delves into such themes as greed, abuse, power and family dynamics. It is described as Gothic fiction and a psychological thriller.

Limited copies of “The Heiress” can be checked out at the library. For questions, call 541-567-2882.

Get the scoop at Boardman Senior Center

BOARDMAN — An ice cream social and bingo is planned at the Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St. Prizes will be awarded.

The free activity follows the regular senior lunch on Tuesday, April 8, from 12:15-12:45 p.m. Lunch, which is served at noon, costs $5 for seniors and $6 for others.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3zmagx0. For questions, call 541-481-3257.

Adams Library launches Teen Book Challenge

ADAMS — The Adams Public Library is holding a Teen Spring Book Challenge until May 30.

Teens can grab the list of books — it is also posted on the front door of the library.

Every book read gets a raffle ticket and two winners will be drawn on May 30.

The library is located in Adams City Hall, 190 Main St. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

Rimfire Spring Fest coming to M-F

MILTON-FREEWATER — Rimfire Spring Fest is Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. at the East End Rod & Gun Club, 251 County 564 Road.

Presented by Black Hammer Tacticool, organizers said the event aims to get gun owners to the range in a fun and approachable atmosphere. For more information, search Facebook for Black Hammer Tacticool.

La Grande library announces special events

LA GRANDE — Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., has some special events in April.

The La Grande Community Garden at EOU is hosting a seed giveaway on Tuesday, April 8, from 4-5:30 p.m. at the library. Drop by for a variety of seeds, a chance to meet fellow gardeners and ask questions of Master Gardeners.

Bright Beginnings for ages 0-3 and their caregivers is an eight-week program starting Wednesday, April 9, at 10:15 a.m. Space is limited, call or text 541-786-2259 to register with Olivia Westenskow. This series is funded by grants from Building Healthy Families; snacks provided in part by WIC.

Mysteries ‘n’ More Book Club meets Friday, April 11, at 1 p.m. The club will discuss “The Sunday Philosophy Club” by Alexander McCall Smith. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available through interlibrary loan.

Local author Lisa Jo Frech visits on Friday, April 11, at 5:30 p.m. Frech’s collection of short stories, “The Pearly Gates, Before and After: 42 Brief Escapes,” is based on her adventures in the Pacific Northwest and around the globe. Books are available for sale, cash or check only.

Learn about Highland Games on April 12

MILTON-FREEWATER — Have you ever considered competing in the Athena Caledonian Games or other Highland games?

A practice/demonstration and introduction of the Scottish Highland Games is Saturday, April 12, 1-6 p.m. at Dragon’s Gate Brewery, 52268 Sunquist Road. There is no charge.

It features an informal practice with people who are already throwers and those who are interested in the sport. Host Alan Wernsing will have hammers, sheaf, stones, weights and cabers available to throw.

The Athena Caledonian Games is July 12, from noon to 5:30 p.m. on the practice football field, adjacent to Athena City Park.

For more information, search “Highland” at www.allevents.in/athena or call Wernsing at 541-969-9204 during the day and 541-566-3814 in the evening.

Dive in for underwater egg hunt

BOARDMAN — Those who want to “egg-perience” some wet holiday fun must pre-register for the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at the Boardman Pool & Recreation Center, 311 NE Olson Road.

Splash into this year’s event from noon to 2 p.m. on April 19. Participants will enter the water in age groups: 0-4, 5-8 and 9-17. A parent/guardian must be in the water with children 8 and under.

The cost is $5; there is no fee for parents/guardians. Register at teamsideline.com/boardmanor. For questions, call 541-616-1050.

Fun run benefits Weston Food Pantry

WESTON — The inaugural Kirk Road Krusher 10K/McLean Mile and 5K is April 19, starting at 9 a.m. at 114 E. Main St.

This event is hosted by Run Oregon and Shannon Hoehna. The organizers state, “Do you enjoy running in charitable events that benefit the local community? Do you like a challenging road race?  Or do you like an easy stroll?  If you’ve said yes to any one of these, then our event is one you need to do!”

Run Oregon is a locally based company that hosts events to promote physical fitness and give back to the local community through event fundraisers. The race will be manually timed, as organizers say the primary goal is to create a fun experience for runners/walkers and raise money, with a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Weston Food Pantry.

The pantry is open twice a month for anyone who is food insecure. Typical food offerings include fruit, vegetables, canned food, dried food, bread, milk, eggs, cheese, butter and various meats.

Entry fees range from $15 to $30. Race day registration costs $10 more. For additional race information and to register, visit www.run-oregon.com.

Sign up soon for African drumming class

LA GRANDE — Art Center East’s African drumming group begins classes soon, and those interested should register by Tuesday, April 8. No experience is necessary. The group is open to ages 12 and older, and meets Tuesdays through June 3 from 6-7 p.m. at Eastern Oregon University’s Loso Hall, Room 123.

Register at artcentereast.org, by calling 541-624-2800, or at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave.

Fiddle ​around in Union County

​LA GRANDE — Traditional Live! And Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers Association is hosting a​ weekend of live traditional music and dance workshops from April​ 4-6​.

Participants will ​learn from instructors Alex MacLeod and Kate​ Lichtenstein from Seattle in sessions tailored to all skill levels. The event kicks off​ Friday evening in La Grande with a dance caller workshop​ at a private residence, followed by a full day​ of activities on Saturday at the Union VFW Hall, including separate and combined​ workshops.

The highlight of the weekend is a community dance on Saturday night​ at the Willow​ Elementary School ​gym in La Grande, featuring performances by local fiddle club​ students and workshop attendees. Sunday concludes the event with a wrap-up​ session for musicians and dance callers​.

Donations​ will be accepted to​ offset costs. For more details,​ or to register online, attendees can contact Carla Arnold at 541-786-​4535​.

Lisa Britton is editor of Go! Eastern Oregon, and a reporter for the Baker City Herald. Contact her at 541-518-2087 or lbritton@bakercityherald.com.

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