Local Memorial Day weekend activities announced

The Memorial Day weekend always provides residents and visitors with an endless amount of activities during the holiday weekend. This year, the entertainment begins on Friday evening with the first day of Art on the Plaza and the activities continue until Monday afternoon.

Here is a schedule and brief description of events occurring this weekend.

Friday, May 27

Art on the Plaza kicks off the Memorial Day weekend activities in downtown Ritzville. The show is open from 12-5 p.m. and highlights artists from across the Inland Northwest.

The group will be set up in Pioneer Plaza and Main Street will be closed at Washington Street for the artists to set up tents.

At 6 p.m., there is an Artists Reception at the Eagles Lodge to recognize the artists participating in the event.

Saturday, May 28

For the third consecutive year, the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Ritzville Small Town Cache Cow event beginning at 9 a.m. on Railroad Avenue. The geocaching event stems from the morning into the afternoon hours for local and traveling geocachers alike to participate in the GPS, scavenger hunt type event.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Art on the Plaza returns to downtown Ritzville to highlight the artistry and talents of area artists. The art show is open until 5 p.m.

The day concludes with the alumni banquets in Ritzville and Washtucna. Ritzville and Lind-Ritzville High School alumni are invited to attend a dinner at Gilson Gymnasium at 6 p.m. with honored class pictures being taken prior to the start of the evening’s events.

Washtucna High School Alumni Banquet also begins at 6 p.m. and honored classes have the opportunity to have photos taken before the banquet starts.

Sunday, May 29

The Ritzville Classic Car Club is continuing the annual car show downtown with Classics on Main Street. The classic car show begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Many downtown businesses are coordinating with the event to supply visitors with specials.

In coordination with the Classics on Main show, Art on the Plaza artists will be on site selling and displaying their artwork. A wide variety of mediums are expected to be on display from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the final day of the show.

Monday, May 30

On the Memorial Day holiday, residents are invited to attend the complimentary Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Ritzville Fire Department. The fire station opens at 7 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m. to provide visitors with a complete meal. Fire truck rides are also available during the event.

Memorial Day services are provided for residents to attend in Washtucna and Ritzville.

The Washtucna Pioneer Memorial Cemetery services begin at 11 a.m. with a prayer, readings and honoring veterans. After the service, a potluck luncheon is hosted at Washtucna Community Church, followed by a short program.

The Ritzville Memorial Cemetery services begin at 11:30 a.m. with a prayer and the presentation of colors by the local Honor Guard.