Spring Fest events begin in Ritzville on Friday

The Memorial Day weekend always provides residents and visitors with an endless amount of activities during the holiday weekend. This year, local organizations gathered together and created a theme for the weekend: Spring Fest.

The Spring Fest events and entertainment begin on Friday evening with the first day of Art in the Park and the activities continue until Monday afternoon.

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

Friday, May 25

Art on the Park is having its debut in the Ritzville City Park from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event hosts a wide variety of artists from across the Inland Northwest, who will display their artwork over a three-day period. There is an Artist’s Reception from 6-8 p.m. at the park in addition to the event.

Saturday, May 26

Beginning at 10 a.m., Art is the Park continues Saturday to highlight the creativity and talents of area artists. The group will be set up in Ritzville City Park on the eastside of the park. Residents are reminded a portion of Columbia Street will be closed to accommodate the event. The art show is open until 5 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ritzville Downtown Development Association will host the Discover the Possibilities Tour. The tour will show interested business owners the buildings currently available for purchase of rent in the downtown district.

The Sixth Annual Wheatland Jackpot Show is set for 11 a.m. at the Ritzville Fairgrounds. The event allows area youth to enter prospect steers and heifers for the chance to win awards. The event is free and open to the public.

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.

Sunday, May 27

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 2 p.m. Many downtown businesses are coordinating with the event to supply visitors with specials.

Art in the Park will continue to be open to the public from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Prior to the opening on Sunday, the nine artist awards will be distributed and then on display at each individual artist booth.

Monday, May 28

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 breakfast lasts until 11 a.m. to provide visitors with a complete meal. Fire truck rides are also available during the event.

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