County tourism funding, musical instruments needed for students, Masquers' gala Aug. 29

County tourism funding applications

EPHRATA — The Grant County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will begin accepting applications for grant funding to promote local tourism-related campaigns, events and projects in 2027.

The application period opens Monday, Aug. 17 and closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

LTAC members make recommendations to county commissioners on the allocation of funds to qualified applicants in support of activities and events which bring visitors to Grant County and result in overnight stays.

The tourism-promotion monies must be utilized within provisions of state law, which include specific reporting requirements. Revenue for the grants is collected through a state tax on hotels, motels, and campgrounds.

Application forms and guidelines are posted on Grant County’s LTAC webpage.

For more information, contact Caitlin Manell, County Commission Clerk of the Board, at the courthouse in Ephrata (email cemanell@grantcountywa.gov, or call 509-754-2011, ext. 2931).

Musical instrument drive underway for NCW students

BREWSTER — A musical instrument drive is underway to benefit students affected by regional wildfires in north-central Washington.

Organizers are seeking donations of used instruments in good playable condition along with monetary donations. Sponsors of the effort include Teachers of NCWMEA in collaboration with ArtsEDWashington.

Collection sites, dates, and times are: 

—   Brewster Elementary School, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 10 a..m. to 2 p.m.

—   Omak High School, Friday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

—   Wenatchee High School, Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

—   Moses Lake/Frontier Middle School, Sunday, Aug. 23, noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, email apulsifer@brewsterbears.org or dpulsifer@omaksd.org.

Masquers “Prom Night” to kick off 2026-27 season

SOAP LAKE — The Masquers will kick off their upcoming season will their annual gala event, themed ’80s Prom Night!, on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Soap Lake theater, 322 E. Main Ave.

“Mark your calendars for a fun night and learn about our upcoming 2026-27 season,” say organizers. “Everyone is invited.”

A social hour will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the evening’s program at 6 p.m. Complimentary food, beverages, and prizes will be provided.

The theater’s opening production this fall will be the acclaimed musical, “Anastasia.” It debuts on Friday, Oct. 16, and continues four weekends under the direction of Masquers veterans Stacey Bresee and Rachel Bresee.

Fair photo exhibit to feature ML-area history

MOSES LAKE — The City of Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will feature a photo exhibit at next week’s Grant County Fair showcasing the history of Moses Lake and surrounding area.

The exhibit will be on display in the fair’s history barn Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 18-22.

“Spanning multiple decades and a variety of subject matter, the photos offer a glimpse into the lives of everyday folk who laid down roots in this town and helped build our community into what it is today,” the museum said in a press release.