Multiple entertainment events serve up 'summer-fun Saturday'
Masquers, Cloudview Farm, Ephrata Parks & Rec all play hosts.
EPHRATA — The summer solstice got a nice welcome with multiple events in the Ephrata-Soap Lake area serving up a “summer-fun Saturday.”
Both locals and visitors could enjoy the third annual Food & Folk Festival hosted by Cloudview Farm, a quality stage production at the Masquers Theater and an outdoor-turned-indoor free family movie sponsored by the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department.
Here’s a look at the trio of activities:
Movie in the Park (or ERC)
The local parks department had planned to show “Zootopia 2” at Lee Park on the city’s giant inflatable projection screen. But gusty wind conditions Saturday night prompted a move indoors at the Ephrata Recreation Center — because the show must go on.
Outside or in, families still got to sit and sprawl while watching the animated antics of rookie cops Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they chase a bad viper named Gary De'Snake across the animal metropolis and try to clear their names after being framed.
Ephrata Parks and Rec has three more showings planned in its free “Movie in the Park” summer series: July 11 — “Cars” at Lions Park; Aug. 1 — “Finding Nemo” at Splash Zone (bring your swimsuit); and Aug. 29 — “Frozen” at Patrick Park.
Food & Folk Festival
Cloudview Farm hosted a free, all-ages celebration of music, food and community on Saturday at its Frey Road venue north of Ephrata, plus activities in Soap Lake on Friday at the local library and community center.
Scheduled appearances included DJ Tru-Ah, a bucket-drumming workshop by percussionist and educator John Owens, a visit by the Wanapum Native American Discovery Unit and a musical lineup of "versatile, genre-spanning" performers.
Masquers Theater: "The Trip to Bountiful"
SOAP LAKE — Written by Horton Foote, the award-winning play tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman confined to a cramped Houston apartment with her overprotective son, Ludie and his authoritarian wife, Jessie Mae. Carrie wants to return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas, one final time before she dies.
No longer able to drive, Carrie begs her son to take her there, but Ludie refuses. Undeterred, Carrie makes her escape to the local bus station. There, she befriends a young woman, Thelma, who is also “traveling home.”
When Ludie and Jessie Mae discover Carrie is gone, they notify police. A sheriff locates the missing Mrs. Watts, who persuades him to help in her journey. But when she arrives, Carrie learns that Bountiful has changed, too.
In a sepia tone, the play showcases a story of love, family, nostalgia and remembrances of our roots.
The Masquers’ talented cast features Rosalee Chamberlain as Carrie Watts, Jason Noble as Ludie, Machelle Miller as Jessie Mae, Natalie Vieira as Thelma, Miles Plagerman as Ticket Man No. 1, Virginia Sterns as Ticket Man No. 2, Justice Duran as Roy and Darryl Pheasant as the sheriff.
“The Trip to Bountiful” continues with weekend performances through Sunday, June 28. Visit the Masquers website for ticket information.
