Eltopia
Eltopia, WA · Local Life
KEPR
Richland's Winter Wonderland returns with festive parade and activities
Richland's Winter Wonderland is set to return this Friday at 5 p.m. at John Dam Plaza, despite the current drizzle. The event will feature holiday characters, food vendors, live reindeer, a lighted vehicle parade, and a visit from the Calus family. Piper, the recreation manager for the city of Richland, said, "Just south of John Dam Plaza we'll have the parkway street closed off and people can use it as a walking street. So they can go down take pictures in front of a garbage truck with the Grinch and then maybe pop in and grab a hot cup of soup or a snack at one of the restaurants." Julie advises that the best place to view the parade will be in front of the stage at the plaza. For those unable to attend on Friday, additional festivities are planned for Saturday evening, and the lights will remain up until the New Year. More information about the event can be found at www.richlandparksandrec.com/recreation/signature-events/winter-wonderland-2025.
KIMA TV
Sunnyside Lighted Farm Implement Parade to brighten up Sunnyside on Saturday
SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — This Saturday, the Sunnyside Lighted Farm Implement Parade is going to brighten up the night in downtown Sunnyside. “The guy who started it was a friend of my Grandmother’s, so I’ve been involved in this since it first started up," said Sherri Boob. This...
tricitiesbusinessnews.com
Meals on Wheels menu - December 2025
Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels senior dining sites serve hot meals from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are free for seniors ages 60 and older. Seniors must make reservations 24 business hours in advance by calling 509-735-1911. Thursday, Dec. 4: Scrambled eggs with peppers, sausage patty, chuck...
goeasternoregon.com
Inland Northwest Musicians plan holiday concerts
BOARDMAN, CONNELL — As the holiday season approaches, Inland Northwest Musicians are planning concerts in Boardman and Connell, Washington, this month. The orchestra and chorale, in its 27th season, is guided by R. Lee Friese, music director and conductor, and Phillip Simpson, associate conductor. The first concert is Saturday,...
tumbleweird.org
Mid-Columbia Opera debuts with Handel’s Messiah
Note from the interviewer: I sang in the chorus with the Washington East Opera Company in Kennewick about twenty years ago. That company folded soon after, but I’m thrilled to say that local opera hasn’t completely disappeared! This year, a new opera company was formed with their first production debuting in December 2025. I spoke with my good friend Mitzi Holmes, the new Artistic Director for the Mid-Columbia Opera (MCO).
Washington Insights
Seeking Serenity: A Quest for Low-Key Bars in Tri-Cities
In a recent social media query, a user sought recommendations for a more subdued, sophisticated bar experience in the Tri-Cities area. The user expressed a preference for a venue that caters to an older crowd, with a focus on classic cocktails, low music, and a relaxed atmosphere, as opposed to the more high-energy, karaoke-centric bars that are common in the area.
KEPR
'Cuba Libre' food truck brings authentic flavors & courageous backstory to Tri-Cities
KENNEWICK, Wash. - A new food truck is serving up authentic Cuban cuisine and an inspiring family story in the Tri-Cities. Cuba Libre, which held its grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is the newest vendor at the Columbia Gardens Artisan Village Food Truck Plaza in Kennewick. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in cooperation with the Port of Kennewick.
whatnow.com
Black Rock Coffee to Open Another Mesa Shop
Black Rock Coffee Bar, the coffee chain that allows people on the go to get their coffee without ever leaving their cars, is opening another Mesa location. The coffee shop, loved for its coffee drinks and signature Fuel energy beverages, will open a location at 1050 S. Country Club Drive. According to the Mesa Independent, the Mesa City Council voted on a site plan modification back in January 2025 for the site. Black Rock Coffee Bar has filed applications for permits with the City of Mesa, and an opening date has not been announced.
tumbleweird.org
Celebrate the holidays with Gallery at the Park
Celebrate the holidays with Gallery at the Park’s annual Holiday Gift Show and Christmas Market, featuring art, crafts, and gifts from hundreds of local and regional artists. The Holiday Gift Show runs throughout the season, with the Christmas Market (sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union) taking place on Friday,...
tumbleweird.org
Digging Deeper with Ernie Crediford
This month, I interviewed local plant expert and conservationist Ernie Crediford. He leads many wilderness hikes and outdoor educational activities here in the Columbian Basin. You’ve been honing your skills as a field interpreter. You’re a naturalist. Nature is where you get your ‘juice’. Please share some notes from the...
Washington Insights
Quest for the Best Local Root Beer in Tri-Cities
In a quest to find the best root beer in the Tri-Cities area, a social media user sought recommendations for locally brewed and bottled root beer. The user planned to pair this with a cool stein glass as a Christmas gift for their root beer-loving father.
FOX 11 and 41
South College Avenue to close for Winterfest Parade on Dec. 4
COLLEGE PLACE, Wash.- South College Avenue will be closed between 10th Street and Whitman Drive on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the 2025 Winter Fest Light Up the Avenue Parade, according to a public notice. Parade staging will occur on SW Bade Avenue, from...
Washington Insights
Seeking Scenic Hikes and Hidden Gems: Recommendations for Outdoor Exploration
Are you in search of some exciting hikes or abandoned places to explore? Perhaps you're looking for something relatively easy and within an hour and a half's journey? If so, you're not alone. Many outdoor enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for new adventures and experiences.
franklinconnection.com
Early ice fishing opportunities open
ODESSA — Cold snaps across Lincoln and Adams counties have anglers in Odessa, Reardan, Davenport, Sprague, and surrounding areas looking to test early ice fishing conditions on smaller lakes and reservoirs. Ice fishing for trout, perch, and crappie is open year-round on select waters through March 31, 2026, under state Department of Fish and Wildlife rules. Popular spots include Fourth of July Lake for rainbow trout in 15 to 25 feet of water, Upper Twin Lake for yellow perch and occasional rainbows, Sprague Lake for black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and rainbow trout, and Coffeepot Lake near Odessa for stocked rainbow trout under selective gear rules.