Spring Fest returns to Ritzville with fun family events

Four days of free family fun returns to Ritzville on Memorial Day weekend as part of the annual Spring Fest.

Hosted in coordination with local organizations, this year’s Spring Fest continues to provide diverse and exciting options for families looking for activities on the holiday weekend.

Events start on Friday, May 24, with Art in the Park. Amongst the shade of the trees in Ritzville City Park, artists display their crafts and take the time to showcase their talents to visitors. Don’t miss the chance to have a caricature drawn, or watch artists create artwork live throughout the day.

Hosted by Boots N’ Brushes Western Artists Association, Art in the Park runs from 12-6 p.m. on Friday, and returns to the park the following day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be live music in the park from 12 - 2 p.m. on Saturday. On May 26, Art in the Park returns for the final day of the show, and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To better assist visitors with participating in all Spring Fest events, People For People will be providing free transportation from Art in the Park to downtown Ritzville where the Classics on Main Car Show and Music on Main will be held. The downtown pickup location will be in front of the Adams County Courthouse.

Along with the start of Art in the Park on Saturday, the Wheat Land Communities’ Fairgrounds will host the Seventh Annual Wheatland Jackpot Show. The show begins at 11 a.m. and showcases young exhibitors with their prospect steers and heifers. Exhibitors come from throughout the region for the opportunity to participate in the cattle show, and prepare for upcoming competitions.

There will be food and attire available for purchase at the show, and parking is available on the fairgrounds. The Wheat Land Communities’ Fairgrounds also has campsites available for rent.

After an afternoon in the park or taking a walking tour through historic downtown, stop in at the intersection of Main Avenue and Washington Street to hear live music from local band, The Old Dogs. The band will perform from 8-10 p.m. on the stage, which will be used the following day at the music festival.

Sunday morning brings a day packed with entertainment. At 10 a.m., Art in the Park, Classics on Main Car Show and the Possibilities’ Tour will provide activities and entertainment for all ages.

The annual Classics on Main Car Show is hosted by the Ritzville Classic Car Club, and rolls out the carpet for all types of vehicles. Displayed amongst the historic backdrop of downtown Ritzville, the car show spans multiple blocks and allow visitors to browse vehicles on both sides of the street until 2 p.m.

Also beginning at 10 a.m., the Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) will start the Possibilities’ Tour. Any individual interested in seeing the available buildings for rent or purchase, as well as ongoing projects to restore historic buildings, can take a short tour with the RDDA from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Ritz Theatre will be a meeting point for the tour and open for visitors as well.

The first annual Music on Main event takes center stage at noon in coordination with the Classics on Main Car Show. Four musicians are scheduled to perform, starting with Sheri Roberts Greimes with JoMomma, and continuing with The Hankers, The Sara Brown Band and Sammy Eubanks. There will also be a special guest appearance by Peter Rivera of Rare Earth.

Music festival t-shirts will be available for purchase, and all proceeds go to the restoration of the historic H.E. Gritman Building. Food and vendors are available onsite, and area restaurants will also host specials throughout the day.

Spring Fest doesn’t end after the music winds down on Sunday, and starts again Monday morning with the Ritzville Volunteer Fire Department’s annual pancake breakfast. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee, and also fire truck rides for children. The event runs from 7-11 a.m. at the Ritzville Fire Station.

Throughout the weekend, all ages are invited to participate in a Scavenger Hunt, as well as visit the historic museums in downtown Ritzville.

Scavenger Hunt forms and more information about Spring Fest are available at http://www.ritzvillechamber.com.