A night of laughter awaits as the 30th annual Melonville Comedy Festival is Jan. 26, 7 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston.

Gabriel Rutledge, a past Melonville middle act, is the 2024 headliner. Also, JR Berard is the featured act and returning as emcee is Chase Mayers. All three funnymen are national touring comedians.

Tickets are $40 via www.melonvillecomedyfestival.com. Midway Bar & Grill will offer no-host drinks. The festival is a fundraiser for the Hermiston-Pendleton Special Olympics program, and coaches and athletes will serve the food.

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The Eastern Oregon Climate Change Coalition invites youths to enter its climate change poster contest for a chance to win. EOC3 is partnering with three regional art venues, including Pendleton Center for the Arts.

Contest categories include teens ages 13-18. Each art venue will award $500 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third and three $100 honorable mention prizes. Also, youths 12 and under can enter — four posters will be recognized with $50 awards.

Participants can utilize free art supplies and workspace during open hours at the arts center, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. The entry deadline is Feb. 8. For more information, visit pendletonarts.org/eoc3posters. For questions, contact 541-278-9201 or director@pendletonarts.org.

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With winter in full swing, the Irrigon Food Pantry needs non-perishable food items, sleeping bags, gloves, warm hats, socks and toiletries. Also, medium-sized boxes and bags are accepted throughout the year to package items for consumers.

Drop donations off during regular business hours — Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.; and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. — at the Irrigon/Boardman Emergency Assistance Center, 290 NE Main Ave., Irrigon. To make other arrangements, call 541-922-4563.

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Also, Stepping Stones Alliance reminds those who don’t have a warm place to lay their head, the Sleep Center opens nightly at 7:30 p.m. at 80487 N. Highway 395, Hermiston. In addition to providing overnight shelter, the center serves dinner and breakfast.

Transportation is available from Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE Second St., at 7:15 p.m. Also, kennels are provided at the center for those who have pets.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/48AM3Q4. For questions, call 541-561-3680.

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The Umatilla Public Library is hosting a book signing event featuring a local writer. Nereida Cruz co-authored “Your Inner Evolution.”

The free event is Friday, Jan. 19, 5 p.m. at 700 Sixth St. Refreshments will be served.

The first two people in line will receive a free copy of the book. In addition, the publication will be available for purchase for $25. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/48qBezx or call 541-922-5704.

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An evening of country music with Zac Grooms, as well as hollers and swallers, is on tap Friday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. at Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston. There is no cover charge.

Reservations are available; walk-ins are welcome. For questions, call 541-567-5180.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center serves lunch Thursday, Jan. 18 (salisbury steak), and Tuesday, Jan. 23 (chicken patties), noon-12:30 p.m. at 255 NE Second St., Hermiston. Meals are $5.

To ensure an accurate meal count for in-person and takeout meals, call 541-567-3582 by 11 a.m. Also, Meals on Wheels is available in Hermiston. Call before 10 a.m. to place a delivery order.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in and takeout lunches at noon on Thursday, Jan. 18 (beef enchiladas), and Tuesday, Jan. 23 (barbecue ribs), at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.