Petunias were plentiful on April 30, 2019, as the Echo FFA Chapter prepared for a past plant sale. The Echo chapter kicks off this year’s event on May 9, 2024, and the Hermiston FFA plant sale is May 10-11, 2024.

Local FFA plant sales are in full bloom this week, providing the perfect time to dig in the dirt and support student programs.

The Hermiston FFA sale is Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hermiston High School greenhouse, 600 S. First St. To pre-order plants, visit bit.ly/3Hsqeqk. For questions, email ellery.jones@hermistonsd.org.

The Echo FFA event is Thursday, May 9; 3:45-6 p.m.; Friday, May 10, 4-6 p.m.; and Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Echo School District greenhouse is behind the building at 600 E. Gerone St. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/49Wb8VG.

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The Columbia Basin Board of Realtors is rolling out Neon Bowling Night on Friday, May 10, 6-8 p.m. at Desert Lanes Family Fun Center, 1545 N. First St., Hermiston. The first 100 people who show up can enjoy free bowling, shoe rentals, pizza and soda. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/44xeQ7a.

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Vendors will sell their wares at two venues during the Spring Bazaar Extravaganza on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hermiston.

To find unique items, stop by the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395, and the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE Second St. There is no admission charge. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

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The Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers will perform Saturday, May 11, 6 p.m. at Stokes Landing Senior Center, 150 Columbia Lane, Irrigon. There is a $5 cover charge.

To make a night of it, come for dinner at 5 p.m. The menu features spaghetti, vegetables, a salad and garlic toast for $5 or $7 with a drink and dessert.

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The Boardman Park & Recreation District is kicking off the inaugural Mother-Son Kickball Event on Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. at the softball field at Boardman Marina Park, 1 NE Marine Drive. The cost is $15 for a mom-and-son duo; extra sons are $5 each. Lunch is provided.

For more information or to register, visit www.teamsideline.com/boardmanor. For questions, call 541-616-1050 or email sariaht@boardmanparkandrec.com.

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Area students participated in the Future of Healthcare Conference, hosted Feb. 29 and March 1 by the Health Science Pathway at Hermiston High School. HHS health services teacher Janci Sivey said the healthcare career and industry fair included a nurse’s panel and workshops hosted by local professionals.

Sponsors who made the event possible, Sivey said, included Good Shepherd Health Care System, Desert Dental, Hermiston School District, Cuppo Yo Hermiston, Dawg Prints and the Dawg House. For more information, email Sivey at janci.sivey@hermistonsd.org.

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The Echo Parent-Teacher Organization is gearing up a week early for the annual Echo Car Show.

The event revs up May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Echo. Vehicle check-in starts at 9 a.m. Other activities include vendors and crafts in the park, food booths, raffle items and live music.

All makes and models can enter. Regular registration is $30 per class. Special trophies, created by industrial arts students, will be awarded around 2 p.m.

For more information or to register in advance, visit bit.ly/3QpUWoE. For questions, call 541-376-8436.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center serves lunch Thursday, May 9 (pork loin) and Tuesday, May 14 (hot turkey sandwich), 12-12:30 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, May 9 (white chicken chili) and Tuesday, May 14 (hearty vegetable beef soup) at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.