The Ellensburg Night Market is tonight. Photo courtesy of the Ellensburg Downtown Association
NEWS
City Council hears crime report
Ellensburg Police Chief Ken Wade reported to the Ellensburg City Council Monday that the city’s overall crime rate was down in 2023, but there remain areas of concern. Wade said the city saw decreased aggravated assault, property destruction and robbery, and Ellensburg recorded its lowest crime rate in 20 years. The city saw increases in rape, juvenile crime and motor vehicle thefts.
Night Market is tonight
The Ellensburg Downtown Associations Night Market is from 4 to 8 p.m., today, on Pine Street between Third and Fourth avenues. There will be vendors from across the state, food, music and children’s crafts.
KVH BBQ is today
KVH hosts its annual Rodeo Barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is the hospital’s south-side parking lot. The menu includes BBQ ribs, German sausage, potato salad, fresh fruit, ice cream and beverages. Tickets are $16 for general admission and can be purchased at the KVH front desk before the event.
Ellensburg road closures
Two events will lead to road closures today. Pine Street between Third and Fourth avenues will be closed from 1 to 9 p.m. for the Ellensburg Night Market. Spokane Avenue will be closed from Chestnut Street to Whitman Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the annual KVH Rodeo Barbecue.
Lodging tax workshops this week
The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce presents an instructional workshop to assist those filling out a 2025 Consolidated Lodging Tax application from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, at the Business Development Center at 216 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Cle Elum. This grant is for funding 2025 projects and events.
Senior Lounge needs volunteers
The Senior Lounge at the Kittitas County Fair needs volunteers. The lounge is a welcoming, air-conditioned environment, with soft-cushioned chairs for seniors to kick up their feet and relax. Volunteer shifts are in two-hour increments from late morning to early evening. Volunteers receive a free pass to the fair. Contact the Adult Activities Center for more information. The county fair is from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2.
Spiced Rye closes concert series
Spiced Rye performs in the final of the Concerts in the Park series at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at Alder Street Park. People are encouraged to bring snacks, blankets, dinner and chairs to this family-friendly event.
Hoedown and Ribfest is Saturday
The Ellensburg Downtown Association’s Hoedown in the Downtown and the Rodeo City Ribfest by Smokey’ BBQ are Saturday and Sunday at Unity Park in downtown Ellensburg. Chance McKinney headlines the Hoedown performing Saturday night. Jukebox Central and Kitty Mae are the opening acts. The ribfest competition and judging starts at noon Saturday. Rodeo City Ribfest “Kids Que” will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday and features watermelon and pie eating contests, family games and activities.
SPORTS
Fall sport practices start today
Today is the first day of practice for all high school sports, except football. Football practices start on Aug. 16. The high school football season begins on Sept. 6. Ellensburg, Cle Elum-Roslyn and Kittitas all open with home games.
Wildcat soccer and volleyball host exhibition matches
Fans will get a chance to see the Central Washington University soccer and volleyball teams in exhibition matches this week and weekend. The Wildcat soccer team hosts the University of British Columbia at 5 p.m., Friday, and the University of Victoria at noon, Sunday. The Wildcats volleyball team welcomes Eastern Washington University for an exhibition match at 1 p.m., Saturday.
LUNCH
The FISH Open Table Lunch is ham steaks, cheesy potatoes, mixed vegetables and peaches. The lunch is open to all seniors age 60-plus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Ellensburg, and noon to 1 p.m., in Cle Elum. Meal sites are the Ellensburg Open Table and the Cle Elum Seventh-day Adventist Church. The community lunch for anyone needing a hot meal is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg location.
WEATHER
The forecasted high today in Ellensburg is 78 degrees. Sunset is at 8:01 p.m., and the expected nighttime low is 51 degrees. Winds will be 10 to 20 mph.
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