Okanogan County Tourism Council provides community kiosks

OKANOGAN – Starting in 2023, as part of its campaign to promote the visibility of small communities in Okanogan County, the Okanogan County Tourism Council (OCTC) developed a county wide network of information kiosks for each city.

Pateros installed its kiosk along Commercial Avenue near the bus stop and across from the electric vehicle charging station.

The City of Brewster is narrowing down a location to install its OCTC kiosk, according to Brewster Chamber of Commerce Vice President Elizabeth Shepard.

City Public Works Director Lee Webster and Director of Finance Misty Ruiz attended the monthly chamber meeting on Jan. 8, where one of the topics discussed was the most suitable site for the visitor information aid.

“We talked about hopefully getting it somewhere between the playground equipment at the park and the new bathrooms,” said Shepard noting the amount of visitor traffic the RV park attracts.

Lacking sufficient board members for a quorum, the official vote on the kiosk will be on the February agenda.

OCTC includes a 2025 calendar of events on its website okanogancountry.com/poi/okanogan-county-tourism-council that are taking place throughout the county including a number in Pateros and Brewster.

Conconully Outhouse Races – Jan. 18

Just around the corner the outhouse races have been an annual draw down Main Street Conconully for a quarter century. The event features head-to-head races within stated divisions with champions being crowned by the day's end. Visit conconully.com/.

Molson Ice Fishing Derby – Jan. 18

For those who favor fishing over privy pursuits there is the Ice Fishing Derby at Sidley and Molson lakes. Along with breakfast and lunch available at the community center the event features prizes, raffles, and bingo. Visit orovillewachamber.com/#!event-list

Ski to the Sun Marathon & Relay – Feb. 8

Starts at Corral Trailhead, part of Methow Trails on North America's largest trail network. The route takes skiers from the Methow River to Sun Mountain Lodge but is limited to 225 participants. NOTE: This event is already full, but volunteers are always welcome. Email Adrienne at adrienne@methowtrails to volunteer.

Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus (OVOC) Variety Show – Feb. 9

Enjoy an evening of music, comedy, and theatrical delights performed by local talent beginning at 6 p.m. at the Omak Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $10. Visit omakpac.org for more information.

Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival – Feb. 15-16

Presenting Warm Winter Weekend featuring two performances of Maurice Ravel’s Piano Trio (piano, violin, cello) with Kevin Krentz on cello, Helen Kim on violin, and Paige Roberts Molloy on piano. Tickets $48. Visit methowmusicfestival.org or call 509-997-5000.

Winthrop Balloon Roundup – Feb. 28

Watch dozens of colorful balloons fill and launch at Winthrop at one of the nation’s only winter hot air balloon events. Launches at 7 a.m. Visit winthropwashington.com/events/balloon-roundup or call 509-996-2125.

TaikoProject – March 21

An ensemble of taiko drummers uniting ancient Japanese drumming with 21st century American innovation performs at the Omak Performing Arts Center. Founded in 2000, the group has performed and recorded with many notable artists and at prestigious events. Tickets $10-$25. Visit omakpac.org.

Triple Fish Challenge – April 11-13

Friday Funday with a trout pond plus a two-day fishing tournament for adults and kids on Banks Lake in Grant County. Fish for smallmouth bass, walleye, and rainbow trout. Grand prize: $2,000. Adult registration $75. Visit reelrecreation.com/triple-fish or call 509-633-3074.

Local events on the OCTC calendar include:

Pateros Annual Salmon Bake & Cultural Celebration – June 20 (exact date TBD)

This popular annual event draws a large turnout for those who want to enjoy a lunch of some of the best barbecued salmon this side of the Colville Tribes’ First Salmon Ceremony held every May at Chief Joseph Dam.

Other – though not all – south county events to check out include:

Pateros Apple Pie Jamboree – July 18-19-20

19th Annual Brewster King Salmon Derby – August 1-3

Terry Troxell Memorial Hydro Classic - August 9-10

Brewster Thunderfest- Tony Newton Memorial Classic – Sept. (TBD)

Pateros Busker Festival – Sept. 19-20

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media