Happy weekend, Chelan County! In today’s happening-today edition: Wildfire safeguards, a historic homes tour, and a country wine festival + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Chelan County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Summer wildfire safeguards: Stage 1 fire restrictions took effect Friday in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, limiting campfires to designated campgrounds and designated wilderness areas, restricting smoking to cleared areas, and allowing pressurized fuel stoves -- see what the rules allow.
Weekend traffic disruption: All three lanes of Mission Street in Wenatchee are closed today and Sunday, June 21, as Exxel Pacific crews remove a large crane, and a detour is in place -- get the full closure details.
A fresh salon approach: Downtown Wenatchee stylist Stephanie Sheasley opened Hologramhair Lounge, offering custom color consults, wedding and photoshoot styling, plus tinsel parties and festival braids, with no product pressure and practical at-home tips -- see the salon's new twist.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local swing therapy: If your short game is rustier than your rake, Bear Mountain Ranch is the kind of scenic 18-hole public course that forgives a chunk or two and still makes your day, with rolling terrain, big Chelan views, and a practice setup when you need a reset.
Chill local hangout alert: Even Keel Roadhouse pours rotating craft beers and local ciders, spotlights Chelan Valley wines, and hosts summer live music on the lawn. It’s dog friendly, laid-back, and perfect when you need a no-fuss night with friends that still feels like a treat.
Farm-side breather: Sometimes you just need a night where the only traffic is deer and tractors. Summerhill Farm RV Park is a boutique, working-farm stay near Lake Chelan with full hookups, close-by trails, and real crops growing... the kind of quick local reset that makes next week feel easier.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚴 Cycle Chelan 2026 @ Chelan River Park | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 AM – Think you know every hill around the lake? Cycle Chelan serves up four routes through the best views, from mellow spins to brag-worthy climbs, with fully stocked rest stops, then a finish-line feast of local bites, award-winning wines, and earned swagger.
🌱 Little Sprouts Big Dreams Kids’ Event @ WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center (Wenatchee) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – The CEG is going full kid mode with a garden adventure packed with hands-on fun. Little Sprouts make-and-take their own creations, then scamper through a lively scavenger hunt, meeting real plants along the way. Dirt under their nails, peace in your soul.
🏠 Historic Homes Tour @ Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – If you've been waiting for an excuse to snoop, politely, inside Wenatchee's grand old homes, this is it. Self-guided stops at rarely opened historic properties with friendly docents, local lore, and preservation pride, $30 members, $35 non-members. Heads up, most stops are not ADA accessible.
🪵 Turn a Wooden Handle for a Garden Trowel @ NCW Woodshop (Cashmere) | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Trade your screen time for sawdust at NCW Woodshop, where you’ll turn a custom handle for a garden trowel, learn the lathe, shaping, sanding, and finishing. In an hour, you leave with a ready-to-plant tool, or a smugly giftable one. Tuition is $80, materials $24.99.
🏳 Wenatchee Pride Festival 2026 @ Lincoln Park | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Wenatchee Pride is lighting up Memorial Park with live music, drag, food, and big community vibes. It is one of those days where you can two-step, cheer a queen, and still be home to water the tomatoes. Expect joy, zero judgment, and excellent snacks.
🍷 18th Annual Falling Cow Country Wine Festival @ Lake Chelan Winery | Saturday (6/20) at 4:00 PM – Grab your boots and a wine glass for the 18th Annual Falling Cow Country Wine Festival, where cabernet meets cowboy. The LakeCOWboys play live, the BBQ is open, and there are line dancing lessons, plus a mechanical bull for anyone feeling brave after a pour.
🇺 Stars and Stripes Auction @ Visitciderpress (Manson) | Saturday (6/20) at 5:00 PM – Polish up your bidding arm and head to Cider Press for the fundraiser that keeps Manson's July 4 fireworks blazing over Lake Chelan. Dinner, games, raffles, a silent and live auction, and guest auctioneers John Curley and Ry Curley. Because rockets need more than patriotism. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Chelan County report Weather forecastToday — High: 85°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 3 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 2 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 84°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 84. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. This house is wildThis meticulously maintained mid-century gem in Wenatchee’s historic district offers 3,360 square feet of open-concept living, hardwood floors, and two cozy wood-burning fireplaces. Sunlit rooms, classic architectural details, a sunken patio, original vintage potting shed, and landscaped grounds with hill views add charm. Tree-lined streets and downtown conveniences sit just steps away.
Take a peek inside → |
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