Things to Do

Connell offers something for everyone. Whether you are into rock hunting or antiquing, biking or taking in a movie, this town has it all. The city takes special pride in its extensive system of well maintained parks, recently remodeled community pool, well-appointed, spacious community center, and excellent athletic fields, ranging from general purpose to soccer and baseball. Other attractions include:

Connell Heritage Museum

Connell is part of the Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway. The town’s Heritage Museum, located in the Old Town Park, is replete with historical artifacts and information. Fully restored to its original architectural style, the museum attracts visitors from across the state. Current museum hours are Thursdays 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays 1-4 p.m.

Connell Library

Part of the Mid-Columbia Library District, the attractive new Connell Branch Library was built entirely by residents of the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. Connell’s Friends of the Library created a reading an adjoining courtyard at the rear of the building, landscaped with trees, flowers, a reading picnic bench, and, in honor of the 1964 Caldecott Book Award winner, a "Where the Wild Things Are" mural by artist Beth Ann Wood. Open six days a week, the library is well loved by residents of all ages. Click here for more information.

Sunset Theatre

This 1950s single-screen treasure features first-run films for all ages, five nights a week in the summer, three nights in the winter. Click here for more information.

Murals

Resident artists have graced the town with a visual feast of wall murals, including Mei Ling’s Dragon, Where the Wild Things Are, The Cloudburst, and Harvest History. Click here for more information.

Night Court

Night Court is an evening youth program operated by Sergeant Dale Kuehny. The goal of Night Court is to give youth from 14 to 18 years of age a safe place to socialize on Friday and Saturday nights. Kids with nothing to do and no supervision often get involved in committing crimes or are victims of crimes.
On Friday nights, Sergeant Keuhny opens the Connell Community Center from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM and allows youth to play fooseball, Ping-Pong, air hockey, billiards, and table games. We also have movies playing and a computer lab. The Friday night attendance is usually about 30 kids.

On Saturday nights, Sergeant Kuehny opens a gym from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM and allows youth to play basketball and indoor soccer. The Saturday night attendance averages 30 to 50 kids.

Skate Park

The skate park is a new facility that was set up on the old tennis courts location at Pioneer Park located at 341 E. Birch Street. The project was support by many parents and over 30 youth who came to council meetings and special advisory meetings to supply input into the design of the facility. The components of the facility were purchased from Skate Wave. It has been well utilized with people coming from all over the state to enjoy.

Park Rules

• Open daily from dawn until dusk.
• Skateboarding and inline skating only.
• Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are highly recommended.
• No smoking, tobacco products, or alcohol.
• No graffiti, stickers, or littering.
• No skating on adjacent property.
• Skate at your own risk. Your sport, your skull, your choice. (RCW 4.24.210)

Explorer Post #234

Law Enforcement Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America and police departments can sponsor Explorer Posts by entering into an agreement with their local Boy Scout chapter. Explorers are youth from 14 through 20 years of age who want to learn about law enforcement as a potential career. Explorers wear a uniform, train like police officers and ride in patrol cars with the officers. Explorers do not have any police authority and are under the supervision of police officers at all times.

The Connell Police Department has sponsored an Explorer Post for several years and we feel it has helped build a better relationship between local youth and the police. Under the direction of Officer Lee Reed, our Explorers have done many projects in the community and have helped improve the image of the Connell Police Department.

Annual Events

North Franklin Fall Festival— Held the second weekend in September, this popular festival has become a favorite with residents and visitors alike. Featured events include mural painting, the Fast and the Past Car Show, the Fireman's Breakfast, a Kiddies Parade, the Grande Parade, the Carnival, Arts & Crafts and Food Booths, a Go Cart Race, an Art Show, the Junior Livestock Show, the Talent Idol Competition, an Art and Flower Show, Cooking Lessons, and Family Fun. The Columbia Basin Junior Livestock Show is also held each year in conjunction with the Fall Festival. Children in the 4-H and FFA clubs from a tri-county area participate in this action-packed, three-day event.

Spring Fling— The family friendly Spring Fling is sponsored by the Fall Festival and features games, vendors, a rummage sale, and more.

Wine and Brew Fest— Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and its members, this annual festival is held at the Connell Community Center the second Saturday of November. It showcases regional wines and microbrews, as well as local foods and Cottage Industry Displays from Connell and the surrounding area.

The Summer Rocks Show— The Summer Rocks Show is held every August at the Sunset Theatre. The popular all-ages show features local and regional bands with a variety of musical styles. Click here for more information.

The next time you are in the area, stop by and take the opportunity to explore the town, experience one of the festivals, learn more about the rich history, and take a closer at Connell.