Daily editionSaturday, August 16th, 2025
Good morning, Kennewick.
The Daily Kennewick Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
Community
Kennewick families can attend the biggest back to school event at HAPO Center on Monday, August 18th from 4pm to 6pm.
The free event will offer giveaways such as school supplies (from crayons to backpacks), free haircuts from 40 Paul Mitchell stylists, and sports physical exams from 4 physicians to help prepare students.
KEPR TVRead more
Benton Franklin Fair is celebrating its 77th year with a new temporary entrance—traditional wooden ticket booths have been removed and replaced by blue and white structures with a giant inflatable cowboy guiding visitors from the paved parking lot.
The fair officially starts Tuesday, but a parade runs today at 10 a.m. in downtown Kennewick.
KEPR TVRead more
Culture
Country music star Zach Top will perform two shows at the Toyota Center in Kennewick on November 22 and November 23—ticket presale begins on August 21 at 10 a.m. and public sales start on August 22 at 10 a.m.
KONARead more
Education
Pasco School District will open two new high schools next week—Sageview High School on August 18th at 10am and Orion High School on August 19th at 10am—to meet growing student needs.
Sageview spans nearly 300,000 square feet for 2,000 students while Orion, a College & Career Academy, will admit 600 students by application.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Government
Benton Franklin Fair organizers and county officials are in stalled lease negotiations—fair director Lori Lancaster said the proposal may raise costs and urged more inclusive talks before a final version is sent.
The fair will run from August 19 to 23 and further discussions are expected before the lease finalizes.
NBC Tri-CitiesRead more
Health
The KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchen was recalled after a toddler died in 2023 when its hook caught the child’s shirt—causing fatal strangulation.
More than 192,000 units are affected and owners should stop using the toy and call Backyard Kids for a free replacement kit.
NewsTalk 870Read more
Accidents
KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchen sold online since 2018 has been recalled after a 23-month-old died in 2023 when his shirt got caught on a hook — creating a strangulation hazard; local families owning the toy should stop using it and remove the hooks immediately.
KONARead more
Kennewick Events
Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo 2025
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 · 8 a.m. — Benton County Fairgrounds — Entry fee required — Celebrate community spirit with agricultural exhibits and entertainment at the annual fair.
Daughtry Concert
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 · 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Cost info not provided — Experience live rock music from one of the best-selling bands of the 21st century.
Banda Carnaval Live Performance
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · 7:45-9:15 p.m. — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo — Starting at $88 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Banda Carnaval at the fairgrounds.
PBR: Kennewick Challenger Series
Friday, September 5th, 2025 · 12:00 – 8:29 PM — Toyota Center — Tickets required for attendees 3 years and older — Experience thrilling professional bull riding action in Kennewick.
Columbia Crossing Swim
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 4-6 p.m. — Columbia River — Registration required — Challenge yourself with a 1.5 mile open water swim across the scenic Columbia River.
Sunday Funday Music Bingo
Sunday, September 7th, 2025 · 3-6 p.m. — Sports Page Bar & Grill — Free to play — Wrap up your weekend with an all-ages Music Bingo event featuring sing-along hits.
WHL Preseason: Tri-City Americans vs. Spokane Chiefs
Friday, September 12th, 2025 · 3:30-7:30 p.m. — Toyota Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an exciting WHL preseason matchup between local teams.
Homebuyer 101 Workshop
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · Time not specified — CMG Home Loans — Free entry — Navigate the homebuying process with expert guidance in this informative workshop.
WHL Preseason: Tri-City Americans vs. Wenatchee Wild
Sunday, September 14th, 2025 · 2:00 – 3:30 PM — Toyota Center — Ticket required for ages 3 and up — Watch the WHL teams battle it out in an exciting preseason matchup.