Washington

Thrill of the hunt returns at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Treasure Sale

Published

4 months ago

October 24, 2025

Thrill of the hunt returns at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Treasure Sale

Bailey Rafter
| Special to the Herald-Mail

For more than a quarter of a century, bargain hunters and collectors have eagerly awaited the annual return of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ Treasure Sale, and this fall, the tradition continues with its 26h year. Organized by the Singer Society, the museum’s volunteer organization, the sale has become a community institution — an event that transforms the museum into a labyrinth of hidden gems, unexpected discoveries and the irresistible excitement of the hunt, with part of the reward being supporting the museum.

Unlike ordinary shopping trips, the Treasure Sale is closer to an adventure. Every corner of the sale holds the promise of something surprising: a piece of jewelry that once lit up a costume ball, a painting that’s just right for that empty space on your wall or a piece of furniture whose patina carries decades of stories.

Shoppers return year after year not just because the prices are unbeatable, but because the atmosphere crackles with possibility. There is no telling what might turn up, and that unpredictability is part of the thrill that keeps the tradition alive.

But the Treasure Sale offers more than just the joy of discovery. Each purchase, no matter how small, directly supports the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.

Proceeds help sustain exhibitions, educational programs and outreach efforts, ensuring that art remains accessible to the entire community. That means the vintage chair carried home or the collectible carefully wrapped in tissue doesn’t just enrich a buyer’s life — it helps keep the museum vibrant and active. In that way, shoppers can leave knowing they’ve found something meaningful in more ways than one.

The event begins in grand style with a special preview party on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5-8 p.m. Halloween provides the theme, adding a festive atmosphere to the exclusive opportunity. Guests will sip wine, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and mingle with fellow treasure seekers, all while enjoying the coveted first look at what’s on offer.

For $45 for museum members and $50 for non-members, attendees gain not only early access to the sale but camaraderie and the thrill of being the first to scoop up the best finds. Imagine strolling out the door with a unique collectible or perfect accent piece. It’s an evening designed for those who relish both celebration and strategy, and registration is required in advance to secure a spot.

Adding to the excitement is this year’s raffle, a chance to win a garden cart filled with hand-picked sale items and gift cards to local businesses. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online before the event or in person at the museum.

The winning ticket will be drawn during the preview party, though attendance is not required to win. Even those who can’t make it to the sale can participate in this chance at a prize that embodies the spirit of the event.

After the preview party, the sale continues throughout the weekend and into the following week. Doors open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 1-4 p.m.

The final day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is reserved for what has become known as “Bag Day.” On this day, shoppers can fill a museum-provided bag with as many items as will fit for only $20 (some items are excluded). For many, this is the most exhilarating moment of all — an all-out treasure hunt where creativity and keen eyes are rewarded with armfuls of finds at an unbeatable price. Admission is free Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

Of course, the Treasure Sale would not be possible without the generosity of the community. Donations of gently used furniture, artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other items are accepted most of the year, with the deadline for inclusion in the sale being mid-October, giving residents an opportunity to clear out attics, basements and closets while supporting the museum. For many donors, the knowledge that their once-loved pieces will find new homes — and raise funds for the arts — is a reward in itself.

Ultimately, the Treasure Sale is more than a fundraiser. It is a tradition, a celebration and an adventure all in one. It invites shoppers to embrace the thrill of the hunt, knowing that each discovery carries with it the joy of the find and the satisfaction of giving back.

Whether arriving for the fun of the preview party, the excitement of weekend browsing or the high-energy of Bag Day, every visitor comes away with a story — and often with treasures that will begin a new chapter in their lives. This fall, the atrium of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts once again becomes a place of possibility, where the only question is not whether you’ll find something, but what treasure is waiting just for you.

Bailey Rafter is manager of marketing and publication for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.

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Washington

Holdout Democrats leave WA House support for income tax in doubt

Published

7 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Holdout Democrats leave WA House support for income tax in doubt

The votes weren’t there yet late Wednesday for Democrats’ income tax bill in the Washington state House.Democratic members are withholding support for the proposed income tax on millionaires, saying they want to see if a new version of the controversial legislation, possibly due out Thursday, will satisfy their concerns.

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Washington

Bill strengthening Washington child sex abuse material laws focuses on consciousness, AI

Published

19 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Bill strengthening Washington child sex abuse material laws focuses on consciousness, AI

SEATTLE — A bill aimed at tightening Washington’s laws on child sex abuse material is headed to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk after clearing the Legislature unanimously.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said 2ESSB 5105 passed the House unanimously Tuesday night after the Senate unanimously approved it on Jan. 28, 2026.

SEE ALSO | Washington exempts clergy from reporting abuse learned in confession after settlement

Manion called the measure one of her public safety legislative priorities.

“People who peddle in the misery of sexually abused children must be held accountable,” Manion said. “I am grateful for the work of Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laura Harmon – both in prosecuting these cases and advocating for these legal fixes – and Senators Tina Orwall and Manka Dhingra for championing this legislation.”

Manion’s office said the current state law has gaps that can prevent prosecutors from holding offenders accountable in some cases.

Under current law, prosecutors cannot charge defendants for creating images of child sex abuse unless the child victim was conscious or knew they were being recorded.

The office also said that possessing sexually explicit fabricated (AI) images of non-identifiable minors is not considered child sex abuse material under Washington law.

The bill would update RCW 9.68A.040 to remove the requirement that a child be aware of an abusive recording. It would also update the definition of child sex abuse material to include fabricated (AI) images of non-identifiable minors.

The legislation would also increase the statute of limitations to 10 years for depiction crimes. Manion’s office said the current statute of limitations is three years, and argued that because the images can remain online indefinitely, victims can be re-traumatized for decades.

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Washington

Utah Starts Road Trip with Win in Washington | Utah Mammoth

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Utah Starts Road Trip with Win in Washington | Utah Mammoth

Both of Utah’s power play units scored in the win. Sergachev scored his 10^th goal of the season on the power play 13 and a half minutes into the first period. Peterka scored his 21^st of the season, on the man-advantage, in the final two minutes of the middle frame.

Peterka has three power play goals in the 2025-26 campaign while Sergachev has matched a career-high with five power play goals this season. Overall, Utah’s power play has scored six goals in the last six games. That output matches the Mammoth’s total from their previous 18 games (per Mammoth PR). Tourigny discussed what’s changed with the team’s performance in recent games.

“(The) puck gets in,” Tourigny laughed. “But, no, I think there’s a number of things. The most important thing is we’re aggressive. We’re attacking.

“…If you look at our goal, the first one, it’s a direct play to the net and then on the loose puck recovery we take a shot with traffic and we score,” Tourigny continued. “On the second one, it’s a slot pass, a great shot by (Peterka). I think we had that attack mindset.”

Guenther, who is on the Mammoth’s top power play unit, agreed with Tourigny’s assessment of attacking more.

“I think just attacking, less predictable,” Guenther explained. “Shooting it more, I think (it is) just work really. Trying to play like a 5-on-5 mindset but on the (power play).”

The Mammoth made several line changes for tonight’s game and the new lines started to find chemistry, despite it being the first game with these changes.

“I like them,” Tourigny said of the changes. “Obviously (Guenther) got a goal, but Cooley’s line was really good. I was looking at the expected goals at the end, I think they were above 90%. So that’s pretty, pretty awesome. Then I think (Barrett Hayton’s) line worked really hard. They’re heavy on pucks and they play well defensively. I did like (Michael Carcone’s) line in (the) previous three games, and I did like them again tonight.”

When Washington pushed back with a power play goal and multiple close chances in the third period, Utah fought hard against the momentum swing to secure the win.

“I thought we did a pretty good job,” Keller explained. “Weathering the storm as much as we could. They’re a great veteran team. They made it hard on us. They pressured us all over the ice, but I was proud of the way we fought there towards the end.”

Utah’s bench was positive and calm throughout the game, especially late in the third. This helped the Mammoth through the momentum swings. Keller, who had two assists in the win, was one of the key voices for the Mammoth.

“He’s one of the guys who was really positive on the bench,” Tourigny explained. “(All the players) were but (Keller) was really vocal. He was really good energy on the bench. So that was really good.”

Additional Notes from Tonight (per Mammoth PR)

Guenther had two points in the win (1G, 1A) and the forward has earned a team-high nine points (5G, 4A) through six road games in 2026. He has become the third Mammoth skater to reach the 50-point mark this season (28G, 23A) and established a new career-high in goals.

Sergachev has 18 power play points this season (5G, 13A) and is tied with Keller for the team lead this season.

Keller has recorded multiple primary assists in a game for the seventh time this season and the 27^th time in his NHL career. He has now tallied multiple points in four of his last six contests (2G, 8A), with three multi-assist outings over that span.

The Mammoth continue their five-game road trip in Philadelphia on Thursday night. Game time is 5 p.m. MT and available to watch on Mammoth+ and Utah16.

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