U-Pick Lavender Festival, virtual library visits, and more events

Perched atop the Wild Rose Prairie, a fertile expanse of farmland about halfway between Spokane and Deer Park, is the largest organic lavender farm in the U.S., Evening Light Lavender. Each summer amid the violet splendor of its fragrant harvest, Evening Light hosts its annual U-Pick Lavender Festival, offering fresh bundles straight from the fields and lots of lavender-infused food and personal care items. After wandering the picturesque farm, sit back and savor some old-fashioned soft-serve lavender ice cream or ice cold lavender lemonade while enjoying live music, kids activities, artisan vendors and demonstrations on how to make your own lavender essential oils and more at home. At press time, this year's U-Pick festival is still on for the weekend of July 11-12; find the details at eveninglightlavender.com.

VISIT THE LIBRARY, VIRTUALLY

Although public libraries in Washington state won't reopen for in-person services until phase 3 of the Safe Start Washington plan (and we may not reach that stage until mid-June at the earliest), the Spokane Public Library previously moved many of its resources to the digital sphere. Its "Library@Home" programs and a new mobile app offer access to activities like virtual storytime and book clubs, as well as one-on-one support on topics such as business resources, community data and genealogy. These extras are all in addition to the library's regular, robust digital offerings, from movies to music and language courses to audiobooks. Many frequently requested subjects from the Northwest Room's regional history collection are also now accessible online. Head to spokanelibrary.org to jump in.

RUN FOR A CAUSE

During this difficult social distancing era, at least we still have access to wooded hikes and neighborhood walks. Besides for your own mental and physical health, another reason to lace up your running shoes is to support the local nonprofit OutLive Cancer, which helps cancer survivors get active outdoors and reconnect to the community. OutLive's upcoming "Pick Your Path Community Challenge," the weekend of June 19-21, offers pre-mapped routes to walk, jog or run, or lets participants pick their favorite route of 5, 10 or 25 kilometers. The fundraiser challenge costs $17.50 per person or $25 for a family. After completing your route, record the time at the event's online portal. Challenge friends and family to participate in the virtual race while supporting OutLive's mission. Details and a link to register are at outlivecancer.org.