March 4, 2026
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ISSUE 10
IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
Hunting for a job? In the market for a new home? Have something to sell? Turn to the Classifieds in The Dispatch and at dispatchnews.com
Spring Into March: Pierce County’s Lineup of Community Events Staff Report
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s winter begins to loosen its grip, Pierce County is welcoming March with a full calendar of sponsored events designed to bring neighbors together. Here is a look at what’s ahead.
WEDDING SHOWCASE – MARCH 7
Couples planning their big day can kick off the month at the Pierce County Wedding Showcase on Saturday, March 7. The event brings together local vendors, venues and wedding professionals in one convenient setting. Attendees can explore décor ideas, floral arrangements, catering options and photography services while connecting directly with industry experts. Whether newly engaged or finalizing last minute details, the showcase offers an opportunity to gather inspiration and compare services in person. Wedding showcases are often as much about creativity as logistics, and this event is designed to help couples imagine what their celebration could look like while supporting local businesses.
A QUEST FOR FAIRIES AND GNOMES – MARCH 13
Families and fantasy lovers alike are invited to step into a little magic on Friday, March 13, during A Quest for Fairies and Gnomes. This imaginative event encourages participants to explore, search and discover tiny
hidden surprises inspired by folklore and woodland whimsy. It is the kind of program that blends outdoor exploration with storytelling, making it especially appealing for younger children and anyone who still believes a little magic might be tucked into the trees. Organizers say the event is designed to spark creativity and get families moving together as spring approaches.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY POP UP – MARCH 17
On Tuesday, March 17, Pierce County will host a St. Patrick’s Day Pop Up to mark the holiday with festive flair. Expect themed activities, seasonal decorations and a bit of green spirit as community members gather to celebrate.
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Mill Haus Makers Market Returns to Eatonville March 8 L ocal shopping, handcrafted goods and fresh cider will come together in downtown Eatonville on Sunday, March 8, as Mill Haus Cider Co. hosts its next Makers Market. The community event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mill Haus Cider Co., located at 303 Center St. E., and will feature a curated lineup of local artisans, food vendors and small businesses from across the region. The Mill Haus Makers Market has quickly become a favorite for shoppers who want to support local creators while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere. Visitors can expect a variety of handmade goods, unique crafts, specialty items and baked treats - the kind of finds you will not see in big box stores. From handcrafted jewelry and home décor to small batch food items and locally made gifts, the market offers a chance to discover one of a kind products while meeting the people who make them. And of course, it would not be a Mill Haus event without cider. Guests can sip on Mill Haus’s handcrafted hard ciders while browsing vendor booths inside and around the spacious taproom. The cidery, known for its welcoming vibe and Washington sourced apples, provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping and conversation. Events like the Makers Market highlight Eatonville’s growing small business community and give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work in a supportive setting. They also offer residents a chance to shop close to home, connect with neighbors and spend a Sunday afternoon downtown. Whether you are looking for a thoughtful gift, a fresh baked treat
or simply an excuse to get out of the house, the Mill Haus Makers Market offers a low key way to enjoy the start of spring. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information about the March 8 Makers Market and future
events, visit Mill Haus Cider Co. online or follow them on social media for vendor announcements and updates. Mark your calendar, invite a friend and plan to spend your Sunday supporting local makers in the heart of Eatonville.
Pierce County Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Nisqually Earthquake, Urges Earthquake Readiness Pierce County
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ierce County Council and Executive Ryan Mello jointly issued a proclamation today recognizing Feb. 28, 2026, as “Nisqually Earthquake 25th Anniversary Day” in Pierce County. The proclamation honors the dedication of first responders during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, resilience of the community, and helps raise awareness about the importance of earthquake readiness. On February 28, 2001, the Nisqually Earthquake shook Western Washington with a magnitude of 6.8, causing widespread damage and disruption across the region. In
Pierce County, the temblor damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, and temporarily displaced residents and businesses. While no fatalities occurred locally, the incident caused millions of dollars in structural damage and served as a wake-up call for the region’s seismic vulnerability. ‘When the Nisqually Earthquake rattled Pierce County 25 years ago, our public safety community rallied together to help protect lives and the livelihood of our community,” said Executive Mello. “Since then, we’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience and preparedness. Our Emergency Management team works diligently every day to ensure everyone who lives, works, and plays in
Pierce County knows how to stay safe when the next earthquake strikes. This work is central to our Forward Together Strategic Plan, which prioritizes community safety, equity, and resilience.” Pierce County has since invested in collaborative emergency planning and hazard mitigation with over 60 jurisdictions as well as earthquake readiness community outreach programs. These efforts include partnerships with cities, towns, public safety agencies, schools, businesses, and community
organizations to promote readiness and develop effective response strategies. “The Nisqually Earthquake was a turning point for emergency preparedness in our region. Today, we have stronger building codes, better alert systems like ShakeAlert, and more community engagement than ever before. Disaster readiness starts at home—every family should have a plan and an emergency go-kit,” said Pierce County Department of Emergency Management Director Arel Solie.
SEE HOW TO STAY EARTHQUAKE READY, 5