COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND WINE COUNTRY - Columbia River Gorge - page 43

Festivals and Events
The most popular local event is the Central Washington State Fair (1301 S. Fair Ave., 509/248-7160, www.fairfun.com ) held in late September,
which features a PRCA championship rodeo, hypnotists, carnival, nationally recognized musical talent, nitro-fueled demolition derby, and agricul-
tural displays The The Central Washington Antique Farm Expo (509/457-8735) on the third weekend of August features an old-time threshing
bee and working displays of farm equipment at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum.
The biggest annual wine event is the Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting (800/251-0751) in late April, when the wineries pour samples of
their new releases straight from the barrel and offer tours, hors d'oeuvres, and educational exhibits. All 25 wineries are open 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
during this three-day event.
Dog lovers will enjoy Prosser's National Championship Chukar Field Trials on the last weekend in March. It attracts English pointers and
shorthairs from all over the country.
Treaty Days and the All-Indian Rodeo and Pow Wow in nearby White Swan is held in early June to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of
1855. The rodeo features the Yakama Nation in a powwow and parade.
Fort Simcoe (509/874-2372) puts on a great show in June also, complete with living history presentations, traditional tribal dance, a flag-raising
ceremony, military re-enactors, antique car shows, and best of all, free cake!
The 4th of July weekend brings a frenzy of activity to Toppenish: the Pow Wow & Rodeo (509/865-5566) is an event with something for
everyone—a carnival, nightly rodeos, dancing, fireworks, a Wild West parade featuring cowboys, cowgirls, and Yakama people in full regalia, an
antique power show, and arts and crafts booths.
The Prosser Wine & Food Fair (800/408-1517) on the second Saturday of August is the largest outdoor wine and food show in the state,
attracting thousands of people for a chance to sample wine, beer, and food. The event usually sells out, so order advance tickets. It's only open to
people over age 21.
In September, the Yakima Valley girds up to go ga-ga for the great Grandview Grape Stomp (114 Grandridge, 509/882-2100). In the town's
grandest gala of the year, groups of three grapple to gouge grapes as in times gone by and gain some Grandview glory. And also a trophy. A fee
of $30 gains you general admission and covers family activities galore.
The Prosser Balloon Rally and Harvest Festival (1230 Bennett Ave., www.prosserballoonrally.org ) on the third weekend of September at-
tracts balloon enthusiasts for morning launches and nighttime lighted balloons.
Late into the season, November brings Tribal Jam (509/865-5363, $25), a showplace for some of the country's best American Indian musicians
and singers. The show is held at the Heritage Theater at the Cultural Heritage Center.
The season starts to wind down with Thanksgiving in Yakima Valley Wine Country (509/965-5201), which features food and wine-tasting at
most local wineries. This is one way to taste a variety of gourmet foods and to get recipe ideas.
In early December, the Country Christmas Lighted Farm Implement Parade features bulb-bedecked tractors, farm machinery, and horse-
drawn carriages and wagons in one of the premier lighted parades in the northwest. Call the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce (509/837-5939)
for details.
SHOPPING
At Yakima Avenue and North 1st, a trainful of 22 old railroad cars and pseudo-Victorian buildings house the Track 29 Shopping Mall with gift
shops and eateries. Several antique shops are inside the adjacent Yesterday's Village.
Several downtown art galleries offer high-quality works, including Simon Edwards Gallery (811 W. Yakima Ave., 509/453-7723).
Toppenish is rife with antique stores, craft shops, and gift shops. The Amish Connection (509/865-5300) has handcrafted Amish furniture,
dolls, quilts, and other items. A few doors away is Kraff's (509/865-3000), the largest retailer of Pendleton blankets in the United States. Roses
Native Designs (202 S. Toppenish Ave., 509/865-9325) offers local Native American art and crafts. For authentic Native American arts and crafts,
visit the gift shop at Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Racing
The Yakima Speedway (1600 Pacific Ave., 509/248-0647, www.yakimaspeedway.us ) hosts auto racing every Saturday night April-early October,
ranging from Super Stocks to Youth Hornets. If that doesn't completely get your motor running, take part in the annual Vintiques Northwest
Nationals ( www.vintiques.com ) car show and Rod Run held in late July and early August. You're bound to see some of the Northwest's finest
mechanical muscle right here, plus a parts-oriented swap-meet, drag racing events, food, camping, and a carnival atmosphere.
Spectator Sports
Yakima County Stadium (1220 Pacific Ave., 509/452-1450) is home to the Yakima Bears (509/457-5151, www.yakimabears.com ) , a short-sea-
son class-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Games are affordable and the team offers several promotions throughout the June-September
schedule.