If you want to do something different this Fourth of July, something that will exponentially increase your chances of hot, sunny weather and starry nights, consider going to the Yakima Valley.
Weather is never guaranteed, but odds are you’ll need your umbrella for shade, rather than to ward off precipitation.
Plenty of old-fashioned Fourth activities are scheduled from Yakima to Zillah and Toppenish, including parades, music, food and fireworks. Here are some possibilities:
Yakima
Everything takes place from noon to midnight at State Fair Park. Free bus rides get you there from two area park-and-ride lots.
Bring your own picnic (no charcoal or gas barbecues allowed because of safety considerations) or enjoy food from vendors on the grounds.
Entertainment will be on the fairgrounds stage all day, and plenty of children’s games and activities are organized, including a pie-eating contest, gunny sack races and wheelbarrow races. Carnival rides also will be set up from July 1 to 4.
The highlight will be a fireworks display by Entertainment Fireworks at 10 p.m., which can be watched from the fairgrounds or nearby open areas. If you have a radio, tune it to any Yakima area radio station for patriotic music, set in sync to accompany the fireworks program.
Admission and parking are free. Find information at 509-248-7160, ext. 108, or www.yakima4thofjuly.org.
Zillah
Just down the road from Yakima, you could take the family to Zillah’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July for food, games, contests, barbecues and fireworks. All events take place at Stewart Park in Zillah.
For more information visit, www.visityakimavalley. org or call 509-829-5151.
Toppenish
Watch one of the valley’s largest Fourth of July parades. The Wild West Parade will begin at 11 a.m. in downtown Toppenish.
For information, call 509-865-3262.
Prosser
The town prides itself on its Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, beginning this year at noon in City Park with a car show, concession stands, sack races, an obstacle course and bingo.
At 1 p.m. the Kiddie Parade starts at the Courthouse, ending up at City Park.
The Prosser Rotary Club puts on the annual fireworks display at dusk.
For information, call 509-786-3177.
More July fun
There’s also plenty to do in the Yakima and Columbia valleys, before and after the Fourth of July.
Blueberry Daze Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 2, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview. This free event invites guests to ride the wagon out to the field to pick fresh blueberries and sweet cherries. Enjoy live bluegrass music plus entertainment for children, including rides on farm animals and ponies. For more information and a map to the farm, go to www.billsberryfarm.com or email info@billsberryfarm.com.
Trail Drive, Wine Tasting and Barbecue, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16. A sixth anniversary celebration of the Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area. Tour the wine trail for tastings, then enjoy a barbecue dinner and live music at Crow Butte Park. Tickets are $45 ($55 after July 9) and include wine tastings and dinner. Call 509-894-4528 or visit www.horseheaven hillswinegrowers.org.
Prosser Art Walk and Wine Gala, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 16. Downtown Prosser will host more than 30 Northwest artists, 20 Prosser wineries, live jazz and food vendors. Tickets are $15 and available online at www.tourprosser.com. For information call 509-786-3177.
Prosser Fly-in, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16 and 17. A family event with planes, food and activities at the Prosser Airport. Free campground, RV parking, restroom and shower facilities and off-site transportation. For more information call 509-786-2053 or visit, www.wing-nuts.org.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
