Summer is underway in Yakima County, and as COVID-19 guidelines are being lifted around the state, you can enjoy these fun and family-friendly events throughout the season.
Cruisin’ for Food
The classic car club and charitable organization Vintiques of Yakima sponsor a cruise and food drive on Saturday, June 12, on Yakima Avenue. All donations from the Cruisin’ for Food event benefit Rod’s House of Yakima, a local homeless youth services organization. Non-perishable food items and bottled water can be dropped off at Coffee Cravings on Yakima Avenue that evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each donation is an entry into a gift drawing.
Elks Car Show
On June 12, Yakima Elks Lodge #318 hosts a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 318 Golf Course Loop Road in Selah. The price of admission is $25, and the proceeds will benefit two charities, the Elks Veteran’s Program and the Washington Elks Therapy Program, an in-home therapy service for children.
Paddleboarding and Yoga
From now through August 21, you can try stand-up paddleboarding yoga in Naches. This yoga practice is suitable for all skill levels, and paddle lessons are available as well. Paddleboard yoga is held at Rimrock Lake on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 9:30 a.m., and paddle lessons are offered at 11:30 a.m. Reservations for lessons and paddleboard yoga can be made online.
Cherry & Berry Days
Bill’s Berry Farm is hosting its annual Cherry & Berry Days on Saturdays and Mondays from June 19 to July 10 this year. There is no fee for admission, and activities are paid for on an as-you-go basis. Enjoy a hayride to the fields to pick fresh cherries and berries, shop at the farm store, or play lawn games and visit the animal farm. Bill’s Berry Farm is located at 3674 North County Line Road in Grandview.
Art in the Park
From June 24 to August 12, Tieton Arts and Humanities holds its annual free Art in the Park lessons for children from grades K to 8th, though things look a little different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. On Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m., families can pick up to-go art kits every week at 608 Wisconsin Avenue in Tieton. Instructions for the activities are included, and additional video instructions will be available online.
Toppenish Rodeo and Parade
The 86th annual Toppenish Rodeo runs from July 2 – 3, with the Toppenish Parade scheduled for July 3. The Toppenish Lions Club hosts its famous pancake breakfast in Post Office Park on July 3 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. A schedule of events is available on the rodeo’s website, and tickets for the rodeo should be purchased online in advance this year.
Yakima Valley Museum Summer Camps
From July 5 – 30, the Yakima Valley Museum hosts two summer camps for ages 6 – 12 in Yakima. Spanish Camp runs from July 5 – 16 and teaches the Spanish language in addition to cultural, culinary, and ecological facts about Spanish-speaking countries. Adventure Camp is scheduled from July 19 – 30 and will engage kids with various indoor and outdoor games, activities, and crafts. Parents can register kids online. The museum is located at 2105 Tieton Drive in Yakima.
Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
The annual Hot Shots 3-on 3 Basketball Tournament occurs on July 31 and August 1 at Sozo Sports Complex in Yakima. This local tournament has been running since 2003 and has attracted over 500 teams in recent years. Players as young as first-graders and all ages of adults can register for the tournament. Advanced registration is required.
47th Annual Vintiques Northwest Nationals Car Show
The Yakima Vintiques car club is hosting its 47th annual car show on August 5 – 8 at State Fair Park in Yakima. The Vintiques promote the car collector hobby in addition to raising money for local charitable organizations and sponsoring scholarships. This event is expected to include 600+ custom cars and vendors. Car owners and vendors can register online. Attendees of this event will enjoy live music, a swap meet, a poker run/walk, and hundreds of classic cars.
Dye Hard 5K Nighttime Color Run
The Dye Hard 5K Nighttime Color Run is on Saturday, August 14, at Sozo Sports Complex in Yakima. Runners ages six and up can sign up for this untimed race and enjoy playing in fluorescent powder and glowing under black lights. Advanced registration for the color run is required for all ages. Registered participants will receive a t-shirt and a beverage ticket redeemable for the post-run music and dance party.
Mark your calendars with these upcoming summer events to support local charities and businesses, or just enjoy the warm weather and family-friendly festivities that Yakima County offers.
