Like the countries before it, the evolution of the United States was full of its own versions of growing pains. These tough times and tribulations that our ancestors went through would ultimately shape us into the united country that stands before the world today. As a result, we embrace our history, marking important milestones in the name of progress and democracy. One such holiday has come about as a result of this acceptance.
Memorial Day is fast approaching as we prepare to gather together to remember those who have lost their lives while fighting for our country. And here in our Yakima community, there are plenty of Memorial Day events going on where we can all come collectively to honor those that have passed.
Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Yakima
As expected, the Yakima Memorial Day Parade will be in full force again this year to honor the holiday. The Marine Corps League Detachment 1055 organization is hosting the community event. Since Memorial Day itself is on a Monday, the parade will be Saturday, May 28. It will start at 10 a.m. and last until noon.
Memorial Splash Weekend
920 S Kinney Way, Prosser
509.786.2332
The Prosser Aquatic Center hosts a Memorial Splash weekend this year. Typically, the PAC opens for the regular season in June and runs until August. This event will allow those who attend to cool off early in the water from May 28 until May 30. Season pass holders get to enjoy the water early from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Doors are open to the public from 1:30 until 7 p.m. Just a dollar along with a canned food donation will get you in the door, but if you happen to forget it at home, $3 will still get you in the event without it.
Annual Wenas Audubon Campout
Wenas Creek Campground
Every Memorial Day weekend since 1963, members of Washington State’s Audubon Chapters welcome anyone that wishes to participate in their Annual Wenas Audubon Campout. They gather within the Wenas Creek Campground, where they settle in for a celebration of birds, bats, butterflies, insects, botany, and the beauty of spring in eastern Washington itself. This year they have also scheduled a series of field trips and evening campground speakers to share stories each night of the Friday through Monday event.
Dee Adams Memorial Fire and Thunder
1395 N. Track Road, Wapato
509.877.4621
Renegade Raceway offers their 12th Annual Dee Adams Memorial Fire and Thunder event this upcoming Memorial Day weekend at the Wapato drag strip. Different tours and races are scheduled throughout the three-day event, with various start times for each day as well. Friday night begins at 7 p.m. and features Street Legal Drags #2. Saturday’s event starts at noon with Summit Series #3, AFX #, and Northwest Nostalgia all leading the show. Sunday will be the last day of the event, beginning at 10 a.m. and featuring Summit Series #4 and AFX #5.
Of course, these events aren’t the only way to join in and honor our country’s fallen soldiers. Many of the cemeteries in the Yakima community will also be open during the weekend, allowing the families of those who have passed to visit their gravesites in remembrance during the upcoming solemn holiday.
What’s your favorite local Memorial Day event? Send us an email at submit@yakimatalk.com and let us know!
