There are a good number of great events going on East of the Mountains here in Washington state coming up this fall. Here are some great listings provided for our readers from the good people at the Yakima Valley Visitor’s and Convention Bureau and the most awesome PR Pros at GreenRubino in Seattle:
DETAILS: Event information, including location and ticket prices, is listed below. For more information visit www.visityakima.com
Tree Top Skewered Apple BBQ Championship, Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 8
Hosted by Tree Top, this open competition invites aspiring grill masters from the West and Canada to compete for up to $25,000 in prize money. Those who are not participating will enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music, beer and wine garden, and much more. Hours for the event are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for two days; children 12 and under are free. All events are located at Tree Top, 220 E 2nd Ave., Selah. For more information, please visit www.skeweredapple.com.
Fall Festival at Bill’s Berry Farm, Saturday, September 21 and 28; Fridays & Saturdays in October
Bring the family out to the farm for free fall fun between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Berry Park and Fall Park. All ages will enjoy a hay ride to the orchard to pick crisp apples right off the tree or visit the pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin. Squeeze your own apple cider on our presses or purchase it already pressed. Relish the beautiful fall days with a family picnic and live music, and laugh with the children as they ride the Barnyard Train and get lost in the Barnyard Mystery Corn Maze. Apples, pumpkins, fall decor and fresh veggies available by the pound and the box. For information and a map to the farm, located at 3674 N. County Line Rd. in Grandview, visit www.billsberryfarm.com.
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29
More than 35 hot air balloons will brighten the Yakima Valley sky; some lucky spectators might even be asked to assist the pilots. The weekend-long event features Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Launches from the Prosser Washington Airport, a Harvest Festival, a Farmers market and a Street Painting Festival. Visitors can also enjoy Night Glow on Saturday at dusk at Fiker Stadium, gates open at 5:30 p.m. During Night Glow, hot air balloons will be anchored and illuminated from within against the beautiful starry sky creating a breathtaking scene. Balloon Rally memorabilia will also be on sale throughout the weekend including Rally Caps, T-shirts, Night Glow Sweatshirts, and more. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.prosserballoonrally.org or call (509) 786-3177.
Annual Apple Valley Kiwanis Wine Country Trek Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29
A scenic two-day, 120-mile bike ride, round-trip from Yakima to Prosser, through vineyards, hop fields and orchards. Start time from Yakima on Saturday is 8:00 a.m. returning Sunday at 6 p.m. Registration is $135 per cyclist with all proceeds going to Kiwanis community and youth service projects. This event coincides with the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Harvest Festival in Prosser. Registration includes our famous gourmet dinner, the balloon glow, overnight camping (indoor and outdoor) in Prosser, Sunday morning breakfast, baggage transportation and break stops. For information, visit www.kiwaniswinecountrytrek.com or call 509-786-8973.
Fresh Hop Ale Festival, Saturday, October 5
Celebrate the Yakima Valley hop crop – which contributes 77 percent of the total U.S. hop crop – with fans of fine craft beer in downtown Yakima for the Eleventh Annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival. Ale Festival goers can enjoy selections from numerous participating breweries in addition to brewing demonstrations, a cigar tent, food from local restaurants, live music and street dancing. The Festival begins at 5 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m. Ticket prices are $30 if purchased in advance and $35 at the gate. All proceeds benefit Allied Arts of Yakima Valley which coordinates art programs, classes and events for the community. Pre-sale ($30) tickets are on sale at local businesses around the Yakima Valley during regular business hours through noon on Friday October 4. Plenty of tickets will also be available for $35 at the gate. Ticket price includes a commemorative beer glass and $6 scrip (used instead of cash for beer and wine, but note that food is cash only and that the event is 21+ only. ID is required for entry. For more information, visitwww.freshhopalefestival.com or call (509) 966-0930.
Pirate Plunder Adventure Race, Saturday, October 5
The 2013 year marks the second installment of the Pirate Plunder Adventure Race which is a 4+ mile obstacle course race that combines ever-changing terrain with 16 obstacles to test your strength, stamina, and love of mud. You’ll climb over walls up to 14’ high, crawl through a 40’ long mud pit, slide down a 30’ water slide, battle through tires, and face many other challenges all while running through a combination of fields, mud, and sand pits! Once completed, participants are greeted with a cold beverage, live music, and great food! This race is a great way to get you, your friends, and family away from the TV, off the couch, and covered in mud, so come on out and see if you’re worthy of the name “Pirate” or are you just another “Scallywag” in line to “Walk the Plank”! www.pirateplunderrace.com.
Airfield Estates Vineyard Run and Grape Stomp, October 11-12
This Vineyard 5k run travels through Airfield’s estate vineyard in Sunnyside. Dogs and families are welcome and the run is followed by a celebration of harvest at Airfield Estates Winery in Prosser with a grape stomp event. To register online visit www.airfieldwines.com or call 509-786-7401 for more information.
Thanksgiving in Wine Country at Steppe Cellars, Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30
Give thanks for Washington wine country and the fruits of the Yakima Valley this Thanksgiving. Experience a variety of specialty food and wine parings, library tastings, and tours not available to the public. For more informationwww.wineyakimavalley.org or call (509) 965-5201.
Winter Celebration at Bill’s Berry Farm, Fridays and Saturdays, November 29 – December 14
Begin the family’s Christmas preparations with a trip to the farm for a fresh cut Christmas tree. Bill’s Berry Farm is decked in hundreds of fresh cut trees, handmade wreaths and garland, and twinkling Christmas lights. Place an order for a custom wreath or length of garland and have it made on-site. Enjoy a caroling hayride around the farm for a donation to a local charity, pet Gus and Gertie the goats, sip a cup of hot cocoa or hot cider by the bonfire, and try a delicious vanilla sugar donut. For more information call 509-882-3200 or visit www.billsberryfarm.com.
Lighted Farm Implement Parade, Saturday, December 7
Enjoy the Northwest’s 25 year-old lighted parade in beautiful Sunnyside. Named one of A&E Television Networks’ ‘Top 10’ lighted Christmas Parades in the America, the Lighted Farm Implement Parade features dazzling displays of more than 50 farm implements, vehicles, and floats covered with decorative lights. The Parade pays tribute to the agricultural heritage of the area with themed displays featuring scenes from the heartland of the Northwest. The parade starts at 6 p.m. in downtown Sunnyside. For more information, call (509) 837-5939 or visitwww.sunnysidechamber.com.
About Yakima Valley, Wash.
Located in south central Washington, the Yakima Valley is the oldest, largest and most diverse wine growing region in Washington State, producing nearly half of the state’s wine grapes. With more than 120 wineries, in addition to acres of rolling vineyards, orchards and hop fields the valley is considered to be the epicenter of Washington’s wine and agricultural regions. This regional abundance invites visitors to indulge in farm fresh meals paired with local wines, along with one-of-a-kind delicacies – like Chukar Cherries, locally grown dried cherries, or Blue Barn Farm’s handmade goat cheese – fresh from the source. Located two to three hours from Seattle, Spokane or Portland, the sun-soaked valley is also rich in cultural heritage and outdoor recreation including fly-fishing, river-rafting, hiking and biking. For more information, visit www.visityakimavalley.org.
Publisher’s Note: – we would love the Yakima Valley Visitor’s and GreenRubino PR to join the Eastside Business Directory. It’s only $100 a year and gives us even more reason to promote your organizations – on our websites and via social media.