It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Sure, Christmas comes but once a year, but that “once” begins earlier and earlier each year, it seems. That can be a good thing!   For our list of Christmas and holiday bazaars, click here.  Otherwise, check out these wonderful Christmas and holiday events and celebrations!

Tuesdays-Sundays
Chalet Place Ice Rink. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. New ice skating rink made from sheets of polyethylene, which isn’t cold and doesn’t require refrigeration or electricity, allowing for the possibility of a year-round outdoor skating rink. “Come July,” says Frank Hieber, co-owner of Incline LLC, which operates Chalet Place Ice Rink, “you might see people in shorts and tank tops skating next to the shaved ice area.” Cost: $5 per person including skate rental, $4 if visitors bring their own skates. There is an unlimited amount of time within the hours of operation. Chalet Place Ice Rink, in the Chalet Place shopping center at 56th Ave. and Summitview Ave., Yakima.

Friday, Nov. 23-Monday, Dec. 24
Santa Claus Visits & Photos. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, & 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve. Valley Mall, 2529 Main Street, Union Gap; 509-0979. shopatvalleymall.com

Fri., Nov. 30-Sat., Dec. 1
Bill’s Berry Farm’s “Christmas Trees on the Farm.” 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-8. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Look forward to getting a fresh-cut Christmas tree with the family. While you’re at it, you might get yourself and others handmade wreaths and garlands. Don’t forget to try the hot cocoa, cider and vanilla sugar doughnuts and experience the caroling hay ride. The farm is at 3674 N. County Line Road in Grandview. Call 509-882-3200 for more information.

Friday, Nov. 30-Sat., Dec. 1
“The Rented Christmas.” Nov. 30, 10 a.m. & Dec. 1, 2 p.m. Presented by the Yakima Valley Opera Company. Suggested for ages 3-12. Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors and students ages 12 and older, $7 children 5-11. The Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; 509-485-1888.
theseasonsyakima.com
Friday, Nov. 30-Monday, Dec. 3
Journey to Bethlehem. 5-8:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Take an interactive journey through the streets of a re-created ancient Bethlehem, complete with sets, actors and actresses and animals, Free. Yakima Seventh Day Adventist Church, 507 N. 36th Ave., Yakima; 509-452-2041. yakimasda.org/journey

Saturday, Dec. 1
Giant Gingerbread Man Decorating. Noon-1 p.m. Also offered Dec. 8 and 15. Cost: $15 per child (multiple event sign-ups can receive a discount; call for details). The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

Whispers of Christmas. All-day event starts at 8 a.m. with a breakfast with Santa. Other events include kids games from 10:30 a.m.-noon, a 5K fun run from 1-3 p.m. (fee attached), a movie from 3-5 p.m with concessions available to purchase, a lighted parade, and a reading from Santa of The Night Before Christmas. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah; 509-698-7302.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Yakima Valley Mueseum Open House. Noon-3 p.m. Free. Several performances are lined up in the Neon Garden: Yakima Youth Symphony at noon, Yakima Children’s Choir at 1 p.m. and the Melody Lane Singers at 2 p.m. The museum is at 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Call 509-248-0747 or visit yakimavalleymuseum.org.

Saturday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 2
Ninth annual Toy Train Christmas. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16. All aboard! Take the train to the North Pole (don’t worry, you won’t need a passport) to see Santa Claus, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. More than 40 running model trains. Cost: $6 adults, $4 children. Photos with Santa offered for extra fee. Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 South Asotin Ave., Toppenish. 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

Sunday, Dec. 2
Christmas Pops Spectacular. 4 p.m. Yakima Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas and holiday music for the whole family, in partnership with Yakima Symphony Chorus and Yakima Children’s Choir. Cost: $13.50-$50 per ticket. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-853-8000. capitoltheatre.org

Wednesday, Dec. 19
Christmas Potluck & Entertainment. 6-8 p.m. Featuring Gone Fiddling Again. Broadway Grange No. 647, 909 W. Washington Ave., Yakima. Contact: 509-949-2100.

Friday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 8
Bill’s Berry Farm’s “Christmas Trees on the Farm.” See above, Friday, Nov.30-Saturday, Dec. 1.

Saturday, Dec. 8
Breakfast with Santa at Harman Center. 10 a.m. Enjoy fireplace, holiday decorations and music, and time with Santa. Bring cameras. Cost: $4 per person. Harman Center, 101 N. 65th Ave., Yakima. Call to register by Nov. 30: 509-575-6166.

Giant Gingerbread Man Decorating. 12-1 p.m. See above, Dec. 1.

Saturday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 9
Ninth annual Toy Train Christmas. See above, Saturday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 2.

Sunday, Dec. 9
Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert. 3-4 p.m. Theme: “Destinations Ahead!” Cost: $5 at the door. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-853-8000. YYSO website: yyso.org

Friday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 15
Luminaria. The Yakima Area Arboretum will host its annual Luminaria from 6-9 p.m. both nights. Go see more than 1,000 candles lighting the pathway, along with holiday music and the tallest Christmas tree in Central Washington. Coffee, hot apple cider, and treats are also provided. Kids can enjoy making crafts. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima; 509-248-7337. ahtrees.org

Saturday, Dec. 15
Giant Gingerbread Man Decorating. Noon-1 p.m. See above, Dec. 1.
Yakima Valley Holiday Trolley. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ride the electric trolley with Santa and enjoy holiday treats. Cost: $4 per person. Electric Railway Museum, South Third Avenue and Pine Street, Yakima; 509-249-5962.

Saturday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 16
Ninth annual Toy Train Christmas. See above, Saturday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 2.

Tuesday, Dec. 18
Cookie Decorating Class. 10 a.m.-noon. Cost: $25 per person (discount for multiple day sign-ups). The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

Wednesday, Dec. 19
Cupcake Decorating Class. 10 a.m.-noon. Cost: $25 per person (discount for multiple day sign-ups). The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

Thursday, Dec. 20
Mini-Cakes Decorating Class. 10 a.m.-noon. Cost: $25 per person (discount for multiple day sign-ups). The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

Friday, Dec. 21
Gingerbread House Decorating. 10 a.m.-noon. Cost: $25 per person (discount for multiple day sign-ups). The Cake Decorator Shoppe, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

Saturday, Dec. 22
Giant Gingerbread Man Decorating. Noon-1 p.m. See above, Dec. 1.

Christmas & Holiday Bazaar 2012 Directory

There’s nothing bizarre about having so many great bazaars in November and December.  Our chronological list should help you plan to make it to all of them, if you so choose!

For a list of all other Christmas and holiday events, click here.

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8

 

Harvest Bazaar and Dinner. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Homemade crafts, baked goods. Tieton Presbyterian Church, 740 Franklin Rd., Tieton. Contact: Amanda at 509-952-1978.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

 

Ahtanum Pioneer Church Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Local crafters and home businesses, holiday gift items, homemade pies, caramel corn and candy. Coffee and pie for sale. Located in the Ark at 8500 Ahtanum Rd. in Yakima; 509-969-5217.

 

Annual Pink Ribbon Bazaar and Luncheon. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 40 vendors. Raffle items. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah. Contact: Sharon at 509-575-6600.

 

Christmas in the Nile Craft Faire Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday gifts, pine need baskets, hand-crafted stocking caps, hand-sewn items, hand-crafted jewelry, bake sale and lunch. Nile Community Club Building, 1891 Nile Rd., Goose Prairie, Wash.

 

Christmas of Hope Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 45 vendors, with special guests, plus music from Yakima Flute Troupe. Glenwood Square, 5110 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Contact Nora: 509-833-2739.

 

Holiday Treasures Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with lunch served 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Start with coffee and cinnamon rolls and then crafts, baked goods, and gourmet items. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 327 E. Edison, Sunnyside.

 

Holly Jolly Bazaar. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Hand-crafted items, children’s booth. Raffles and lunch served all day. Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1112 W. Fremont, Selah. Contact: Cathie at 509-697-3046.

 

Holy Redeemer Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Variety of vendors, homemade decorations, jewelry, linens, baked goods. Snacks and lunch available for purchase during the day. Holy Redeemer Church, 102 W. Pierce St., Yakima. Contact Tammy after 6 p.m. at 509-853-8937.

 

New Hope Chapel Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Local vendors and hand-crafted items, a Scentsy consultant and a church bake sale. New Hope Chapel, 2007 Cornell Ave., Union Gap.

 

Selah Nazarene Women’s Ministry Annual Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Many vendors and items. Selah Nazarene Church, 401 N. First St., Selah; 509-697-4342.

 

Selah United Methodist Church Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dishes, crafts, needlework, quilts, children’s toys, pet items, puzzles and books. Prizes and baked goods. Free coffee. Selah United Methodist Church, 1061 Selah Loop Rd., Selah.

 

Sunnyside Presbyterian Church County Blessings Bazaar. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Baked goods, creative items.  With raffle and lunch. Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 737 S. 16^th St., Sunnyside.

 

Union Gap Senior Center Thanksgiving/Christmas. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with stew feed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $5 adults, $2.50 kids 10 and under. Vendor items and handmade items to be raffled. Union Gap Senior Center, 1000 Ahtanum Rd., Union Gap; 509-248-2668.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17

 

BBDA Bazaar. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 40 vendors. John Campbell Elementary School Sunset Gym, 408 N. 1^st St., Selah. Contact: Anita at 509-594-2041.

 

Caring for Kids Bazaar and Luncheon. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with lunch served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gift items, chiildren’s activity table, baked goods, books and jewelry. Presented by Daughters of the Nile. Englewood Christian Church, 511 N. 44^th Ave., Yakima; 509-966-6550.

 

Holy Family Holiday Festival. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Come see more than 100 craft tables, along with lunch, espresso bar and raffles. Holy Family Queens Gym, on the corner of 56^th and W. Chestnute avenues in Yakima.

 

Kittitas County Farmers’ Market – Holiday Market Event. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, breads, baked goods, pickles and jams, tea, herbs and sauces, cupcakes, nuts and candy. Holiday decorations and a variety of art. Hal Holmes Center, 209 N. Ruby St., Ellensburg; 509-899-3870.

 

Tree Top Annual Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah. Contact: Jessica Barry at 509-698-1546.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24

 

Winter Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts and home-based businesses. Lunch will be served. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah. Contact Joelle at 509-833-3482.

 Yakima Evangelical Church Annual Bazaar. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Live DJ and vendors. Yakima Evangelical Church, 80^th and Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. Contact: 509-941-8645.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

 

Annual Merry Makings Crafts Fair. Nov. 30: 12-8 p.m.; Dec. 1: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 2: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come see the Lighted Implement Parade and homemade and hand-crafted items. Mid Valley Mall, 2010 Yakima Valley Highway, Sunnyside. Contact Nancy at 509-528-5107.

 

Mighty Tieton Holiday Craft Bazaar. The event features handmade crafts, antique items and food. Come see the chandeliers, the annual tree lighting and Santa. The bazaar runs 5-8:30 p.m. Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 1 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2. Mighty Tieton Warehouse is located at 608 Wisconsin Ave. in Tieton. Call 509-847-3034 for more details.

 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

 

American Legion Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., with soup and salad bar from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. American Legion Auxilary #36, 1120 N. 34th Ave., Yakima. Call Linda at 509-248-3194 or Betty at 509-248-5642.

 

Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hand-crafted gift items. Pictures with Santa for $4. Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 410 N. 37th St. in Terrace Heights.

 

Christmas of Hope Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 45 vendors, with special guests, plus Toys for Tots. Glenwood Square, 5110 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Contact Nora: 509-833-2739.

 

VFW & Eagles FOE Joint Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with lunch served at 11 a.m. Yakima Eagles, 307 W. Chestnut, Yakima. Contact Kellie (VFW) at 509-697-4338 or Sharon (FOE) at 509-248-3564.

 

Wesley United Methodist Church Bazaar. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., with homemade pie, soup, and sandwiches. Homemade items, baked goods, candy, Redware (embroidery), and fresh Christmas swags. Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima; 509-966-2370.

 

Zillah Annual Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Zillah Civic Center, 119 First Ave., Zillah.

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

 

Woman’s Century Club Open House. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Soup and bread luncheon and bazaar. Cost: $10. Woman’s Century Club, 304 N. Second St., Yakima; 509-453-3921.

 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

 

Catholic Daughters of America Bazaar. 8:30-11 a.m. Breakfast with Santa. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. Cost: $4 children 3-11, $7 ages 12 and up. Holy Family Church, 5315 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Contact: 509-910-1691 or 509-453-4262.

 

Winter Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts and home-based businesses. Lunch will be served. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah. Contact Joelle at 509-833-3482.

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

 

Christmas Bazaar at Winter Lodge at Cultural Heritage Center. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hand-crafted native jewelry, art, holiday decorations, baked goods. Yakama Nation Cultural Center, Spiel-yi Loop and Buster Road, Toppenish. Contact Kiona at 509-930-3752 or 509-930-8510.

Halloween, Harvest & Fall Fun

Whether it’s Halloween or other harvest fun, here’s the lowdown on what’s in store for you this fall:

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS

APPLE AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Saturdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. U-pick/we pick pumpkins and apples, make your own cider, warm apple cider donuts, pony rides, hay rides, barnyard hay rides, fire pit and marshmallows, live music, all-American food, demonstrations and classes. Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Road, Grandview; 509-882-3200. billsberryfarm.com

BARNYARD MYSTERY CORN MAZE AT BILL’S BERRY FARM. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, & Saturdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. Farmer Bill has gone missing … what a mystery! Help figure out which barnyard animal kidnapped him by navigating a 7 1/2-acre corn maze, plus nearly four miles of trails. Bill’s Berry Farm, 3674 N. County Line Rd., Grandview; 509-882-3200. Billsberryfarm.com

BLACKBERRIES JUBILEE. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, through Oct. 13 (Friday-Sunday by appt.). U-pick blackberries. Take your pick of blackberries on the half-acre vineyard. At 600 Arrowsmith Road, Sunnyside.

GRANDVIEW’S ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE. Oct. 26-27, 5:30-10 p.m. Haunted house, games, food and more. Cost: $4 age 13 and older, $3 ages 12 and younger and seniors. Sponsored by Miss Grandview Program and Grandview Music Boosters. 135 Division St., Grandview; 509-882-3198. visitgrandview.org

FIFTH ANNUAL HAUNTED TRAIN AND DEPOT. Oct. 27-28 & Oct. 30-31. Schedule: 7-11 p.m. Oct. 27; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 28, 30, & 31. Come see ghosts, goblins and other scary surprises at two haunted trains. Cost: $5 per person (recommended age is 13 and older). Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Rd., Toppenish; 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

JONES FARMS STRAW MAZE AND STRAW MOUNTAIN SLIDE. Sept. 15-Oct. 31. Straw maze and straw mountain slide. Free. Jones Farms, 2020 Thacker Road, Zillah; 509-829-6024.

OCTOBER HARVEST DAYS. Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, & 27-28. Old-fashioned cider squeeze, hay rides, hay maze and pumpkin patch. Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Rd., Yakima; 509-966-1275.

SCHELL’S MASSIVE CORN MAZE & FALL HARVEST FUNLAND. Open in October: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. Ten-acre corn maze, and a 2-acre maze with no dead-ends for kids, straw pyramid with slides, hay rides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, pumpkin chucker, haunted house, bonfire pits and barbeques. Admission includes carving pumpkin: $9.50 adults/$6.50 children ages 3-10 and seniors 65+/children ages 2 and younger free with paid adult. Schell’s Produce. Two locations: 3213 Tacoma St. in Union Gap, 509-453-3200; and three miles east of Toppenish on Highway 22 at Harris Road, 509-865-4511.

DAILY EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

HARVEST MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL. 4:30 p.m. Finals at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 adults for all-day pass, $10 for finals only; $10 for students and seniors. Zaepfel Stadium, 40th Avenue and Tieton Drive. harvestbands.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

YAKIMA ADVENTIST FALL FESTIVAL. 12-3 p.m. Hay ride, bounce houses, dunk tank, toddler pumpkin patch and games. Hosted by Yakima Adventist Christian School and Washington Fruit Place & Gift Shop. Yakima Adventist Christian School, 1200 City Resevoir Rd., Yakima; 509-966-1933. yacsschool.org

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

ANNUAL PUMPKIN RUN. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 27. Family-friendly event includes caboose and pump car rides and museum tours. Each child gets a free pumpkin. Cost: $5 adults, $3 for children 12 and under. Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Road, Toppenish; 509-865-1911. nprymuseum.org

MINI PUMPKINS COME TO LIFE. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 27. Master Gardeners host this class to teach children how to decorate pumpkins. Free. Ahtanum Youth Park Barn, 1000 Ahtanum Rd., Union Gap.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS. 12-5 p.m. Sugar skulls, sand painting and crafts for the entire family. Festival also features food and music. Cost: $3 suggested donation. Mighty Tieton Warehouse, 608 Wisconsin Ave., Tieton; 509-847-3034. mightytieton.com

HARVEST FESTIVAL. 3-5 p.m., Oct. 28. Fun child-centered event, particularly for kids ages 2-8. Photo booth, games, arts and crafts, bake sale, prizes and more. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes. The festival also serves as a school fundraiser, and open to the community. Cost: $5 per person. The Montessori School of Yakima, 511 N. 44th Ave., Yakima (on the corner of Englewood and 44th avenues). For more info, call 509-901-2031.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENTS

Selah Civic Center. 6-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Harvest Community Church (and local area merchants) is hosting the Selah Community Halloween Party. Kids birth-10 years. Kid-friendly costumes welcome.

New Hope Community Church. 5:30-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Located at 29 Channel Drive, Yakima.

Wesley United Methodist Church: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 31. Food, costumes, games. Free, open to the public. Located in church parking lot, at 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima.

Westminster Presbyterian Church: 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 31. Halloween-themed carnival games and more. Free, open to the public. Located in the church parking lot, at 6015 Summitview Ave. Yakima.

Go “Fourth” and celebrate!

The good ol’ U.S.A. is a whopping 236 years old—and here’s how we’re celebrating the red, white and blue.

Yakima’s 4^th of July Celebration begins at noon and ends at midnight at State Fair Park, located at 1301 S. Fair Ave. in Yakima. The park will be packed with food vendors, activities, games, rides, stage shows  and other attractions. A fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.

Independence Day fun begin at State Fair Park on June 29, however. The 2012 Carnival runs from June 29-July 8 (closed July 5). For more details, hours, prices and updates, head to yakima4thofjuly.org.

 

You don’t have to stay within the Yakima city limits to celebrate!

The Naches Valley Independence Day Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. in downtown Naches. Family fun activities are scheduled throughout the day, culminating in a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. If you’d like to learn more, contact Randy at RJ Tires in Naches at 509-653-2165.

There are also a couple of lower valley options available to you. Zillah’s 4^th of July celebration begins at 8 p.m. and features professional and local fireworks at Stewart Park, located at 107 First Ave.

Traveling farther down I-82, you’ll find Prosser’s Old-Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration. Early festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a car show, concession stands, sack races, obstacle courses and bingo. Stick around or come back for a fireworks show at 10 p.m. The fun takes place at Prosser City Park, located at Seventh and Sommers streets.

Make Easter an “egg-cellent” adventure with these egg hunts!

EASTER EGG HUNTS – 2012
Photos with Easter Bunny at the Valley Mall. The Easter Bunny is back and more photogenic than ever. Or maybe the kids are more photogenic than ever! Kids can meet the Easter Bunny and have their pictures taken with him at the Valley Mall. Hours and dates are not yet available. For more info, contact the Valley Mall at 509-469-9308.­

 

Sunday, April 1

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT. 1 p.m. arrival; all hunts begin at 1:30 p.m. Easter egg hunt, Easter bag decorating, and pictures with the Easter Bunny and Sparky the dog. For children 12 and under, with three ages groups. Hosted by West Valley Fire Department. Location: West Valley Training Center, 10000 Zier Road; 509-966-3111.

 

Saturday, April 7

 

COMMUNITY EGG HUNT AT LOWER NACHES COMMUNITY PARK. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Community Egg Hunt at Lower Naches Community Park, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, inflatable bouncy house, hot dogs and popcorn. Various egg hunts for kids up to 10 years old, with more than 5,000 eggs! Presented by Memorial Bible Church. Located at Lower Naches Community Park, 111 E. Gleed Road, Gleed. Call Chris at 509-966-6500.

 

CHALET PLACE 4^TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT. Begins at 10 a.m. Free Easter egg hunt. Bring your own baskets, and stick around to see the Easter Bunny. Chalet Place, 56^th Ave. and Summitview Ave., Yakima.

 

DARIGOLD’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT. 10 a.m. Arrive early so kids can get their eggs! This year, the egg hunt will not held on the Darigold site, but at South Hill Park behind Bi-Mart in Sunnyside. Contact Tami at 509-837-4321, or call 509-837-8000.

 

EASTER EGG HUNT. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Multiple Easter egg hunts for various ages. Games, hot dogs, on-site DJ and music, prizes, face painting, family portraits, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. Yakima Evangelical Church, 7901 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-965-5216. yakimaec.com

 

DAVIS COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT. Starts at 10 a.m. The hunt takes place at Davis High School Soccer Field, at 7^th Ave. & Tieton Drive, Yakima. Bring your own basket. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. Contact: Shan, 509-248-7940, ext. 142 or shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

 

PROSSER’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT. Starts at 10 a.m. Kids up to age 9 can bring their Easter egg baskets to go on an Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny will read stories and be available for pictures. Each egg hunter will get a storybook to take home. New location this year: Prosser City Park, 7^th St., Prosser (across from Prosser High School). Contact Prosser Chamber of Commerce: 509-786-3177.

 

Sunday, April 8

WHITE PASS. 1 p.m. Egg hunt at High Camp Lodge. Ski up to the lodge to get to start hunting. Located 50 miles west of Yakima on U.S. Highway 12. Call 509-672-3101 for more details. skiwhitepass.com

 

EASTER AT THE SUNDOME. Starts at 11:30 a.m. Easter service in the Yakima Valley SunDome, followed by an Easter egg hunt with 30,000 eggs. Light shows, live Mixed Martial Arts demo, and bands. VIP section offers more prizes. Free. Concessions stand available. Hosted by Changing Pointe Church. Call Frank Ramirez at 509-949-9762 for more information.

Holiday Sweets!

HOLIDAY RECIPES

CANDY CANE COOKIES

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

½ cup shortening

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 egg

1 ½ teaspoons almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon red food color

½ cup crushed peppermint candy

½ cup granulated sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Thoroughly mix butter, shortening, confectioners’ sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt.

Divide dough in half; blend red food coloring into one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope. For smooth, even ropes, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board. Place ropes side by side; press together lightly and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place them on an un-greased baking sheet. Curve top down to form handle of cane.

Bake about nine minutes or until set and very light brown. Mix candy and granulated sugar. Immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture; remove from baking sheet. Makes about four dozen cookies.

GOOF BALLS

1 cup white sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 cup white Karo syrup

(Bring the above three ingredients to a boil.)

Add:

2 teaspoons vanilla or almond flavor

10 oz. (1 big cup) peanut butter

Pour over 6 cups Special K cereal

Drop on wax paper

This one’s not for the birds

The kids and I made some cute and tasty Easter treats yesterday. These no-bake Easter Nest Cookies are super easy!

You just need three ingredients: Chocolate chips, crunchy chow mein noodles and some sort of candy that looks like little eggs. We used speckled Easter M&Ms, but jellybeans or even peanuts could work.  I used a little more than one bag of milk chocolate chips for each 12 ounce bag of chow mein.

Line a couple cookie sheets with parchment or wax paper. This will keep the nests from sticking.

In a medium sized pan, melt the chocolate chips on the stove (medium heat), stirring so the chocolate doesn’t burn. This will only take a couple minutes. Remove from heat and add the noodles, stirring until they’re well coated. Then use a large spoon to drop a good-sized dollop of the chocolate chow mein mixture on your lined cookie sheets. Our nests are about 4 inches across.

Carefully check to make sure the mixture’s not too hot to touch, then use your fingers to shape each drop into the shape of a nest: circular with a little indent in the center. Move on to the next nest.

After you’re through forming the nests, the chocolate should still be sticky but not real warm (don’t want to melt your eggs!). Add a couple egg candies to the center of each nest. The chocolate will work like glue to hold them in.  Chill them in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (we left ours overnight).  To make them into little gifts, I placed each nest in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.

My kids are 5 and 3, so they were able to help stir the melting chocolate, help form the nests and add the egg candies (their favorite part). We thought the nests looked great using three eggs that were the same color (shades of blue, for example) or mixing it up. Either way, you can’t go wrong!

An Easy Christmas Brunch

By Adrienne Humfeld

When we wake up Christmas morning, making breakfast is usually one of the last things that comes to mind. With all the hubbub, shrieks of delight and the usual testing out of new toys, moms need to make life easier on themselves!

The following recipes require very little prep time, and deliver with good taste. To make things even easier, some preparation can be done in advance.

These recipes are sure to please even the pickiest little eaters, and provide warm memories for years to come. Serve with a mug of cocoa, tea, or your favorite juice.

Adrienne Humfeld lives in Yakima with her husband and daughter, Macrina. She is an avid gourmet cook, artist and writer.

Glenna’s Brunch Eggs

Onion Roasted Potatoes

Chocolate Filled Croissants