Jackson's Stanley from King Williams, Virginia, came to the Yakima Valley to visit his cousin, Heather. His first stop was the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop, Exit 33A off I-82East. The visitor center staff helped him with a Yakima Valley Visitor Guide, Map and information on the attractions and activities in the Yakima Valley. He learned that the Yakima Valley in Central Washington State is one of the world’s top agricultural growing regions. Abundant fresh fruit such as cherries, many kinds of apples, peaches, pears, grapes which are made into wine, and a great variety of fresh produce can be found in the Yakima Valley. Jackson's Stanley chose some fun places to visit and exciting activities in Yakima.
Jackson's Stanley wanted to go to a Yakima Bear's Game but baseball season hadn’t started yet. He did go to see the Yakima County Stadium, and would like to come back and watch a ball game there, when they start in June. He especially wants to go to a Friday night game where there will be live music from 6-7.
The Yakima SunDome is next to the Yakima County stadium. “Walking with the Dinosaurs,” will be playing April 23-26. He is looking forward to seeing life sized dinosaurs!
Jackson's Stanley learned to roller skate with Heather at Skateland Fun Center Roller/Inline Skating Rink in Union Gap. This is a large indoor rink, open year round. After roller skating he ate a famously huge Miner burger at Miners Drive Inn. Miner’s has been in the Valley since 1948.Jackson's Stanley was told at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center that Toppenish was the capital of the Yakama Nation, and is known for over 70 large Western-themed murals on the sides of the buildings. A new mural is painted every year – all in one day! June 5- 6, 2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of Mural-in-a-Day, creating Toppenish's 71st mural. Friday June 5 will include the preparation of the wall, mixing paint and cartooning. The artist, whose mural design is chosen, will have the help of other artists to paint the mural on Saturday. A dozen professional artists will begin painting at 9 am and finish the entire mural by nightfall. During these two days there will be a pancake breakfast, horsedrawn mural tours, crafts vendors and other special events.
This is Jackson's favorite mural!
Jackson's likes trains! In Toppenish at the Northern Pacific Rail and Steam Museum, he saw the 1902 steam engine that is being restored as well as the Train Depot built in 1930 and train related artifacts.
Jackson's (Flat) Stanley had fun in the Yakima Valley visiting with Heather! He hopes to come back again soon!
*For Jackson and Heather
