Zillah, WA - 100 Years in the Yakima Valley

The Yakima Valley consists of a number of towns, from the larger cities of Yakima and Prosser to the smaller towns of Union Gap, Toppenish, Zillah, Selah, Wapato, Sunnyside, Granger, Grandview and Benton City. Each of these cities and country towns is unique.

Zillah, WA would still be arid desert land and not the thriving agricultural community it is today without the Sunnyside Irrigation Project. This project, started by Walter Granger in the 1890's, allowed water to be taken from the Yakima River and distributed to the land using canals, which are still in use today. Walter Granger and Thomas Oakes of the Northern Pacific Railroad chose the town site, which was named after Oakes daughter, Zillah. The town site was selected in 1892 and the town was incorporated in 1911. Historical information will be on display in the Zillah Civic Center during Community Days. A site of historical interest to visit is the Zillah Teapot Gas Station built in 1922.

Today the city of Zillah is in the heart of Washington Wine Country the the Yakima Valley. Growing vast acres in vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.The wineries are surrounded by vineyards and orchards and range from small boutique to larger estate wineries, each with owners tending the tasting bars. The views of Mt. Adams across the valley floor are spectacular. This is the place where one can relax with a true wine country experience.

Zillah Events: 

Traditional country, small town celebrations, reminiscent of a simpler era

Zillah, celebrates its Community Days during mid-May.  In an area known for its orchards, vineyards and the Rattlesnake Hills AVA wineries, you can expect a parade, talent show, fireworks display, sack races, face painting, egg toss, horseshoe toss, and more.

Zillah's Harvest Celebration,  Not Just a Farmers Market, occurs annually the Saturday after Labor Day in downtown Zillah. Forty to sixty vendors sell local produce, wood furniture, arts and crafts, food, and many unique items.   There is live entertainment all day long which varies from bands to dance groups.

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Harvest Fun-Hay Maze

You know it is harvest time when Jones Farms in Zillah opens the Hay maze and pyramid slide. Children from all over the valley come to enjoy the hay maze while parents shop for fresh produce at the Jones Fruit Stand nearby. You can picnic, feed the ducks at the duck pond take pictures in the antique wagons.

The farm started in 1946 by family patriarch Harvey Jones. The original 320 acre farm has grown consistently and is now run by Harvey’s sons, Dennis and Will and their families.

The Fruit Stand in Zillah was built in 1991 to answer the growing demand for tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, nectarines and now ½ of the farms total produce is sold

through the stand. Located in the Zillah Rattlesnake Hills wine country, visitors take advantage of both tasting wine in the region and picking up their fresh fruit and produce, by the bag or by the box.

The Jones Family recently expanded their business, opening a Fruit Stand in the city of Yakima at Russell’s Nursery. Now you can purchase fresh farm picked fruits and produce as well as pick up your Halloween carving pumpkin in Yakima.

The Zillah Jones Farms Fruit Stand is open 8a.m.-5p.m. daily.

The Jones Fruit Stand at Russells Nursery, 6710 Tieton Drive, Yakima WA 98908 is open Monday through Friday from 9a.m-6p.m. and Sunday 10a.m.-5p.m.