Five Things Not To Miss in Yakima this Summer

The Gap2Gap relay is a multi-sport relay race comprised of five legs: The Elite course includes a fjeld run, a 20 mile mountain bike, 8K kayak/canoe, 30 mile road bike, and 10K run. The Sport Course features an in-line skate leg in place of the kayak/canoe, an 8 mile mountain bike leg, both courses have the same 30 mile road bike course and a 5K run. The race takes place on and around the Yakima Greenway, along the scenic Yakima River. The Junior Gap2Gap is a version of the race for kids 6-14. Kids run, bike, rollerblade, paddle in Reflection Pond, and navigate an obstacle course in Sarg Hubbard Park. All proceeds from the Gap2Gap Relay benefit the Yakima Greenway Foundation.

Even though the future of the Bears in Yakima is up in the air, they will host their 2012 home opener on Wednesday, June 20th at Yakima County Stadium. It can be cold sometimes for the opener, but it ushers in a summer of relaxing summer fun and great minor league baseball. In addition to the on the field action, the Bears offer great promotions and fan-tastic food.

This 4th of July in 2012, the fun will once again be found at State Fair Park in Yakima, Washington. You won’t want to miss a fabulous family-oriented Fourth of July, complete with old-fashioned sack races, pie and hot dog eating contests, live entertainment and a carnival with exciting rides for the young--and young at heart. The day of fun culminates in a fantastic, 20-minute long fireworks display. Bring your own picnic to share with family and friends or purchase food from one of the many vendors you’ll find throughout the fairgrounds. Stake out a spot on the lawns for the day ... and stay to watch the fireworks display at 10:00 pm! Admission and parking are free all day.

A Case of the Blues and All That Jazz is a blues and jazz festival benefiting the community through the Yakima Greenway Foundation and Junior League of Yakima. Held each August since 1993 in Sarg Hubbard Park, the festival features blues and jazz music, award-winning local wines and microbrews, delicious food from local establishments, and a silent auction.

Every Sunday from now until the end of October, the Yakima Farmer's Market takes over South Third Street for two to three blocks in downtown Yakima. It has become one of the premier fresh produce and crafts markets in Central and Eastern Washington. Offerings and vendors change as the season progresses. In addtion to artisans and world class Yakima Valley produce, the market is also home to a wide variety of ethnic food offerings. It is also very dog friendly!