Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima Valley is competing for the Best Wine Region award in USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice with voting open until Monday, July 20.

John Cooper, CEO of Yakima Valley Tourism, says community support will boost local wineries and attract visitors (vote daily).

A $10K donation from the Never Say Never Half Marathon is funding Nathan’s Place, a new youth center that will open in the fall in Cowiche.

The check was presented on May 18 at Highland High School (with plans to offer after-school clubs and tutoring).

Jennifer Harrison from Santa Maria Valley was named the new chief executive officer at Yakima Valley Tourism and will begin on July 13.

She succeeds John Cooper, who retired after 19 years.

Starting today and running through August, The Majestic movie theater in Union Gap offers free summer movies for families with two film choices every Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. The series, presented with Pepsi, features 16 family-friendly films — a local chance to enjoy cinema.

Grand Cinemas in Sunnyside is showing family-friendly movies for $1 on Buck Movie Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer, running for nine weeks with groups limited to 5 people (flyer required).

Jim Christensen will lead a free two-hour Mammal Behaviors presentation at the Yakima Area Arboretum at 1401 Arboretum Dr starting at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 + he will share photos, drawings and stories from his travels and sell his art prints, with donations welcomed to support the arboretum.

Many hospitals in the Mountain West are not posting required pricing details, leaving patients without clear cost information, and nine in Washington face potential enforcement action as new state laws push for transparency (which could lower healthcare costs).

Yakima pet owners can check out a list of summer dog toy ideas to keep pets cool during hot weather.

The guide suggests water-friendly gadgets and classic options, with input from local groups (like the Yakima Humane Society) to help owners enjoy safe outdoor play.

Princess Unicorn and Daddy Daughter Night

6:35-10:30 p.m. — Yakima Valley Pippins Baseball Club — Enjoy quality time with mini-unicorn rides and baseball excitement.

19th Annual Lavender Harvest Days

Varied hours — Selah Ridge Lavender Farm LLC — Free admission, $5 parking — Explore unique vendors, enjoy a scavenger hunt for kids, and experience the beauty of lavender in a charming farm setting.

Scout Hub 002 Grand Opening

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Adventurer Manufacturing, Inc — Free admission — Experience camper tours, local gear, and community connections at this grand opening event.

Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

Central Washington's Biggest 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney — July 24-25 — Sozo Sports Complex — Early registration fee applies — Test your skills in great summer weather against top players from the region.