Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Good morning, Yakima.
🏘️ Community
Yakima Health District hosted the 'A Journey to Success' event on Thursday evening—designed to support the developmentally disabled community.
Toppenish educators and police are leading the Blue Santa Committee to collect 1600 toy donations by November 21 for children in Toppenish and Harrah.
The group, which gave every student a gift last Christmas, will expand the drive next year—calling on local support to spread cheer.
The City of Zillah opened a new playground today at Loges Park — where Mayor Dr. Scott Carmack and local children cut the ribbon — and added six new pickleball courts, a dog park, and a sidewalk linking the park to First Ave. The tractor-themed playset honors the valley’s agricultural heritage and fulfills a plan that had been years in the making.
Golden Globe winning actor Kyle MacLachlan returned to Yakima today as the first speaker for Town Hall's 2025-2026 season at Capital Theater—he recalled his Eisenhower High School days and shared news of his new podcast, What Are We Even Doing.
He thanked longtime mentors and celebrated the city's growth with a warm hometown welcome.
A celebration of Catholic education and the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph-Marquette Catholic School will be held on Oct.
11 at its gym in downtown Yakima. The Central Washington Catholic Foundation will honor seven educators and host guests from the Sisters of Providence and tickets cost $25 — covering dinner, beer, wine and a program that begins at 5 p.m. after doors open at 4:30 p.m.
🎭 Culture
Broadway's longest running musical CHICAGO is coming to Yakima for a two-night run at the Capitol Theatre on October 17th and 18th - tickets are on sale and a contest to win a pair of passes ends on October 12th at 11:59 a.m.
A list of Halloween events will offer family-friendly fun in the Yakima Valley from October 24 through November 1 — including trunk-or-treat parties, corn maze adventures, and costume gatherings in Yakima and Union Gap.
Some events will charge admission to benefit local projects while many opportunities will be free and scheduled with clear times for families.
📰 Economy
At harvest time, teams at Yakima Valley vineyards hand pick grapes and operate machines while growers share crews to stay busy.
Winemaker Samantha Mallery at Hyatt Vineyards said the mild season helped produce high-quality Merlot—making this vintage a standout for local winemakers.
🌲 Environment
State agriculture officials announced today that a Yakima homeowner discovered the first North American occurrence of sunflower broomrape—a parasitic weed that can harm sunflower crops by producing thousands of long-lasting seeds.
Officials are now working with federal and local agencies to inspect the infestation and urge residents to report any suspected sightings.
The Washington Department of Ecology announced that all surface water use in the Yakima River Basin will be halted from Oct.
6 through the end of October due to record-low reservoir storage and a third year of drought, affecting more than 1,500 water rights holders. The City of Yakima will switch to groundwater wells for drinking and irrigation — a temporary fix — and is urging residents to reduce non-essential water use to help protect water for fish and senior rights.
🎉 Yakima Events
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Warrior Run 2025
8 a.m. — Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences — Suggested donation of $15 — Conquer a 5k obstacle course and let the kids join the fun with a modified Little Warriors run.
LEGACY 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sarg Hubbard Park — Free entry — Celebrate fitness and community at this exciting local event for all ages.
Art in the House: Artist and Vendor Event
6:00 p.m. — Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood Association — Donations welcome — Support homeless teens by providing meal donations for Rod's House.
Yakima Halloween Trolley
3-6 p.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Yakima Valley Trolleys — $5/person — Enjoy a spooky ride with games, treats, and free pumpkins for the first kids aboard.
Dreams and Fairy Dust Painting Event
2-4 p.m. — 5th Line Brewing — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session while enjoying the brewery's offerings.
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