Good morning, Yakima.

Hundreds attended the 26th annual Yakima Stand Down and Veteran Benefits Fair at the Yakima SunDome on Saturday, where local veterans received resources, haircuts, meals and access to new outdoor booths such as equine therapy and chair yoga for mental health.

Organizer Ray Hernandez and coordinator Amy Stoothoff stressed the event as a vital effort to connect veterans with benefits and expand community support + boost outreach.

The Yakima Downtown Farmers Market held its final event on October 19 after a season that began on Mother's Day and attracted about 1,400 people each Sunday at the Yakima Rotary.

Market director Heidi Washam said the market featured fresh produce and artisanal goods—along with live entertainment—and may expand next season to use parking lot space.

The 24th Annual Harvest Marching Band Festival welcomed bands from across the Pacific Northwest to perform in a competitive yet supportive environment — nine judges scored each school in multiple categories.

Cheney High School won first place while Mt. Spokane and Hanford High Schools finished second and third.

Gas prices dropped across the nation in the past week as the national average fell to $3.05 per gallon due to lower demand and falling crude oil prices—Washington prices remained much higher at $4.41 per gallon.

In local areas, Yakima reported $4.14, with Benton at $4.23 and Walla Walla at $4.38.

A new article features 11 fall brunch ideas designed to bring seasonal flavors and comfort to weekend mornings in Yakima — the recipes range from Pumpkin Pancakes to Chicken and Waffles and offer simple steps for sharing with neighbors.

The lineup is set to help residents enjoy relaxed, hearty meals as the weather begins to cool.

Nine fall casserole recipes are popular this season because they offer quick, comforting meals for families on cool evenings—favorites include Cheesy Crack Chicken, Walking Taco, and Chicken Enchiladas.

The Toronto Blue Jays homered twice and took advantage of three Mariners errors to win 6 to 2 on Sunday and force game seven in their MLB playoff series set to take place today at home; Addison Barger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in key runs while rookie Trey Yesavage allowed only one run in five and two thirds innings.

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.