A Yakima Valley Christmas - Yakima Valley, Washington

Sunset, Dec, 1994 by Jena MacPherson

Small towns in Washington's farmland celebrate with parades and gifts from the land

THEIR VOICES MUFFLED BY THE chugging motor of the tractor pulling the wagon, hayriders chatter about the weather and their holiday plans. Sun-splashed stretches of bare Yakima Valley fields come and go as the hay wagon lurches toward a small U-cut Christmas tree field in Granger. Oreo, a black-and-white Border collie, chases behind the wagon for a good 50 yards before finally leaping in and settling into his regular spot on a hay bale, where, tongue lolling, he surveys the dry tangle of raspberry and blackberry fields of the Granger Berry Patch. Beyond lie the dusky fields that for much of the year produce wine grapes, apples, mint, winter pears, and hops.

Though winter is a time of well-deserved rest for most farmers in the 50-mile stretch of valley along Interstate 82 between the Horse Heaven and Rattlesnake hills, this month many of them get into the holiday spirit by inviting visitors to sample their wine or food products--and occasionally to take a hayride to a tree farm. About 75 farmers also light up their tractors, combines, and grape harvesters for the Sunnyside Country Christmas Lighted Farm Implement Parade on Edison Avenue, a celebration that has drawn national media attention. This year's event is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 P.M. on December 2. This year also, the town of Toppenish will have a lighted Western parade, with two dozen horse- and mule-drawn wagons, Conestogas, buggies, and stagecoaches, on December 4, starting at 6 P.M. on W. First Avenue.

Christmas shopping is a good way to meet the friendly people of the valley as you explore. In addition to food and wine, you can find unusual gifts at specialty shops. The area code for all numbers is 509.

CHRISTMAS IN THE VALLEY BEGINS WITH WINE

Holiday festivities begin the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 25, 26, and 27, when the valley's 23 wine producers open their doors, offering samples of varietal wines along with complementary foods. Two wineries also sell special food products under their own labels. At Hogue Cellars (786-4557) in Prosser, you'll find jars of pickled asparagus, snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, and spicy beans. (From I-82, take exit 82 and drive east on Wine Country Road to Lee Road.) Tucker Cellars (837-8701), between Sunnyside and Grandview, offers free tastes of its fresh popcorn daily, and sells popped and unpopped corn, honey, pickled asparagus, and other food products. (From I-82, take exit 69 to Yakima Valley Highway and go east to 70 Ray Road.)

For a map to all the wineries, call the Yakima Valley Wine Growers Association at 837-8701 or pick up The Grape Vine, a free seasonal guide to valley activities, available in many restaurants, stores, and area lodgings.

You also can taste "Port and Other Decadent Delights," such as Angelica and late-harvest wines, at Hinzerling Winery (786-2163) in Prosser from 11 to 5 on December 10. (From I-82, take exit 80; drive on Wine Country Road to 1520 Sheridan Avenue.)

SPECIALTY GIFTS, FROM CACTUS TO DREAM CATCHERS

The valley's character--influenced as much by Mexican and Native American cultures as by agriculture--makes gift shopping a rich and varied experience. Along with food products, you can find unusual plants, decorations, clothing, and pottery.

Yakima. Outside town, near Staton Hills Winery, you'll find thousands of cactus, succulents, bonsai, and carnivorous plants in 2 acres of greenhouses at Ouch Cactus Greenhouse (from I-82, take exit 40, turn south, and drive to 375 Parker Bridge Road; 877-4740). You can get cactus in pots for $1 to $200, and rock garden cactus planted in pumice stones for $12 to $30. The greenhouse also sells rare and unusual collector's plants such as Madagascar palms and Totem Pole cactus. Hours are 9 to 6 daily.

Zillah. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (from I-82, take exit 52 to 907A Vintage Valley Road; 829-3330) carries chocolate-raspberry fudge along with a dozen other delicious varieties for about $8 per pound. It also sells frozen red and golden raspberries, boysenberries, loganberries, and huckleberries. Hours are 10 to 7 Sundays through Thursdays, 10 to 8 Fridays and Saturdays.

At the east end of Zillah, you'll find El Ranchito Tortilla Factory, Restaurant, and Bakery (1319 E. First Avenue, 829-5880), where a large assortment of authentic Mexican wares includes everything from metal camales (tortilla grills) for $7.49 to polka-dot pottery piggy banks (starting at $8). You'll also find all kinds of terra-cotta, including small Mexican pottery masks ($8 to $13), a large variety of big pinatas, and serapes ($15 small, $30 large). El Ranchito is open from 8 to 6 daily.

Toppenish. At the Yakama Indian Nation Cultural Heritage Center (865-2800), just west of Toppenish on U.S. Highway 97, you can find small dream catchers for girls or ornaments, from $10 to $26.50. Moccasins cost $17.50 for infants and $79 to $200 for adults. Baskets sell for $35 to $800. Many items are made locally by members of the Yakama nation. December hours are 9 to 5 Mondays through Saturdays, 10 to 5 Sundays.