Day 210: Realtor Nationwide Open House Event

Realtors® Open Doors to Buyers Across the Nation

As the spring home buying season kicks off, Realtors® will host thousands of open houses in neighborhoods across the country this weekend during Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend. On June 4 and 5, the Walla Walla Association of Realtors invite buyers to visit some of the many open homes throughout the area where they can learn more about home ownership.

This nationwide event not only brings buyers and sellers together, but also provides an opportunity for Realtors® to connect with consumers in their community about the housing issues that matter most to them. Realtors® will be on hand to answer any questions consumers have about the buying process and local market conditions. All open houses can be seen at the Walla Walla Association of Realtors open house web site at http://www.wwopenhouses.com/.

Day 209: Super Summer in the Park

Looking for something for the kids to do this summer? Super Summer in the Park is a full day fun  recreational day camp program in Wildwood Park in Walla Walla. This day camp operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parents may drop off and pick up their child at anytime during the operating hours. This program is designed for kids in first through sixth grade.
The registration fee is $25 per child, or $35 per family and the cost for the camp is $120 per child, per week.

 For more information see the Walla Walla Camp Fire USA web site at http://www.wwcampfire.org/

Day 208: Memorial Day Events In Walla Walla

In memory of veterans on Memorial Day, the following events will be taking place on Monday, May 30th in Walla Walla.


6 a.m. -- Flags posted downtown then lowered to half staff at Land title Plaza on First and Main Street. At noon a flag raising ceremony will take place. At 6pm the flags will be retired.

9 a.m. -- Ceremony, Jonathan Wainwright VA Chapel, 77 Wainright Drive.

10 a.m. -- Ceremony at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, 300 S.E. Myra Road, College Place.

10:20 a.m. -- Ceremony at Fort Walla Walla Cemetery at Vietnam Memorial, 755 Myra Road.

11 a.m. -- Flag ceremony with all military service organizations at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. Second Ave.

11 a.m. -- Ceremony at Mountain Hope Cemetery, Southeast Sixth Street, College Place. Presented by VFW Post 466.

Day 207: Walla Walla Drag Strip Races

Looking for something to do over the weekend? Walla Walla Drag Strip is having races May 27^th- through 29^th. Saturday the time trails start at 1pm and the races begin as early as 4:30pm. On Sunday the races will start around 12:30pm. The drag strip racers come from a variety of Cities in the Northwest. The race track is located off of

Lower Middle Waitsburg Road

. For a schedule of races, see their web site at http://www.wallawalladragstrip.com/.

Day 206: Wine Valley Golf Club

Wine Valley Golf Club is designed on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. This 18 hole golf course has been ranked 5th on the Best New Courses 2009 list by Golf Magazine and Golfweek. Wine Valley has also been ranked in the top 3 Courses You Can Play in Washington state by Golfweek.
On Monday nights Wine Valley offers Ladies Night. Ladies are given a 1/2 hour golf instruction then can play 9 holes of golf. After their golf game the ladies are invited in for a glass of wine and appetizers. Ladies Night starts at 5:30pm each Monday. The cost is $35 and reservations are required.
Wednesday and Thursday the club offers a Burger and Brew special. Golfers can golf 18 holes and have a burger and beer after their game for $45.
Tuesday and Sundays there is a special for local golfers. Tuesday, 18 holes of golf and a cart is $50. On Sunday, 18 holes of golf and a cart is $55.
Wine Valley Golf Club is located 7 miles west of Walla Walla off of Highway 12. Turn north on Frenchtown Road and go 3/4 of a mile and take a left on Wine Valley Road. For reservations, call the golf course at  (877) 333 9842, or see their web site at http://www.winevalleygolfclub.com/.

Day 205: Foundry Vineyards White on White Event

Foundry Vineyards presents their White on White Private Release Wine Event. Be among the first to experience this unique blending of art & wine on Saturday, June 4th, 5-8pm. Reservations are required.
Join Mark Anderson, Squire Broel and Ali Mayfield as they set the mood for summer with a creative wine event.  Don your best white clothes, sip beautiful white wines, and mingle with friends amid the sculpture garden at Foundry Vineyards. Out in the sculpture garden at the foundry you will find a number of art works and sculptures. Don't miss the sculpture by Deborah Butterfield and Art work by Jim Dine. The featured wine for the evening will be the White on White Wine, and their 2010 Chardonnay. To reserve your spot, call 509-529-0736.

Day 204: Wenaha Gallery May Artist Reception and Book Signing

The Wenaha Gallery in Dayton, Washington is having a May Artist Reception and Book Signing featuring John Clements, a Tri-Cities photographer, on Saturday, May 28th. John Clements photography captures the splender of the northwest with his great variety of seasonal landscapes. He has received 55 regional, national, and international awards for his pictorial and commercial work. Along with his art there will be a book signing. John has co-authored two books, Palouse Country: A Land and Its People and The Wenatchee Valley and Its First Peoples. He is pleased to present his third book, written with Richard Scheuerman. Alexander C. McGregor wrote that Northwest Drylands Seasons conveys a sense of the land and those who have settled it. The Book signing will be from 11am to 3pm after the Dayton Parade. Wenaha Gallery is located at 219 East Main Street in Dayton. See their web site at http://www.wenaha.com/.

Day 203: Fall Youth Soccer Sign Ups

Parks and Recreation is now taking registrations for Fall Youth Soccer. Registration will continue through June 30 until 5:00 p.m. After this date, late registration will be taken on an as available basis and subject to a $10 late fee. Practices will begin the week of August 15. Games will begin the week of September 5.


The youth soccer program is open to boys and girls in the Walla Walla Valley between the ages of 5-14, as of August 1, 2011. Cost is $45 per player ages 5-14 years old. Families registering more than three children will pay regular player fees for the first two children and $10 for each additional child. Scholarships are available to those that qualify. Scholarship applications can be completed at Parks and Recreation.

Youth soccer coaches and referees are needed for this program! If you or someone you know would like to take part in this opportunity please contact the Parks and Recreation office.

Registration may be completed online at www.wwpr.us or at the Parks and Recreation Office, 55 Moore St. Participants may also contact the Parks and Recreation Office to have a registration form mailed to them.

For more information regarding this program or any other program, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 527-4527, e-mail recreation@ci.walla-walla.wa.us, or visit our website at www.wwpr.us

Day 202: Touchet River Run

The annual Touchet River Run is Monday, May 30th. Every year since 1983 runners and walkers have signed up for this scenic run. There is a short course with 1.4 miles and a standard course of 3.89 miles.
The standard course route runs through the streets of Dayton and along a foot path on the Touchet River. Runners and walkers are welcome as well as walkers with dogs on a leash. The short run starts at 9:30am and the standard run starts at 10am with registration at 8am at the Dayton High School Gymnasium parking lot, located on 2nd Street in Dayton. The cost for the run is $16 with a T Shirt and $7 without a T Shirt. For more information see the web site at http://www.touchetriverrun.com/.

Day 201: Mushroom Hunting in the Blue Mountains

A sunny spring day is a great time to go searching for mushrooms in the Blue Mountians. Besides finding some delicous mushrooms you will see some beautiful displays of wild flowers. The valley view from the mountains shows a checkerboard of the crops planted below. Morel mushrooms can be found on the forest floor near fallen branches, logs, and moist areas. When you pick a mushroom it is recomended to leave the fungas base in the ground so it will grow again. It is also recomended to use a mesh bag to store the mushrooms so the spores can fall through to the ground. Morels are delicious sauted in butter, mixed in with pasta, scrambled with eggs, or dipped in eggs and rolled in cracker crumbs and fried. Befor cooking the morels they should be soaked in salt water to be cleaned. The Blue Mountains that surround the Valley are within a 45 minute drive from Walla Walla.

Day 200: The 1928 Gift and Wine Shop

Looking for a unique gift shop? The 1928 Gift & Wine Shop in Walla Walla is located just off the lobby near the 2nd Street entrance in the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel. The shop carries a variety of locally made gifts, sundries and wine. They are also the exclusive retailer for Our World Clothing and Miche Bags in Walla Walla. The gift shop is open daily. For more information see their web site at www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com/gift-shop.

About the author: Kathy Geoghegan is a licensed Real Estate Broker with Williams Team Homes.com.

Day 199: Community Center for Youth Celebration at the Park

Saturday, May 21st, the Community Center for Youth will be celebrating their 11th year in the community at Washington Park, in Walla Walla between 2pm and 7pm. The celebration will include free food and rock band performances. All ages are welcome to attend this free event. The Community Center for Youth also known as the Teen Center provides teens between the ages of 12 and 18 living in the Walla Walla area with a variety of enrichment, academic and recreation opportunities. For more information see their web site at www.wwccy.org/.

Day 198: The Green Spoon

The Green Spoon is a new Walla Walla Downtown restaurant located at 13 E Main Street. This casual eatery offers a pleasant dining experience featuring food that is fresh, healthy and delicious.

They currently serve american dishes, burgers, sandwiches, vegan, and vegetarian entrees. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also have a brunch menu. For a list of menu items and hours that they are open see http://www.greenspoonw2.com/.

Day 197: Fast Eddys

Fast Eddys, located at 600 W. Main Street in Walla Walla is well know for their large number of gourmet burgers. All Fast Eddy burgers are made with 1/3 lb 100% beef and a large variety of specialty condiments. Besides their burgers, Fast Eddys also serves up a large selection of deli sandwiches plus a fish sandwich, and chicken sandwich. Fast Eddys offers fish and chips (halibut/cod/salmon) finger steaks and chicken strips. Want more variety? How about a hot dog or chili dog made with a 1/4 lb all beef hot dog. These are sure to please any member of the famliy! With a choice of soft drinks, shakes or even a root beer float to top it off, you will truly enjoy dining  at Fast Eddys. Dine in your car or call in and take-out orders are welcome. The phone number  for call in orders is 509-525-2757. They are open 7 days a weekf from 10:30am-9pm.

Day 196: Barkwell Family Farm

The Barkwell Family Farm has a large number of greehouses filled with beautiful flowers, and vegetables. The Farm specializes in annuals and perennials, shrubs, trees, and water plants.  They also sell finches and doves from their aviary and farm-fresh eggs from their chicken coop. You will find a nice selection of fountains, pots, and home and garden accessories. If you have been looking for a beautiful hanging flower pot arrangements, be sure to take a look at the amazing offerings at the Barkwell Farm. The Barkwell Family Farm is located at 53506 W Crockett Rd, in Milton-Freewater. They are currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 9am-6pm. July 20th through September 20th they are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-6pm. For more information see their web site at www.barkwellfarm.com.

Day 195: Power House Theater

The Power House Theater will be ready for it's inaugural performance on 19th with a production of  The Merry Wives of Windsor. The production is performed by the Seattle Shakespeare Company. Shakespeare Walla Walla has been renovating the old Walla Walla Power House into a new indoor venue based on the original design by William Shakespeare for his plays.  The Theater is also opening for Dangerous Liasons-A Masked Event on May 18th. This event is a Elizabethan-inspired food, fashion and merriment celebration for the opening of Walla Walla's Power House. For ticket information see http://www.shakespearewallawalla.com/

Day 194: Whitman Mission

The Whitman Mission Historical Site is a beautiful park with natural grasses and flowers. The self-guided trails lead to the Mission House Site, the Great Grave, the Whitman Memorial, and other points of interest. There is a picnic area and a Visitor Center. In the Visitor Center you will find a number of Indian and Settler artifacts. The story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the Sager children is told through out the site. Be sure to take a look at the pond where you will find a number of turtles and will hear the sound of pheasants from the surrounding natural grass areas. The Mission is located at 328 Whitman Mission Road. Follow the signs from Walla Walla on Heritage Road, (the old highway 12). The cost for visiting the site is $3 for adults. Children are free. The site is open daily except for Christimas, New Years and Thanksgiving day.

Day 193: Made in Walla Walla Box

There is still time to sign up for a weekly Made in Walla Walla Box. The Daily Market Cooperative has a Made in Walla Walla program where people can sign up for the summer season Made in Walla Walla program. Those who sign on pay a standard share of $390. to receive weekly boxes of grocery staples locally grown or made. Items can include bread, salad greens, grains, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables. The summer session runs June 1st through August 28th. Meat and flower additions can be included. The cost averages out to about $30 per week. For more information see their web site at http://www.dailymarket.coop/.

Day 192: AJ Carriage Rides

Experience life in the slow lane and experience a horse drawn carriage ride with AJ Carriages of Walla Walla. AJ Carriage Rides will be at the Walla Walla Airport this weekend for carriage rides at the airport from 1-5 pm. They will stage at the incubator wineries at Piper Avenue. The cost for a 30 minute horse drawn carriage ride is $20. for adults, $10. for kids, and $70. for a group. AJ Carriages will also hire out for weddings and special occasions. They hoping to be licensed for carriages rides in downtown Walla Walla in the next month. To find out their schedule or to book an event call 509-629-2067 or 509-629-2068. Their web site is http://www.ajcarriages.com/.

Day 191: Baker Boyer Ducky Derby

Walla Walla Exchange Club Foundation Presents, the 14th Annual Baker Boyer Ducky Derby on Saturday, May 21st from 11:30am to 3:30pm. The Ducky Derby event takes place at Mill Creek by the Walla Walla Community College Athletic Fields. At the event you will find games, food and lots of fun family activities. Free pop, popcorn and 25¢ hot dogs- and more! The duck race starts at 2pm. The grand prize for a lucky duck race winner is $10,000. or a 2011 Toyota Corolla LE. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from this event will stay in this community, funding Exchange Club efforts to enhance the lives of local youth. To purchase a duck for the race, stop by one of the locations below.
• Abajian Toyota Scion


• Baker Boyer Bank

• Destination Walla Walla

• Super 1 Foods

• Walla Walla Farmers Co-op

• Walla Walla's Harvest Foods

• Zip Zone

• Any Exchange Club member

Day 190: Charles Smith Wines World Headquarters

Charles Smith Wines World Headquarters and Tasting Room is now open daily 10am-6pm. The tasting room which has a modern, industrial theme is located at

35 South Spokane Street

in Walla Walla.  Patrons can purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Coming soon will be an outdoor seating. The large windows on the front of the building will lift up and act as a roof over the outdoor seating area. Live music events will be scheduled periodically through out the year. For more information on Charles Smith Wines see http://www.charlessmithwines.com/.

Day 189: Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Good Morning Walla Walla is the theme for this years Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. This weekend is the 37th annual Balloon Stampede, May 13, 14, and 15 held at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds. Watch for daily balloon launches starting at 6:30 am weather permitting. Stop by the Main Stage where there will be live entertainment all weekend long. Saturday from 10am-4pm there will be a Car Show. Also, there will be the Altrusa Spelling Bee where you can watch local students compete for top spelling bragging rights from 10am to 4:30pm. New this year is Walla Walla Kids Got Talent-a talent competition for children ages 12 and under starting Friday at 3pm. Saturday night is the Night Glow beginning at 7pm. Balloons will light up the sky along with a grand finale fireworks show. After the night glow head over to the Saturday Night Dance featuring Copious Notes at 9:30pm. This is a fun family event!

Day 188: The AcroKnights of Walla Walla Valley Academy

The AcroKnights of Walla Walla Valley Academy present their annual Homeshow on May 22, with showings at 2pm and 7pm. This year's theme is "The Game of Life." Join them for family-friend entertainment at Walla Walla University's Gym, located at the corner of 4th and Davis in College Place. Pick up your tickets at Book & Game, Christian Supply, The U-Shop or call WWVA at 525-1850. Pre-sale tickets are $8 adults and $4 K-12. At the door, $10 adults and $5 K-12.

The AcroKnights are an acrobatic troupe of high school students demonstrating life skills of team-building, trust, and strength. See a preview of the Homeshow at the Balloon Stampede at 5pm on Friday, May 13.

Day 187: Auditions for Talent

The Muddy Frogwater Country Classic is looking for Talent in the Valley. They will be holding auditions for singers, dancers, musicions, and variety performers on June 15-16,  from 5-9pm at the Milton-Freewater Community Building. Those who are chosen will compete at the Muddy Frogwater Talent of the Valley competition Friday and Saturday evening, August 19th-20th, at Yantis Park band shell in Milton-Freewater. A $500 prize will be awarded to the winner of the competition. For more information call 541-938-6361.

Day 186: Champagne Reception

Meet the hot air balloon pilots for the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede on Friday, May 13th in the historic pavillion at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds. The Champagne Reception is a celebration for the Balloon Stampede pilots and all of the sponsors that make it happen. An exquisite meal is being put together by Walla Walla Catering. It will be paired with fine wine by Sapolil Cellars and Sinclair Estate Vineyards. Tickets are $25 and include dinner, wine, champagne, a Balloon Stampede champagne glass, dessert and entertainment. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost of tickets are $25. and they can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or at Gesa Credit Union.

Day 185: Mother's Day Brunch

Looking for a special way to celebrate your mother or wife this Mother’s Day? Look no further than the 11th annual Mother’s Day celebration at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center. This year, with the theme of Mother’s Day Splendor, the event will move away from a brunch format and instead will showcase the spectacular talents of new Executive Chef Antonio Campolio and his amazing culinary staff and his amazing culinary staff.

Available Sunday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chef Antonio has divided the buffet into five distinct areas including:

Aged, Ripened and Plush
Raw, Smoked, Poached and Chilled
Moms…Indulge, Relax and Levitate
A Little American Comfort
Stop, Savor, Spoil

Guests will find everything from a traditional Caesar salad hand tossed by a chef and herb crusted baron of beef to grilled salmon with an American caviar and champagne cream as well as delectable desserts like triple-layer chocolate cake and assorted truffles.

Pricing for the event is $32.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, $19.95 for children 6-12 and free for children ages five and under. Reservations are required by calling 509-524-5139

Day 184: TukanInn Guest House

TukanInn Guest House located at 310 N Tukanon Street in Walla Walla is a five minute walk to all that downtown Walla Walla has to offer, including wine tasting, art galleries, and specialty boutiques. It is also a short walk to the wonderful campus of Whitman College. The Inn has three nicely appointed bedrooms, and a beautiful kitchen with a gathering table for 8.
Need a place to stay over Balloon Stampede Weekend? The Inn has an opening.  To find out more information see http://www.vrbo.com/124034

Day 183: Three Rivers Winery Friday Night Music Series

Three Rivers Winery is kicking off Spring Release Weekend with the first concert of their annual Friday Night Music Series featuring The Gems, a popular Northwest rock band.  The concert this Friday, May 6th, goes from 6:30pm-9pm. Bank and Grill Catering Company will be preparing their low and slow pulled pork, mixed green salad, baguette bread and fresh fruit medley. Dinner prices range from $5, $10, and $20. Reservations are encouraged. At this time there are still spots available in the lawn area. Guests should bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on. The cost if $5 to attend the concert. The Friday Night Music Series runs from May through the first part of September. For more details on upcoming concerts and outdoor movie events see http://www.threeriverswinery.com/.

Day 182: Fiddler on the Roof

The Walla Walla High School drama department is performing the production of Fiddler on the Roof.  With a cast of 40 this musical comedy will feature some great music and dancing. Some of the songs include, Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man and Sunrise, Sunset. The production will be performed May 5,6,7 12, and 13^th at 7pm. There will be a 2pm matinee on May 7 and 14^th . The performance will be held at the Walla Walla High School Performing Arts Auditorium,

800 Abbott Road

. The cost for tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. For tickets, call 526-8613.

Day 181: Murr Field

Looking for a place to  go for a walk or a run. Murr Field in Walla Walla located on the corner of Fern and Abbot Road has a paved walking path in a beautiful landscaped park. Meandering around soccer and baseball fields and the natural creek side setting, Murr field also offers many mountian views. One loop around is approximately 7/10 of a mile. Pets on leashes are allowed in the park. There are various benches to sit and take a break as well as seating for the occasional baseball game.