You Are Not a True Yakimaniac Until You Have Done These 5 Things

Is it Yakimaniac? Or Yakimite? Whatever you call it, this one's for you! Prove you're one of us: Have you completed these five Yakima Valley, Washington rites of passage?

#1: Get Lotusized. (IYKYN!)

If you know, you know! I'm not explaining this one; you'll have to ask a Yakima local, "Hi, where do I get Lotusized?"

#2: Float the Yakima River.

Oh, we love floating the river during the summertime, especially when the water levels are low. Otherwise, you better bring your life jacket. SAFETY FIRST, MAYNE!

#3: Attend some kind of outdoor sports thing at least once a year.

I know a 5K run or a 3-on-3 basketball tournament loves to see one of us coming! Yakimites are like moths to a flame when it comes to signing up for a marathon or a sportsman's event for the kids. Even the 5K runs that glow in the dark or involve walking the morning of Thanksgiving can't keep Yakimaniacs away!

Get our free mobile app

#4: Grab something to eat at the Soda Fountain.

This wayback machine to the 1930s is only found inside Yakima Valley Museum's soda fountain. I love getting the chili dog and one of those old timey flavored penny candy canes!

#5: Freeze your buns and fingers off while watching the Downtown Yakima Holiday Lighted Parade

We do it every December no matter the weather. We do it because we want to scream "HI!" to Santa and Mrs. Claus! We love it when it feels like the whole town bundles up together to watch the lighting of the big town Christmas tree. Also, because we all turn into little kids when we see that big red lighted Coca-Cola truck! (It's free to be in the parade, too! The Annual Holiday Lighted Parade is back on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m.!) #swoon

Read More:  Can You Legally Go 10 Miles Over the Speed Limit in Washington?

There are plenty more fun experiences I could name off that make you finally get your "Yakima Local" button. What would you add to this list? Let me know with a quick email.