RSSSunny fun for everyone at Old Town Days
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UNION GAP — The parking lots were full. The food vendor lines were long. The playgrounds were filled with happy children.
Plenty of people turned out for Old Town Days, in the third year for the Union Gap community celebration after a long hiatus. The event continues today.
Dotty Swank of Yakima believes the good turnout was due to ideal weather and a more ideal venue -- Ahtanum Youth Park -- that provided plenty of room for all the different activities.
Swank, 65, is a member of the Yakima Valley Christriders, the local chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, which was managing parking for the event.
Even though Swank spent most of the day directing cars to vacant parking spots, she could still enjoy the event.
"I enjoy the music and I can hear it from here," she said.
She was referring to the Old Town Days Idol contest. A variety of children and adults braved the crowds to sing songs such as The Temptations' "My Girl" and Mamas and Papas singer Cass Elliot's "Dream A Little Dream of Me."
Audience members showed their enthusiasm by clapping and dancing to the music.
The singing contest was one draw for Wilma Branum, a 61-year-old Union Gap resident. Branum soaked in all the different aspects of the event from the parade in the morning to the car show, which she attended with her brother, Clyde Alvey, 75, who came from Selah.
For Branum, who moved here from Fresno, Calif., in October, Old Town Days was a new experience.
"It's been very enjoyable. Very relaxing," she said. "I'll probably be back tomorrow."
For Alvey, it was a chance to show off his red and silver 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air at the Yakima Valley Sports Car Club car show. It won an award last week at a different event and he was excited to show it off again.
He also had the chance to see his son win an award for his 1967 Camaro.
"I've always had an interest in vintage cars," Alvey said.
For friends Lorene Thaxton, 50, of West Valley and Karen Botsford, 52, of Yakima, Old Town Days was the perfect venue to spend time with their dogs, Babydog and Chewy.
"It's low-key, it's not real stressful," Thaxton said. "It's nice to spend time with the dogs and not worry about it."
Botsford also appreciated the family environment. She frequents other events in the area such as the concerts at Franklin Park.
"The more family activities they come up with, the better," she said.
* Mai Hoang can be reached at 509-577-7685 or mhoang@yakimaherald.com.
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