Puget Sound Region VCCA at the

2007 Northwest Meet in Yakima, WA
June 20-24

It was the North Cascade's Region time to host the VCCA Northwest Meet in 2007.  They decided to travel to Yakima in June, when the temperatures should be cooler. Yakima is located in central Washington in the midst of orchards and vineyards.

Tours included a stop at Fort Simcoe State Park, which is a 200-acre, day-use heritage park in south central Washington on the Yakima Indian Nation Reservation. The park is primarily an interpretive effort, telling the story of mid-19th century army life and providing insights into the life ways of local Native American culture. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in an old oak grove watered by natural springs, Fort Simcoe was an 1850's-era military installation established to keep peace between the settlers and the Indians. Due to its unique historic significance, the park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June, 1974. Before the fort era, the site was an Indian campground where many trails crossed.

Another tour was a visit to the City of Toppenish with museums and famous murals. Toppenish is located in Central Washington and is situated about 20 miles southeast of the City of Yakima.  The City covers approximately two square miles and has a population of 9,000 residents. The City of Toppenish has preserved its beginnings as a rugged western town through restoration and beautification efforts that make it a popular tourist attraction today.  At the heart of the City and its beautification are 69 outdoor, historical murals.  They tell the story of early development of the City of Toppenish, and its rich history and cultural diversity.

Click on any of the following photos to make them enlarge to full size.

Jim Martoza, Redmond, WA, USA
Revised 02/05/08