PROSSER, WA 

Up, up, and away……

 In a beautiful balloon. Yes, yes, it's true, and possible. The annual hot air balloon festival held in Prosser Washington is just one of the many events and activities that happen in this quiet rural community. Located on the Eastern edge of the Yakima Valley in southeast Washington it offers the best of many worlds. Situated along the Yakima River it is a haven for outdoor activities. With a population of just under 6,000 residents it retains its rural atmosphere and yet is close to the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. With very affordable housing and a low cost of living in general as well as a stable job market thanks in part to the growing wine industry things are looking up……., yes, up, up, and away.  

HISTORY

 Because of the proximity to the Yakima River Native Americans both fished and farmed in this area. The town itself is named after Colonel William Farrand Prosser. He first surveyed the area in1879 and eventually settled in the area by 1882. He eventually moved on but the town continued to grow. Prosser was incorporated in 1899. Electricity came in 1905. In 1912 a vote was held to determine the Benton County seat. Prosser won out over Kennewick and to this day Prosser remains the county seat for Benton County. Over the years various irrigation projects were completed bringing water to an area well suited for a variety of crops; most recently for the wine industry. In the early 20th century The Irrigation Experiment Station was built in Prosser. It remains today and currently consists of numerous agricultural educational programs.

RECREATION

With a river running through the town such activities as canoeing and kayaking are obvious. The river also offers up excellent bass fishing. Additionally there are many activities that one can pursue; many of them with families in mind. There is the Family Fun Center; a roller rink with facilities for special events. There are seven City parks each offering a variety of facilities. At E.J. Miller Park for example is the city’s 36 meter outdoor pool that includes a slide and diving board as well as lighted tennis courts, a covered picnic pavilion, various playground equipment, and other amenities to choose from. An outdoor stage is at another park, a lighted skate park at another, and the list continues. At Farrand Park, named after the city’s founder, is a boat launch. Other possible activities include golfing, visiting an Alpaca Farm, bike a five mile trail along Wine Country Road, and last but not least tour one of the forty wineries in the area. Closer to home consider the Prosser Farmers Market open from May to October or take in a performance at the Princess Theater. And if this isn’t enough take the family out to one of the many surrounding farms where one can often pick their own fruit, or maybe even ride a pony. After all this immerse yourself in one of our spas. For those of the retired persuasion seeking something more relaxing there is the Prosser Senior Citizens Organization which offers a variety of activities located in the Prosser Activity Center. The center is open Monday through Friday with varying hours depending on the activity or services being offered. The center offers everything from blood pressure check and foot care to a variety of games such as bingo or pinochle. Additionally on the last Sunday of every month is the Pancake Breakfast. Beyond all this it is a great place to gather with friends or make new acquaintances.

FUN FACT

World War II dramatically changed Prosser with men leaving the town for service there was a shortage in the labor force.  This forced the need for busloads of high school kids to pick crops and local businesses closed to assist.  Even school hours were adjusted so all school-age children could help on the farms.