TOPPENISH-The city’s summer-capping free Whistlestop! music festival comes to town Saturday, Aug. 23, with 10 hours of top-notch bluegrass, country, and Cajun performances under the trees at Railroad Park.
The annual event is sponsored by the Toppenish Chamber of Commerce and others, including Toppenish Community Hospital, Schelert and Company, Inc., Embarq, and Yakima Valley Credit Union.
Each year, the event draws crowds of music lovers who bring their folding chairs to the park to enjoy the day under the trees.
The Toppenish Rail and Steam Museum will also be open to welcome visitors, with caboose rides and tours of the museum.
The music starts at noon, with Top String, which plays until 1:30 p.m.
The rest of the entertainment lineup includes the Martin School of Dance, 1:30-2 p.m.; Coyote Ridge Bluegrass Wranglers, 2-3:30 p.m.; Boys of Greenwood Glenn, 4-5:30 p.m.; Wide River, 6-7:30 p.m.; Full Throttle, 8-10 p.m.
There will also be food and arts and crafts vendors in the park for some shopping between the acts.
A beer tent will provide some liquid refreshment for those whose whistles get a bit dry from all the fun.
Chamber Executive Director Sara Frederiksen said that the event uses plenty of volunteer help and she always looking for more.
Those wishing to get involved and lend a hand should call the chamber office at 865-3262.