Decorating the house is a tradition shared by many families come the holiday season. Whether you keep it simple with a just a tree and a wreath on the front door, or follow Clark Griswold’s lead and string up enough lights to see your home from outer space, chances are you’ll be doing some decorating this holiday season.

A homecoming celebrating 100 years of diversity and progress took over the Wapato Convention Center Aug. 29, as about 300 people converged there for dinner and reminiscence, during the Wapato Centennial Dinner.

Pictured: Wapato’s Centennial Dinner draws an enthusiastic crowd Aug. 29. Bottom left, Helen Downs entertains with her yodeling. Top right, guest lione up for the caterred dinner. Richard Burger photos

TOPPENISH — Susan Treneer has been named the new Toppenish Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Pictured: Susan Treneer makes some of the arrangements for this year’s Whistlestop! music festival. Staff photo

TOPPENISH —A delivery driver resisted an armed robber shortly after 11 p.m. Aug. 13, on the 10 block of South H Street, according to a police report.

Cast members rehearse for “The Truth About Cinderella,” which will open July 21, at the Yakama Nation Cultural Center Theater in Toppenish. Pictured are, from left, Ashley Groves, Janell Walters, Justin Pfliger, Angel Hopkins, and Mary Roy.  Performances of this uproarious musical comedy will also be held July 22 and 23, and July 28-30. The curtain goes up on all performances at 7 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors (over 60) and students (under 18). For more information, contact Ginny Wells at 865-2422 or Dave Wells at 945-7426. Staff photo

TOPPENISH — United Way has contributed $12,840 to the Toppenish Community Fund for the 2008/09 fiscal year.

The 2008 Toppenish Junior Rodeo Queen is a lifelong rodeo fan and participant, from an active rodeo family.
Jackie Miller, 15, said her brother is into roping and her father has hauled rough stock.

Pictured: Jackie Miller and Chaska greet the crowd at this year’s Toppenish Fourth of July parade. Staff photo

John Ely, of Asotin, Wash., will return as this year’s stock contractor for the upcoming Toppenish Junior Rodeo this Friday-Sunday.

TOPPENISH — The 2008 Toppenish Junior Rodeo begins Friday, on a three-day run that wraps up Sunday.
Friday’s events kick off with the Grand Entry at 6 p.m. The Saturday show starts with a 12:30 p.m. Grand Entry, and Sunday, the show starts at 9:30 p.m. 

Pictured: Scenes from last year’s Toppenish Jr. Rodeo. File photos

The Lighthouse Church of Wapato is hosting an event called "Manna-Fest". This is an invitational meeting about ministry and will have guests flying in from around the country. Joel Hart (former pastor of Lighthouse) arrived last night at SeaTac and will be one of the scheduled speakers.