Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: 41,672
Area: 2,333 square miles
County Seat: Ellensburg
OVERVIEW
Kittitas County is one of the counties in Washington State. This county borders with Chelan County to the North, with Douglas County to the Northeast, with Grant County to the East, with Yakima County to the South, with Pierce County to the West and with King County to the Northwest. The territory of the county is 2,333 square miles with the population of 41,765 people. County Seat and the largest city in the county is Ellensburg. Kittitas County was formed in 1883 after separation from Yakima County.
HISTORY
Yakima Nation representatives were the first people who occupied the territories along the Yakima River and the Kittitas Valley. In 1814, Fur Trader Alexander Ross came here in search of horses and was the first white person who entered the Kittitas Valley. The first non-Indian settlers were Frederick Ludi and John Goller, who built a cabin on the territory that is now Ellensburg. White settlers who come here started to establish such industries as logging, lumber processing, crop farming, livestock rearing, dairying and mining.
It should be said that there are several interpretations of the county’s name. According to theories it may mean “white chalk”, “shale rock”, “shoal people” or “land of plenty”.
COUNTY SEAT
Ellensburg is a largest city and the county seat of Kittitas County. The population of the city is about 18,500. Ellensburg is considered to be the most centrally located city in Washington State. The city of Ellensburg was incorporated on November 26, 1883. The history of the city began in 1871, when John Andrew Shoudy came to the Kittitas Valley and bought a small trading business. Shoudy was the person who named this town after his wife, Mary Ellen Shoudy, he also named all the streets in the downtown.
ATTRACTIONS
Ellensburg Rodeo
The Ellensburg Rodeo is one of the oldest rodeos, and it is held in the state of Washington. The rodeo has won its place in the Top 25 rodeos of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and in America’s Top 10 professional rodeos.
The Ellensburg Rodeo was founded in 1923 and is held on Labor Day weekend. Nowadays more than 600 contestants take part in the rodeo. It is also considered to be one of the richest rodeos with prize money in excess of $400,000.
This wonderful and unique American competition gathers the best riders, ropers, racers of the country, at he same time more than 20, 000 people visit Ellensburg on this weekend.
Events on this Labor Weekend include a parade and displays of hand-made crafts, weaving and beading made by representatives of Yakama Indian nation.
It should be mentioned that every year people of Yakama Indian nation open each rodeo performance with a horseback ride.
An extra word should be said about the recent addition to rodeo performance that is called Xtreme Bulls. World’s top bull riders are attracted to the Xtreme Bulls where the price is $ 85, 000.
Locals love this holiday and they say that you haven’t seen Ellensburg until you haven’t visited rodeo with all its performances.
Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
Irene Rinehart Park has lots to offer to its visitors. There is a wonderful Carey Lake and a comfortable picnic area for your family. Those, who enjoy watching the wildlife, will have numerous opportunities for bird watching. Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park offers opportunities for swimming, biking and hiking, volleyball playing.
There is a well-maintained and easy trail that runs along the river and the lake, the other trail takes hikers towards the Ellensburg Rotary Park.
Lake Easton State Park
Lake Easton is one of the most wonderful parks in the Kittitas County. The park offers beautiful nature, clear waters of the lake, and opportunities for fishing, swimming and camping. This park is a 516-acre year-round camping site with access to well-maintained shores.
This park is great for hikers; there are numerous trails that can be enjoyed both in summer and in winter. There are 95 tent spaces, 45 utility spaces in the woods and close to the Yakima River and the lake.
Information: Marina Petrova
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