YAKIMA, Wash.-In celebration of 50 years of its historic trolley system this week has been designated Yakima Trolley Week and several events are planned to mark the anniversary of the trolleys coming to town on Aug. 28, 1974.
According to Yakima Valley Trolleys, Yakima’s trolley railroad is the last intact early 20th Century interurban electric railroad in the United States.
The trolley began running in 1907, however, original passenger service ended in 1947 with the railroad continuing electrically-powered freight service until 1985.
In 1974, two vintage trolley cars from Oporto, Portugal were brought to Yakima and that is what Trolley Week is celebrating.
Yakima Valley Trolleys is on the National Register of Historic Places and is on track to be the next National Historic Landmark in Washington, according to a Trolley Week press release.
Trolley Week events in Yakima.
Aug. 27: City Council Meeting Mayor Patricia Byers will read a proclamation at the City Council chambers at 5:00 pm proclaiming this week as Yakima Trolley Week.Aug. 28: Yakima Valley Museum Program featuring Dr. Ken Johnsen, trolley president will give a presentation on the history of Yakima’s trolleys at 6 p.m.Aug. 29: INVITATION ONLY reception for friends of the Yakima Valley Trolleys. Several state and local elected officials will be in attendance. Yakima Mayor Patricia Byers will re-christen the trolley at 7:00 pm.
