If you've lived in the Tri-Cities for any amount of time, you are very familiar with St. Joe's Annual Art & Wine Auction - this year's event is coming up on February 6.

If you aren't from the area, you'll be pleased with your decision to make the trip over for this event.

This is one of many wine events taking place in 2010 in the Tri-Cities - commonly known as the Heart of Washington Wine Country. And it's your chance to sip local wines and microbrews, sample treats from local restaurants, listen to live music, view fabulous art, and bid on all sorts of goodies during the live and silent auctions. Last year, guests walked away with unique, handcrafted items, golf packages, jewelry, wine country trips, and of course local art and wine purchases!

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Tri-Cities today! And be sure to tell us all about your experience when you do! If this will be your first trip to the Tri-Cities, we're sure it won't be your last!

Washington State has endless experiences to offer visitors. Destinations across the state have created fantastic prizes to be given away during their current promotion, "Experience More Washington."

The promotion is running on www.ExperienceWA.com/more through Mid-April and offers visitors a variety of giveaways from weekend getaways to six-day vacations.

The Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau has teamed up with the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau and Tourism Walla Walla to create an attractive getaway package through the Heart of Washington Wine Country. The Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau is offering winners of this prize giveaway a wine and chocolate basket upon arrival in the Tri-Cities, overnight accommodations along the Columbia River, a limousine tour through wine country - stopping at any of the 160 wineries located within an hour's drive, and dinner at Anthony's HomePort at Columbia Point.

Winning is simple! Log on to www.ExperienceWA.com/more, and after viewing the complete list of prizes and travel deals and discounts, be sure to register for your chance to win!

There are tons of opportunities for wildlife watching and birding in the Tri-Cities.

If you want to check out American White Pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, black-crowned night herons, great egrets, blue herons, red-tailed hawks, elk, mule deer, coyote, river otter, jack rabbits, tundra swans, and snow geese, you'll want to get to the Tri-Cities and check out our great wildlife viewing and birding areas including:
The Hanford Reach National Monument, Audubon Nature Trail, Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, Bateman Island, Sacagawea Heritage Trail, Tapteal Greenway/Chamna Natural Preserve, and McNary National Wildlife Refuge. McNary National Wildlife Refuge just opened its new educational facility complete with a detailed taxidermy exhibit.

This is a friendly reminder to come out and explore the beautiful 23 miles of continuous riverfront trail during the second annual Sacagawea Heritage Trail Adventure Challenge taking place tomorrow, Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

You can start at any of the 18 checkpoints along the 23 mile trail, visit them in any order you choose, and check in at as many as you wish. At each checkpoint, you have a chance to enter drawings for more than 75 prizes including messenger bags, stowaway cube coolers, stainless steel sport bottles, and the grand prize...a Novara Mountain Bike!

Click here for complete rules and additional information.

The 2009 Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo was officially kicked off this past Saturday at the Grand Parade!

The kiddies had an early Halloween this year as candy was being flung about from cowboys, fireman, cheerleaders, princesses, and elected officials, leaving them to walk away with bags full of candy and goodies!

And yesterday officially markedthe beginning of the fair which runs through Saturday, August 29 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. What can you expect to see at the 61st Annual Fair & Rodeo? Too many things for this cowgirl to list, but here are some highlights:

The Beach Boys on the main stage - Wednesday
America on the main stage - Thursday
Night Ranger on the main stage - Friday
Bucky Covington on the main stage - Saturday
Davis Carnival - Tuesday through Saturday
Horse Heaven Hills Rodeo in the Arena - Wednesday through Saturday
BBQ Cook-Off - Thursday
Kids' Zone
Iron-chef-style cooking contest in the wine garden
Adam the Great magic show on the Atomictown stage
Sally Bishop, rodeo and wild west performer, in the Arena
Jerry Harris, hypnotist, on the Atomictown stage
Professor Bamboozle's Illusionary Roadshow in the Kids' Zone
Karen Quest, cowgirl tricks, on the Atomictown stage and in the Kids' Zone

And of course agricultural exhibits; market stock sales; 4-H exhibits and competitions; commercial displays; fine arts displays; food vendors; Old McDonald's Barn; and so much more!

Don't forget to be "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" to the Horse Heaven Round-Up on Thursday, August 27. And a food donation to 2nd Harvest, entitles you to $2 off fair admission that same day.

Get your boots on and head down to the 2009 Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo taking place August 25-29. It's Fun for the Whole Herd!

For more information, log on to www.VisitTri-Cities.com/visitors/events.

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail Adventure Challenge is back by popular demand! Last year's response was overwhelming and we look forward to welcoming back fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and entire families on what's sure to be a beautiful and sunny day, Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

You can start at any of the 18 checkpoints along the 23 mile trail, visit them in any order you choose, and check in at as many as you wish. At each checkpoint, you have a chance to enter drawings for more than 75 prizes including messenger bags, stowaway cube coolers, stainless steel sport bottles, and the grand prize...a Novara Mountain Bike!

The Tri-Cities is just a hop, skip, and a jump from almost anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. If you are traveling from Seattle or Portland, you can be here in 3.25 hours. If you live in Spokane, you can be here in just under 2.5 hours.

Click here for complete rules and additional information.