WHEREAS, The town of Wapato, located in the heart of Yakima Valley, was officially incorporated on September 16, 1908, and will be celebrating its centennial this year; and
     WHEREAS, The name is of Yakama origin, "Wa pa too", which is an edible root of great value to Yakamas and settlers alike; and
     WHEREAS, Settlers have been in the area since as early as 1885; and
     WHEREAS, The city hall, police station, fire protection, and jail were established in 1909, and power came to the town in 1910; and
     WHEREAS, The notice of election was published in the Wapato Independent and an election held to incorporate as a fourth-class town, with J.F. Douglass elected Mayor, Eugene Chrisler Treasurer, and A.J. Rohrer, J.H. Kline, W.N. Luby, A.C. Ness, and A.C. Barnes, Councilmembers, and with the election being certified on August 31, 1908; and
     WHEREAS, The current elected officials for the city of Wapato are Mayor Jesse Farias and Councilmembers Arnulfo Valdez, Fancis Lame Bull, Refugio' Roa, Lloyd Benscoter, Tony Guzman, Frank Rodriguez, and Juan de la Torre; and
     WHEREAS, The main industry of Wapato is farming and ranching; and
     WHEREAS, Wapato's farming industry has given the town its diverse population that is celebrated throughout the year at different events; and
     WHEREAS, The population of Wapato is four thousand five hundred; and
     WHEREAS, Wapato is still renowned for its metal sculptures, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, and nearby wineries; and
     WHEREAS, Wapato invites you to come celebrate their centennial throughout the year with a Sukiyaki dinner, Tamale festival, and Harvest festival;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate wish the town of Wapato a happy 100th birthday on Tuesday, September 16, 2008; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Mayor Jesse Farias.