Yarbros marshals for ag parade

Route closed to parking during annual agriculture appreciation celebration

MOSES LAKE — Chuck and Beth Yarbro know their children and grandchildren. They know them well.

They are both comfortable and capable of discussing at length each child and grandchild's personality and involvement within the family business, Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers and Real Estate Services. This grandchild helped out with the company's computer; that one loves to ring cattle, bless her heart.

Every child — three children and seven grandchildren — has been involved in the family business since they were one week old, attending auctions in their carriers, Chuck said.

Each grandchild and child is touched upon. No one is left out. In talking with Chuck and Beth, married for 44 years, one gets the feeling they are deeply proud of their family and of their company, both of which have seen growth since arriving in the Columbia Basin 30 years ago.

"We found the Columbia River and the water source," Chuck said, explaining the reasons for their arrival. Beth added that the Yarbros moved from very dry climates, where they were always worried about water to finish the crops.

"When we saw the Basin, we decided this is where we wanted to hang our hat," Chuck said, adding with a wry grin, "We've been too broke to leave ever since."

Chuck began managing purebred cattle sales in 1971 before arriving in town, and brought that experience with him. In looking for a way to work for themselves, the Yarbros adapted the auction management experience into the farm machinery business, and launched their operation from there.

"The community's given to us, a bunch," Chuck said. "And I like to think maybe we can give a little bit back."

On Friday, the Yarbros will take up grand marshal duties at the 11th annual Agricultural Appreciation Lighted Christmas Parade.

"They have been very instrumental in this community, in the ag community," said Sally Goodwin, executive director of the Moses Lake Business Association, a sponsor of the parade with Re/MAX Home Team Realty. "They have just been involved in everything. They donate their time to the community 100 percent and they're great people."

The Yarbros were also a big part of the first agricultural appreciation parade, with a packstring of mules covered with Christmas lights.

"We had batteries in the packs so that we could run the lights, and had lights strung between them, and so that's how we were part of that parade," Chuck recalled, adding that there were seven head of mules plus the ones that they rode. "They tend to want to bunch up on you, so you've got to keep them calm, and they'd never been to town in their life. They were real calm, except when they got around (past grand marshal) Dale Fisher's trailer full of old one-lunger engines, and they popped so much, that boogered them. And we got to where we could run figure eights with them in the street, and that was a crowd pleaser."

Beth said that she and her husband were totally surprised when they got the call.

"We believe so strongly in Basin agriculture," she said. "It is the most important thing in the world to us, actually. We make our living here, and agriculture is the basis of everything as far as we're concerned, nationwide."

The purpose of the parade, Goodwin said, is to show appreciation for the community's agricultural base.

"I think, too many times, ag gets forgotten when we work on getting industry for our growth, but agriculture is our base," Goodwin said.

This year's parade and festivities include marshmallow roasting in Sinkiuse Square, pictures with Santa Claus, free hot dogs and hot chocolate from Michael's on the Lake and carolers throughout downtown. Artists will also begin crafting ice sculptures on the sidewalks earlier in the day, beginning at 1 p.m.

Longtime parade participant and past grand marshal Heber Hellewell will include a float that will include picture boards of Neppel history, including into the future, Goodwin said.

"All businesses will be open for shopping and to duck into and get warm, also," Goodwin said.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with other activities beginning by 6 p.m., Goodwin said. The parade begins at McCosh Park, heads north on Cedar Street to Third Avenue, east on Third to Balsam Street, south to Fourth Avenue and then on Fourth back to McCosh, covering about a mile in distance.

Beginning this year, there will be no parking on Third Avenue. As in the spring festival parade, the parade route will be entirely closed, Goodwin said, explaining that the precautions are for safety reasons.

"As soon as the parade was over (last year), people were pulling out and there were still people walking around," she said. "We don't want anybody getting hurt."