Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days brings big names

WALLA WALLA — Fair time is in the air and the recently held Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days was definitely one for the books. From rides to roping, there were plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy.  

“I definitely think our fair is changing in a good way and bringing in more people from out of the area,” said Walla Walla Commissioner Jenny Mayberry. 

While there are many reasons to attend the fair, some came specifically for one event, like Tiffany and Whit Bender from La Grand, Oregon who came specifically to see Martina McBride perform on the opening night of the fair. 

“Martina McBride is her artist,” Whit said. 

The couple explained that they specifically came to the fair for the concert and were not able to enjoy the rest of the fair’s offerings since the concert was held on a Wednesday evening and both had to work that day prior to traveling to Walla Walla. 

“I know every single song,” Tiffany said. “I just want to sing (along).” 

This was Tiffany’s first time seeing McBride perform live and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do so. She also said she had been preparing for the concert by listening to McBride’s songs for weeks prior to the concert.  

“I’ve been listening to Spotify music for the last few weeks so that I could make sure I brushed up on all that,” Tiffany added. 

McBride, who was most recently awarded the ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award in 2019 for her contributions to Country music throughout her career, gave a stellar performance and had the whole crowd on their feet. 

Opening for McBride was Cody Beebe and The Crooks. The band formed in Seattle in 2009 and focuses on a rock style of country music - Roots Rock as they call it on their Facebook page. They also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, funk and soul. 

Of course, a fair wouldn’t be a fair without the music - but it also wouldn’t be one without some other key elements as well such as the food, rides, vendor booths, and rodeo. 

Mayberry, who has volunteered at the fair as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the District 4 Fire Department for the last 22 years, said she was particularly excited for the rodeo. 

“I can honestly say we are so lucky with the rodeo we put on here and the rodeo committee which is all volunteers,” said Mayberry. “They do an amazing job and bring in the best cowboys and cowgirls from around the United States. Our list this year is crazy good.” 

For three nights of the fair, the PRCA Rodeo was held. It included team roping, bull riding, WPRA Barrel Racing, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding, among other events.  

Outside of the fair fun and bright lights, Mayberry said Walla Walla is just an area full of good people who genuinely want to make it a great place to live and play. 

“I think what makes us most unique is Walla Walla is just really a lot of people put time and energy for free into a lot of stuff,” Jenny said.  

“Because it’s something they enjoy,” Mayberry’s husband Josh added. He is also a firefighter with District 4 and volunteer at the fair. “They’ve done it since they were a kid so they want to give back to it for generations to come.” 

    Cody Beebe and The Crooks opened for Martina McBride on the opening day of the fair.
 Rebecca Pettingill/Special to the Basin Business Journal   

    Cathy Dahlin and Terry Bell, Gresham, Oregon, and Walla Walla residents respectively, enjoyed the live music the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days had to offer.
 Rebecca Pettingill/Special to the Basin Business Journal   

    Martina McBride headlined the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days by kicking off the fun on the first night of the five day event.
 Rebecca Pettingill/Special to the Basin Business Journal   

    The fair had something for attendees of all ages to enjoy, including carnival games.
 Rebecca Pettingill/Special to the Basin Business Journal   

    The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days was held August 28 to September 1.
 Rebecca Pettingill/Special to the Basin Business Journal