Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Rodeo

10/23/2026

📣 NEWS FROM THE Big 4 Rodeos ASSOCIATION

Brushton Minton won the coveted Big 4 Rodeo Association’s “Best in the Northwest” title for competing at the Kennewick Horse Heaven Round Up Walla Walla Frontier Days, Lewiston Roundup and the Pendleton Round-Up

The Best in the Northwest award is given to the contestant accumulating the most points while competing at all of the Big 4 Rodeo Association events. Tie-down roper Brushton Minton, 28 of Witter Springs, California, won the tightly contested 2026 title gathering 12.5 points while competing at the four rodeos.

Minton said, “It’s pretty cool to see my name next to some of my idols that have won this prestigious award. Growing up dreaming of accomplishing things like this, it’s pretty special to see that hard work pays off. I’m Honored to be recognized by these four rodeo committees with the Big 4 Award.”

The award is a custom-made saddle designed especially for the winner by Blake West – Wild West Saddlery of Hermiston, Oregon. Brushton Minton winnings were $16,722 in total at the Big 4 Rodeos. Minton qualified for his third WNFR in tie-down roping.

The saddle will be awarded to Minton at the Big 4 Rodeo Association Reception presented by Les Schwab Tire Centers , on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Big 4 Rodeo Association, which was established in 1948, celebrated its 78th anniversary this year paying out over $1,800,000. It remains one of the oldest associations of its type in professional rodeo today. The Big 4 Rodeos are held annually in consecutive weeks starting in August with Kennewick’s Horse Heaven Round-Up and finishing with the Pendleton Round-Up in September.

10/21/2026

Congratulations to all the PRCA Contestants who qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this December!

10/13/2026

Statement Regarding the Fair and Frontier Days Royalty Selection

On September 30, 2026, Fairgrounds management determined that Ashley Woiblet was ineligible to serve on the Royalty Court. This was through no fault of Ms. Woiblet; but rather because of a change to the eligibility requirements on the application packet that had not been approved by Fair management. We wish Ashley Woiblet the best in her future endeavors and believe she will be a success.

After conversations with the families of Helen Hellberg-Wilson and Kallie Jo Prince, we believe the fairest and most consistent course of action is to advance each of these young ladies to their respective positions based on overall scoring. Helen Hellberg-Wilson has accepted the position of Queen of the 2027 Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days Royalty. We are still awaiting confirmation from Kallie Jo Prince as to whether she is willing to serve as Princess. We would, of course, welcome her participation.

This approach honors the original results among the eligible contestants and avoids conducting a new selection process after the competition has been completed. We have confirmed that the judging in the competition was unbiased, and we appreciate the work of the three judges who evaluated the candidates.

We recognize that this has been a difficult process for the contestants and their families. The eligibility error was not the contestants’ fault, and we sincerely regret the confusion and disappointment it has caused. Our responsibility is to apply the corrected requirements consistently, protect the integrity of the royalty program, and treat every participant with dignity and respect.

We are working to ensure that we have clear policies, controls and procedures going forward. We appreciate the community’s patience and ask that discussions surrounding this matter remain respectful of all involved as we move forward. We appreciate all contestants’ participation in the Royalty contest, as well as the hard work involved by those involved in the evaluation of the candidates.

Adopted by:
The Board of Walla Walla County Commissioners
October 12, 2026

Supported by:
Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Manager See less

10/09/2026

Great interview with our Stock Contractor, Tim Bridwell of Bridwell Pro Rodeos on Let's Freakin' Rodeo Have a listen.

What does it take for a Stock Contractor to get his stock to a prof...

10/05/2026

Thank you for your patience as we continue our careful review of the royalty competition held just over a week ago. We know how important this event is — to the contestants and the entire Fair community—and we want to ensure that every part of the process is given the thoughtful and balanced attention it deserves.

We expect to be able to provide an update and a decision next week. Thank you again for your understanding.

10/01/2026

Earlier today a draft statement was inadvertently released regarding the royalty situation. Please see our official statement below:

We received several questions regarding the eligibility requirements of the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Royalty and while it was our understanding the age requirements had not changed, your questions prompted us to do further research. That research resulted in learning the age requirements in the application packet had, indeed, been changed inappropriately without Fair management’s knowledge.

That change should not have been made. The age requirement should have remained at less than 22 years of age as of the year of service. Additionally, criteria were changed to residence requirements. We are still reviewing how and why both those changes were made.

Our candidates applied and competed without realizing the age and residence requirements in the application were incorrect. The judges were also unaware and followed protocol.

Unfortunately, this error means Ashley Woiblet is ineligible and will not be serving.

We're reviewing how best to move forward to find an appropriate resolution and one that is fair to Helen and Kallie Jo. This will take time. We appreciate everyone's patience.

This was a truly regrettable error, and we apologize to all that were impacted. We are moving forward with reviewing changes to our processes and welcome input. Thank you.

09/25/2026

09/23/2026

Congratulations to our Announcer, Anthony Lucia on being selected to Announce his 2nd straight Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

09/18/2026

Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at Walla Walla Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo raised an incredible $55,000 to support programs, services and equipment to support the fight against cancer at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

Thanks to attendees, local businesses, volunteers and the Whitman College baseball team, these donations will stay right here in our community to support patients and lifesaving cancer care. 💙💚

09/16/2026

Great Walla Walla Frontier Days Rodeo Summary Recap from Cowboy+ Julia Dondero.

With the 2026 PRCA regular season nearing its conclusion, all eyes are on the final weeks and remaining rodeos of the season. Walla Walla Frontier Days is one of the premier September rodeos and a key stop on the Pacific Northwest rodeo circuit.