WALLA WALLA—At the annual Showcase fundraiser this past Saturday, February 5th, the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days made several announcements about the upcoming 156th Fair. It honored a business and three individuals for their long-standing involvement and support of the Fair by naming the Parade Marshals, the distinguished sponsor, and rodeo legend inductees.

This year’s Parade Marshals are Clark and Carolyn Hansen. Clark has been a member of the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers since 1968, and Carolyn has also had an active role with the Wagon Wheelers for many years. In addition to club events, they have been involved in the Washington State Sheriff’s Posse. Clark has served on the advisory board for Walla Walla County LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters) as well as been president of the Walla Walla Pistol Club. Carolyn has volunteered for many positions for the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days and serves as a trustee for the First Christian Church.

The Showcase announcements also included this year’s rodeo legend inductees. The program began in 2008 to honor rodeo contestants and those working behind the scenes for their years of participation and efforts. This year’s inductees are:

Walla Walla native GL Longgood began competing in rodeos during college before moving up to the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), winning rodeos throughout the Northwest, including being named Columbia River Circuit Tie-Down Roping Champion in 1978 and 1980. GL also coached the Walla Walla Community College men’s and women’s rodeo teams.

Jake Stephens was born in Walla Walla to a rodeo family and competed in youth and professional rodeos. His family started Stephens Brothers Rodeo stock company. Jake worked as a pick-up man for bronc riders and fighting bulls until he was 43 and sustained a traumatic injury that forced him to turn in his ropes.

Jim Vinti, another Walla Walla native, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes of the annual Frontier Days Rodeo for over 30 years. He can be seen every evening before the rodeo on a tractor working the arena surface to achieve the perfect consistency for the contestants – earning the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s “Best Footing Award twice – as well as anything else that needs to be done. He has had an incalculable positive impact on the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days through his involvement in 4-H and FFA programs.

Finally, this year’s Distinguished Sponsor is Koncrete Industries, a local ready-mix concrete, sand, and gravel supply company. Koncrete Industries has provided immeasurable support to the Fair for over 25 years in countless ways, always stepping up when needed.

The 2022 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days theme is “Comin’ in Hot!” and runs from Wednesday, August 31st through September 4th, 2022.