Benton Franklin Fair - The Best Week of Summer Rocked!

The Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up wrapped up its spectacular 77th year in August, delivering stunning attendance figures, huge economic benefits, and unforgettable memories, reinforcing its role as an essential regional event. 

REACH & IMPACT 
• 123,333 people experienced the magic of the Fair over five incredible days.
• $20 million economic impact boosted Benton County's economy.
• Visitors traveled from 41 states to attend, showcasing the Fair's national appeal.
• Horse Heaven Round-Up rodeo broadcast live on The Cowboy Channel to 42 million households.

RECORD-BREAKING COMMUNITY IMPACT
• $1.5 million generated at the Market Stock Auction – the largest grossing youth livestock auction in Washington State – setting yet another record.
• $10,000 in scholarships awarded to youth participants.
• $189,797 raised by nonprofits and community organizations for their programs.
• $2,852 donated to 2nd Harvest from opening day sales. The Fair has contributed the equivalent of 178,000 pounds of food over 17 years.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS 
• 87 free shows delighted families across the grounds, featuring mutton bustin’, pig racing and local musicians.
• Nine food vendors participated in the Value Meal program, providing delicious, family-friendly priced fair meals for only $9.99-$15.
• Delivered 85 participants for the Red Cross blood drive hosted by the Fair, exceeding the goal by 10 units of blood and drawing 19 first-time donors.

 ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION 
• 746 school employees received free admission courtesy of STCU – a perfect back-to-school treat.
• 30,641 FREE bus rides provided by Ben Franklin Transit, sponsored by CPPCo and the Fair.
• Benton County Therapeutic Court summer graduates received 80 complimentary Fair tickets.
• 124 young cowboys and cowgirls participated in Rascal Rodeo adaptive rodeo along with 96 enthusiastic volunteers.
• Created valuable workforce development with Columbia Ability Alliance through the daily Welcome Wagon partnership.
• Celebrated National Thrift Shop Day with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia, exceeding first year expectations with donations and outreach.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS 
• Two first-year livestock exhibitors who successfully completed their projects earned $1,100 GALE Grants.
• $2,250 awarded through the innovative Youth Livestock Video Contest, enhancing educational experiences.
• Provided Fair and Rodeo tickets valued at $31,250 to bring Boys & Girls Club and Big Bro Joe Foundation clients to the event through the Horse Heaven Round-Up’s My First Rodeo Initiative.

BY THE NUMBERS: 
​• 189 direct jobs created by the Fair, with hundreds more through vendors and contractors.
• 500+ volunteers made the magic happen.
• 6,719 elephant ears fried by the dedicated Rotary Club.
• 5 days of pure summer fun that created lasting memories for families.