Fairgates

 

The Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club has been a vibrant and consistent presence at the Southeast Washington Fair and Frontier Days for many years. Their involvement exemplifies Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.

 

Update from 2025 fundraiser

We had 69 volunteers with five of these are not members. The club worked over 150 hours over five days raising over $20,000 for scholarships and other worthwhile projects.

It has been an honor and a privilege to work with all of you!  And for me, just sitting there with you and chatting, and getting a glimpse of what is going on in your life and business, really is the best part of volunteering!!  Tom Osborn, Committee Chair

Volunteer Activities

  • Parking and Ticketing: Club members and their families have traditionally volunteered to manage parking lots and help with various duties throughout the fair week—from Wednesday through Sunday. This hands-on work helps streamline fair operations and ensures a welcoming experience for attendees.

  • Fundraising for Youth Scholarships: Proceeds from these efforts directly support youth scholarships and local community projects. The club uses this opportunity not only to raise funds but also to connect with the broader Walla Walla community.

Rotary Spirit at the Fair

  • Members proudly wear Rotary gear and often share smiles and camaraderie with fairgoers, embodying the spirit of fellowship and service.

  • The club’s presence is also a chance to educate the public about Rotary’s mission and recruit new members who are inspired by their visible impact.

  • The club’s participation is a staple on their calendar, aligning with the fair’s schedule which kicks off the Wednesday before Labor Day and includes events like the Demolition Derby, PRCA Rodeo, and the Frontier Days Parade.

 

Small Trees, Big Impact

 

The Small Trees, Big Impact fundraiser is a creative way for the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club to raise money for college scholarships for local students in the Walla Walla Valley.  This year’s event will kick off the weekend before Thanksgiving Day at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel by transforming the hotel lobby into a festive forest of themed small Christmas trees.

Rotary will set up the trees on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the silent auction will close on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. Tree pickup for the highest bidders will be on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby.

Each tree is uniquely decorated and paired with gifts, experiences, or gift cards donated by local businesses and individuals, including Rotarians. These trees are then auctioned off in a silent bidding format during a three-week period, with all proceeds going to Rotary’s scholarship fund.

Community Impact

  • Scholarships: The fundraiser has become a major source of funding for the club’s scholarship program, supporting students across the Walla Walla Valley.

  • Outreach: The event relies on Rotary members to volunteer their time for set-up day and take-day down day, which is focused on helping all tree sponsors find their assigned table! The event creates a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians to interact with leaders in the greater community who may be interested in joining the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club!

  • Annual Success: In recent years, the event has raised over $10,000 annually, with hopes to grow even more thanks to community support.

Tree Themes and Creativity

The trees are more than decorations—they’re experiences. Past examples include:

  • A “Fort Walla Walla Museum Tree,” including games, books, and a Family Year
    Membership to the Museum.

  • A tree sponsored by Andy’s Market, featuring a stack of favorite cookbooks to
    enjoy.

  • A golf-themed tree offering lunch and a round at the Walla Walla Country Club.

  • A ski-and-brew tree featuring lift tickets to Ski Bluewood and a gift certificate to Burwood Brewing Company

Club Leaders
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