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.
Paying out a total of $233,085, the rodeo is the second stop in the Big Four series, bringing added attention and higher stakes to the region’s top competitors.
The Big Four Rodeo Association was founded in 1948 on a simple idea: Four great rodeos are stronger together. The association is comprised of four rodeos, in order of occurrence: the Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo, Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, Lewiston Roundup and Pendleton Round-Up.
For decades, the association has united some of the Northwest’s most respected rodeo committees, working collectively to promote professional rodeo, support contestants and preserve the traditions that make the Western way of life so special.
Today, the Big Four Rodeo Association continues to serve as a symbol of partnership, tradition and community spirit. By bringing together dedicated volunteers, sponsors and rodeo enthusiasts, the association helps ensure the legacy of rodeo remains strong for future generations.
Headlining the 2026 edition of Walla Walla Frontier Days was reigning All-Around World Champion Stetson Wright, who added $4,752 to his season earnings and extended his lead in the all-around world standings.
Bareback rider Bradlee Miller marked an 87-point ride on Brookman Rodeo’s Ruffie’s Rage to earn $6,380. Miller, who currently leads the world standings, added to his advantage as he pursues his third NFR qualification.
Steer wrestler Chance Gartner took the title with a 4.0-second run, earning $4,834. The victory marks the Washington native’s largest payday of the season.
Kash Bonnett and Logan Cullen captured the team roping title with a 3.8-second run, earning $5,240 each.
In a standout performance, Resistol rookie Waitley Sharon continued his impressive first season with an 88.5-point ride on Brookman Rodeo’s Cheryl Crow, earning $6,176. The victory adds to Sharon’s strong rookie campaign, further strengthening his lead in the rookie race and moving him to No. 12 in the world standings as he pursues his first NFR qualification.
Two-time NFR qualifier Brushton Minton also remains in the hunt for his third NFR qualification. Minton posted an 8.2-second run to win $5,534 in Walla Walla.
Columbia River cowgirl Kathy Grimes captured the title with a 17.04-second run, earning $6,133.
As the regular season continues toward its conclusion, attention will remain on the Big Four rodeos and the tightly contested year-end world standings races.