In this episode of the Making Sense of Money podcast, we head to Walla Walla to sit down with Greg Tompkins, interim manager of the Walla Walla  Fair and Frontier Days, to talk about the history, community, and financial impact behind one of Washington's longest-running traditions. Greg shares his deep connection to the fair, from his years serving as a Walla Walla County commissioner to watching his own grandchildren raise and show animals.
 
Together, they discuss what it takes to bring the fair to life each year, including sponsorships, volunteers, local vendors, facility rentals, and the countless hours of work happening behind the scenes. Greg also shares how the fair supports the local economy, welcomes more than 90,000 visitors, and gives young people involved in 4-H, FFA, and Grange an opportunity to learn firsthand about hard work, responsibility, budgeting, and managing money.
 
Whether you're a longtime fairgoer or have never experienced the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days, this episode offers a look at why the event has remained such an important community tradition for 160 years. Greg also shares ways families can make the most of their visit, what's ahead for the fair, and why creating affordable experiences and lasting memories continues to be a priority.
 
If you're interested in community traditions, supporting local businesses, or the valuable financial lessons that can come from agriculture and youth programs, this episode is full of great stories and insight.