“So Much Summer Left to Savor—Don’t Miss the Magic!”

Cruised through some retail over the weekend while showing off our valley to a fresh wave of houseguests—and was shocked to see orange pumpkins, brown leaves, and even a touch of red and green sneaking into store displays. Wait…fall? Winter? How did that happen? Walla Walla is just hitting its summer stride—we’re gearing up for the Fair & Frontier Days Rodeo!

At the Chamber, our doors are swinging open to a steady stream of visitors and soon-to-be new residents seeking everything from local maps to insider tips. Simultaneously, we’re deep into the planning and delivery of our late-summer and fall events, business roundtables, educational offerings, and of course, our annual Community Excellence Awards to close out 2025. That may sound distant—but trust us, it’s right around the corner.

Tickets will soon be available for Tour D’ Farm, a new two-day exploration of the rich and diverse world of Walla Walla Valley agriculture. With nearly 15 farms, ranches, and agribusinesses participating—from equine facilities and mushroom growers to wheat fields and onions—you’ll have a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the stewards of our valley’s agricultural legacy and innovation. Many stops on the tour are not usually open to the public, making this a unique and engaging weekend for all ages. Thanks to the generosity of our hosts, kids under 10 tour free!

WWCC will be showcasing their Ag program in full, alongside partners like Thiesen Ranch and others across the Valley. If you think you know local agriculture, this experience might just surprise you.

Mark your calendar for August 12, when we launch our new series: Conversations That Count. Held at the Walla Walla Airport conference room (thanks to the Port of Walla Walla), this lunchtime gathering features Chris Corry, Eastern Washington Director of the Washington Policy Center—a nonpartisan think tank focused on practical policy across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business. Bring your lunch, your questions, and your curiosity. It’s free, open to the public, and membership is not required.

On August 26 from 5:30–6:30 PM at Chamber After ours – Summer Series join us at the Chamber to hear directly from the Walla Walla Public Library as they share bold new plans for their renovation and expanded community impact. Since 1897, our local library has been more than a repository of books—it’s been a cornerstone for learning, imagination, and inclusive progress. Come see where the next chapter is headed!

We’ll be celebrating with Habitat for Humanity on August 16 at noon at 425 Peyton Lane, for the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking of their new seven-home project—join us to help kick off this inspiring community milestone.

And that’s just the warm-up! Coming this fall: Young Professionals & Women in Business Speed Networking, Taste of the Valley, a Newcomers Meetup, the Film WWV Reel Impact Summit, Community Excellence Awards, and multiple Community Connections events.

Want to Get Involved? We’re seeking sponsors, volunteers, and friendly faces to join us as we connect, educate, and celebrate. Reach out to us at ceo@wwvchamber.com to sponsor—or visit wwvchamber.com/events to RSVP, volunteer, or just see what’s ahead.

Let’s make these final weeks of summer something to remember. “The things we do best, we do together”!