Saddle Up for a Cause | How the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo Strengthens the Tri-Cities

For more than seven decades, the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo (BFFR) has been a staple of Tri-Cities summer life, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural roots with rodeo thrills, carnival excitement, and community camaraderie. But beyond the dust of the arena and the joy of cotton candy, the BFFR is a powerful force for good—a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting other nonprofits. In fact, BFFR’s mission centers on strengthening the Tri-Cities and walks the talk by lifting up the very groups that bring the community together and serve its people every day.

This unique model of community collaboration was recently recognized in a major way: the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo was named Non-Profit of the Year, a prestigious award that honors organizations demonstrating exceptional community impact, fiscal responsibility, volunteer engagement, and sustained contribution to the public good. BFFR earned this distinction not just for what it does during “The Best Week of Summer,” but for the ripple effect it creates year-round across the region.

Pictured: A Mission in Motion. Raised-bed garden installation to provide fresh produce for food-insecure families.

From raising over $1.5 million for youth in agriculture to generating $195,000 in direct support for local clubs and nonprofits during the fair, BFFR is not simply an event—it is a mission in motion. And it doesn’t stop there. BFFR contributes an annual $18.5 million economic impact and empowers dozens of community organizations, including Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT), The Arc of Tri-Cities, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross.

Empowerment in action

Perhaps most notably, BFFR works hand-in-hand with organizations like the Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA), 4-H, the Rotary Club of Pasco-Kennewick, and the Kiwanis Club of Kennewick—nonprofits that serve everyone from children to individuals with disabilities, from students to veterans.

Though it only occupies the fairgrounds for a few weeks each year, BFFR works tirelessly behind the scenes year-round. Managed by a small team of employees, a dedicated board of directors, and over 500 volunteers, the organization hosts over 123,000 guests each year—visitors who unknowingly become part of a powerful chain of giving just by purchasing a ticket, grabbing a corn dog, or cheering on a mutton bustin' rider. So the next time you walk through the fair gates, know that you’re doing more than enjoying a great week—you’re joining a legacy of community-building that spans generations.

By choosing to operate as a 501(c)(3), the Benton Franklin Fair Association ensures that every dollar raised goes back into building a stronger, more inclusive, and more empowered community.

For more information on the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo, to see their upcoming fair schedule, or to learn how you help their mission <click here>

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