A Community Celebration

How the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo Strengthens Our Community

The Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up celebrated its 77th year with more than just thrilling rides, rodeo action, and fair food favorites. It was an event that delivered tremendous value to the community, and Castle Event Catering was proud to be part of it! During the week, our team from 13 Bones Urban Barbeque fed VIPS, corporate sponsors and, of course, the cowboys.

Over five days, we were on site with more than 120,000 attendees from 41 states who converged in Benton County and boosted our local economy by generating $20 million!

By The Numbers …

Record-Breaking Community Contributions

This year’s Market Stock Auction brought in a record-setting $1.5 million and is the largest youth livestock auction in Washington State. Scholarships, nonprofit fundraising, and donations to 2nd Harvest, totaling the equivalent of 178,000 pounds of food over 17 years, underscore the Fair’s powerful community impact.

A True Community Celebration

With 87 free shows, affordable family meals, and a Red Cross blood drive that surpassed its goal, the Fair offered fun for all while supporting vital causes.

Investing in Youth and the Future

From GALE Grants and youth video contests to programs like My First Rodeo, which brought children from the Boys & Girls Club and Big Bro Joe Foundation to the event, the Fair invests in the next generation of leaders and agricultural stewards.

Behind the Magic

With over 189 direct jobs, hundreds of vendors, and 500+ volunteers, the Fair fuels workforce development and civic engagement across the region.

In short, the Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up is more than a summertime tradition. It’s a catalyst for community pride, economic vitality, and youth development and we were thrilled to be part of it!

 ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK?

900 Guests Were!

During the Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo, the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo held a benefit for breast cancer. For each attendee wearing pink during the rodeo events, the Fair & Rodeo donated $1 to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and area hospitals for preventative care and treatment for women without insurance.

The Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo is one of the premier rodeos in the Northwest and is proud to be part of the Big 4 Rodeo Association, along with the Pendleton Round-Up, the Walla Walla Frontier Days Rodeo, and the Lewiston Round-Up.

We were proud to serve 900 special guests for the “Pink Rodeo Surf and Turf Dinner Buffet.”

MENU

CHEF’S CARVING STATION

Apple and Cherry Wood Smoked Tri-Tip of Beef

Slow-smoked to perfection and served with a sassy sauce bar,

featuring house-made favorites:

Rattlesnake White

Bold and zesty

Drew's Mustard Brew

Tangy with a kick

Local Peach BBQ Sauce

Sweet and downright irresistible

ON THE BUFFET

Crispy Pink Shrimp

Hot and golden, fried to order on site

Summer Cowboy Salad

A hearty toss of romaine and iceberg with fresh herbs, black beans, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn, crunchy corn chips, shredded cheddar and crisp radish, served with cool buttermilk ranch on the side

Sweet Summer Watermelon Slices

Chilled and refreshing

Our Special Yukon Gold Potato Salad

Creamy, savory, and always a crowd favorite

Freshly Baked Rolls & Butter

Warm and fluffy

A Sweet Indulgence

Rice Crispy Treats with Pink M&M’s

End the night with a smile with a throwback to childhood — playful, chewy, and sweet with just the right amount of pink!