In 1936, forty-four Walla Walla businessmen formed a group to promote the Whitman Centennial – the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whitman Mission. This group was given the responsibility to serve as a publicity group to the outside communities and, maybe more importantly, for injecting a bit of fun into the celebrations. Like, selling a special commemorative button for $1 and, if someone was caught by a member not wearing it, they were hauled before a judge and assessed a fine… usually the purchase of another $1 button.Those who attempted to avoid “prosecution” often found themselves swimming in the nearby horse trough.
That was the beginning of the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers, April 1936.
After the centennial celebration, their focus turned to the preservation of Walla Walla history and in the late 1940s, they went "western" to provide activities centered around horses.
In 1947, they organized a drill team and received many invitations to participate in fairs and parades around the northwest, and their many awards are displayed on the beer hall wall.
In February 1950, the Wagon Wheelers Sheriff’s Posse was organized, and they provided their services to the Blue Mountain Search and Rescue unit and from 1953 to 1997 were bonded Deputy Sheriffs of Walla Walla county, helping with search and rescue efforts.
The Walla Walla Posse also competed with 14 other Washington counties in Washington State Sheriff’s Posse Association three day meets.The Walla Walla fairgrounds was a favorite for holding Posse Meets
The Exposition building at the Southeastern Washington fairgrounds was the result of the Wagon Wheeler’s study of the need for such a facility and in 1957 they presented the Walla Walla County Commissioners with a proposal to raise the first $20,000 with the County adding $40,000. The Wagon Wheelers $3,500 contribution was the largest single donation, and they also provided all the arena panels and built the announcers stand. The Wagon Wheelers have continued their support of the fairgrounds, 4-H, FFA, and drilling at the fair rodeo annually since 1947.
The Wagon Wheelers obtained the first liquor license to sell beer on the fairgrounds as a joint effort to support the fairgrounds and the Wagon Wheelers. The first beer sales were from a horse trough in back of the grandstands, and later the Wagon Wheelers constructed the beer hall under the grandstands. Wagon Wheeler members volunteered to operate the beer hall until 2015, bringing in needed revenue for the club and the fairgrounds.
In 2026 they are celebrating their 90th year of being the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers and supporting the community and the fairgrounds.