ABOUT
Our area of eastern Washington and northern Idaho, the Palouse Region, grows a quarter of the lentils in the United States. Since its beginning in 1989, the National Lentil Festival has brought national attention to Pullman. The Palouse region of farmlands in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho has a reputation for producing the highest quality lentils in the United States. We think that is worth celebrating!
The National Lentil Festival focuses on the local community, local volunteers, and all that makes up the Palouse. Local honorees are recognized at the Unveiling of the Walk of Fame, a local artist designs the festival poster, and local microbrewers, wine and hard cider makers are showcased in the beer and wine garden.
The National Lentil Festival remains a great way for Pullman to come together as a community of families, students, artists, athletes, and business owners. We look forward to making this year's National Lentil Festival a great event for the community and our thousands of visitors that come each year just to celebrate the lentil!
FESTIVAL LOCATION
A GROWING FESTIVAL & A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK
With your help, the National Lentil Festival has continued to grow and find ways to give back to the great community it calls home. In 2018, we partnered with the following entities:
- Backyard Harvest
- Community Action Center
- Pullman Civic Theatre
- Pullman High School Key Club
- Pullman Rotary Club
- Washington State University Center for Civic Engagement
- Whitman County Humane Society
- YMCA of the Palouse
In 2018, a combined $6,819.91 was donated to the above entities from proceeds raised from food/beverage sales and 5K Fun Run registrations.
895 pounds of lentil chili was rescued from this year’s chili bowl. This is approximately 3,500 servings for families in need in Whitman County.
2019 Lentil Family of The year: Pat Smith
This year’s awardee graduated from Troy High School and later attended the University of Idaho where he began his studies as a civil engineer, but a few weeks later switched to Agricultural Business—a move that seemed to be a perfect fit. While at the University of Idaho he met his wife Annette. They now reside in Kendrick, ID and have two children, Aaron and Jason.
After college he began his career working at Whitman County Growers—now known as The Pacific Northwest Farmer’s Cooperative—for 10 years. In 1990 he made his way back home to Troy, ID to farm with his dad.
He is a former USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council Chair and current Idaho Commission Chair. He is a passionate 3rd generation farmer, pulse smoothie lover and has been quoted as saying:
“It’s exciting for me to go out and plant a crop and see it come to fruition. See it grow, nurture it, try to get the best you can out of it…”
Congratulations to the 2019 Lentil Family of the Year recipient, Pat Smith.
Photo Courtesy of USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame was established in 2003 to honor individuals who have served the Pullman community in a significant way, promoted goodwill, improved the quality of life for Pullman residents or brought acclaim to the area through their contributions. This year’s inductees bring the number of commemorative granite plaques to 105. Each plaque has the names of these individuals inscribed and have been installed in the sidewalks of downtown Pullman. Brochures listing all inductees are available at the Pullman Chamber office. Donations are always accepted for the Walk of Fame program.
Click play to watch the 2019 Walk of Fame Induction. Video courtesy of Brandon C. Chapman.
The 2019 Inductees include:
Distinguished Member of the WSU Community: Sue Durrant
A champion of Title IX, Sue promoted gender equity in sport and received national recognition for her work.
Famous Sports Figure: Mike Utley
His distinguished college football career ended in the fall of 1988 and he was the most highly decorated gridiron star in Cougar history. He went on to play for three years with the Detroit Lions before a spinal cord injury shortened his career.
Distinguished Resident: Joe M. & V. Helen Campero
Joe moved to Pullman in 1943 and went to work for Standard Lumber Company, retiring in 1992 after 45 years. Helen was an RN at the local hospital. Both were very active in the Pullman community.
Distinguished Resident: Alexander C. McGregor
Chairman of The McGregor Company, an agronomy and farm service business headquartered in Colfax with branches and dedicated crews serving farm families in Pullman and more than three dozen rural communities across Whitman and adjacent counties of the Inland Northwest.
Lentil Fest Media Kit
Click here to download our media kit!
Your download will include the following & more:
- Festival info one sheet
- FAQ Sheet
- Press Photos
To make a media inquiry, please use the form below.