The first Walla Walla Poetry Party was produced by Charles Potts and David Hiatt, September 21-23, 1990, at the YWCA in Walla Walla. The Bookfair and three days of readings were attended by more than 30 poets from eight states including Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, California and Utah as well as Washington, Oregon and Idaho
The poetry parties occurred annually for the next three years. After two years without an event the readings resumed in 1996 and in 97. There wouldn't be another poetry party until 2003. Following a year of small readings at the old Masonic temple building owned by Charles Potts, poets gathered from all over the United States and as far away as China to read for three days in November.
The last poetry party was in 2005 and in the spirit of the readings before it, brought poets from as far as New York, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas.
Over the course of 15 years the Walla Walla Poetry Parties brought over a hundred poets from all over the world to read poetry.
Produced and organized by Charles Potts and David Hiatt
Produced, organized, and emceed by Charles Potts, Denis Mair, and Jeremy Gaulke.
Produced, organized and emceed by Charles Potts, Travis Catsull, and Janice King.