DYW representatives conclude parades, fall activities

The second half of the Distinguished Young Women “Ritzville Wonderland” float season started with the Pioneer Days parade in Davenport. We had a good time visiting with other royalty at this parade while we waited for the parade to start.

Labor Day weekend was busy with two parades on the schedule. We welcomed visitors to our Ritzville parade on Saturday. Our hometown parade was special, as we went through the parade route twice. The first time, we felt so proud and honored by our hometown crowd. The second time, we honored our family members as some of them rode in our place, and we escorted them in the parade. What great memories and pictures we have of that! On Labor Day we traveled to Warden for the Warden Community Days parade. We brought home a second place award from this parade.

The next parade was in Othello. We won the Grand Sweepstakes Award at this parade, and were treated to a fantastic royalty luncheon in the park. The Othello community was very welcoming and we were thanked by many for bringing our float and participating in the parade.

The Odessa Deutschesfest was our next parade in September. This parade was extra special for me, as my grandparents in Odessa, Jim and June Walter, were honored as the Grand Marshals in the parade. We garnered a first place float award at this parade, and enjoyed some chicken dancing with the other royalty while waiting for the parade to start.

The final parade of the season was in Harrington. My mom and I went early to participate in the Fall Festival Fun Run. After the parade, we enjoyed a barbecue lunch at the park, where there were vendors and a petting zoo to enjoy.

Later in the fall, we helped the Festivals Association with the hosting of the annual Penny Auction fundraiser. This was a busy event with great food and fun for all who attended.

The week before Thanksgiving we were invited to entertain at Life Care Center for their Thanksgiving celebration. We recited some poems of Thanksgiving and played the piano for the residents. We were treated to a wonderful dessert when we finished.

What a great year of memories Cassie, Kymberlee and I made. We have been so honored to represent Ritzville.