Diverse floats parade through Ritzville

The Ritzville Community Parade attracted a large crowd of onlookers on Saturday, Sept. 3, as they gathered on the sidewalks to watch 64 entries make their way down Main Avenue.

The diverse and brightly colored entries provided entertainment and excitement for all ages.

The Junior Parade, with a theme of Tropical Paradise, attracted two entries. The Grand Prize went to Claire, Grace and Zach Borth for their “Wonders of the Sea” float.

The second entry in the Junior Parade was Kaylee Klein, 11, who walked down the street leading her horse Princess Cleopatra.

After the Junior Parade, the Ritzville Community Parade began with the presenting of the flag by the local VFW and American Legion Honor Guard. Following behind them were members of local law enforcement agencies from Ritzville.

The parade continued with the Grand Marshals Bev and Jim Cobb. Gaynel Gering drove them in their 1956 Thunderbird hardtop convertible while they waved to their family and friends along the parade route.

In the mounted youth division, first place went to the Saddle Warmers 4-H Club and the Ritzville Rodeo Association Youth Drill Team. The majority of the members riding in the parade are members of both groups.

First place in the antique automobiles went to the Ritzville Car Club, for the 1947 Chevrolet Skymaster driven by Randy and Julie Flyckt.

Second place in the Antique automobile division went to Memories Diner, who entered their Model T truck. Owners Lori and Scott Gorman maneuvered the pickup through town while their grandchildren rode along.

The Grand Sweepstakes winner went to the Chewelah Community Float, entitled Happy Days. The float hosted Chewelah’s Distinguished Young Woman Kayti Hilzinger and representatives Andras Bakken and Bailey McCoy.

First place winner of the float division was the Wilbur Community Float, “A Night in Paris”. Miss Wilbur Lila Bowden rode on the float to help promote Wild Goose Bill Days in Wilbur.

The Davenport Community Float titled “Beach Barbies” received second place in the float division. The float highlighted Miss Davenport Ivy Halverson and Princesses Alexia Guhlke, Sara Mills and Maddie Shumway.

The third place float winner was the Reardan-Edwall Community Float, “Down on the Farm”. The float is sponsored by Reardan Lions Club and featured Miss Reardan-Edwall Bristol Morris.

In the Novelty division, first place went to the Distinguished Young Women of Othello. The four girls rode in a whimsical pumpkin carriage, modeled after Cinderella.

The first place award in the Custom Automobile division went to Bob and Judy Kent of Moses Lake for their 1941 Chevrolet pickup. The couple modernized the frame, transmission and engine, and fully restored the body and exterior.

Senator Mark Schoesler received first place in the Classic automobile division. Schoesler entered his 1954 GMC pickup into the parade to earn the top award.

The second place Classic automobile went to Mike and Spencer Miller for their 1956 Ford 100 pickup. Pete Miller purchased the pickup and wooden boat and restored the pickup, while Spencer recently restored the boat as an FFA project.

Miss Spangle Days Ashley Lentz received first place in the mounted royalty division. Spangle Days occurs every Father’s Day weekend.

In the Commercial division, Evergreen Implement received the top prize with their John Deere gator. Along with candy, the drivers and passengers also threw John Deere hats to parade goers.

The Best Gentlemen Mounted division winners were Ken Nash, Jerry Little and Pat Little. The gentlemen are members of the Washington Civil War Association.

Jim Tate received first place in the Tractor division for his 1967 Ford 621 tractor. The tractor was built by the Ford Motor Company and used by American Airlines at airports.