Nygren crowned Ritzville Rodeo Queen at annual banquet

A packed house of about 140 people filled the American Legion Hall on Jan. 20 to watch the coronation of the 2019 Ritzville Rodeo Queen, Rachel Nygren, as a part of the Ritzville Rodeo Association's (RRA) annual banquet.

Festivities during the banquet included the RRA's annual meeting earlier in the late afternoon, a prime rib dinner catered by Good Old Boys BBQ, and both a live and silent auction with proceeds going to help fund Nygren's travels throughout the year as an ambassador for the Ritzville Rodeo, which is celebrating its 50th annual rodeo this year.

"I'm super excited to represent you all this year in 2019 as your Ritzville Rodeo Queen," said Nygren after she'd been handed the reins from the 2018 queen, Aaliyah Yaeger. Nygren is the Ritzville Rodeo's 50th rodeo queen. As a part of the 50th edition of the Ritzville Rodeo, Nygren will be inviting all former royalty to join her for special festivities at the Rodeo during Labor Day weekend.

Rodeo announcer Bob Garrett played the role of M.C. during the coronation, and said the only reason he considered being up on stage as the host is because he's known Nygren for a long time.

"As most of you probably know, I usually avoid queen banquets all the time," said Garrett. "But when I watched this queen grow up right before my eyes, I asked her one of those very difficult questions: how long have you and I been doing this together? And she had it down to a science."

Nygren had a picture on display in the front room of the American Legion Hall of when she was five-years-old at a stick horse race, showing how long she's been involved with the Ritzville Rodeo Association. Garrett said he didn't even have to be invited to the event, saying that he's been having fun with Nygren ever since that race when she was five.

Nygren also thanked the sponsors and businesses that donated items for both the silent and live auction. "It means so much to us, and we wouldn't be able to do this without you," said Nygren.

Some of the items up for bid this year included quilts, bottles of wine, gift baskets and gift certificates from local companies, other items from local companies and even leftovers from Good Old Boys BBQ.

The coronation also gave attendees the opportunity to say goodbye to the 2018 royalty, Queen Aaliyah Yaeger and Princess Brianna Kin Kade. Both Yaeger and Kin Kade thanked the members and the crowd for the opportunity to represent them as Ritzville Rodeo royalty.

Following the coronation, the 2018 Ritzville Youth Drill Team was recognized by the association for its work during the past year. Each member of the team was asked to share their name, age and their horse's name.

"We had an excellent 2018 team this year," said Drill Team coach Michelle Hennings. "We had done some really, really difficult maneuvers this year. So this year's drill was very, very challenging, and they practiced and worked very hard and are amazing ladies."

Drill Team coach Michelle Hennings recognized Kim Yaeger for her help with the team over the past year. She also recognized Bob Garrett and his wife Ann for their support and positivity of the team over the years.

"It's been an amazing adventure if you get to go to as many rodeos as we do," said Bob Garrett after being recognized. "It's refreshing to see our youth be so involved and watch their workmanship improve."