Klein crowned queen at Ritzville Rodeo banquet

Julia Klein was crowned as the queen of the 2020 Ritzville Rodeo at the association's annual banquet on Jan. 19, in front of a packed crowd at the American Legion Hall.

Klein was bestowed her regal title by the 2019 queen, Rachel Nygren, who presented Klein with a sash, belt buckle and crown for her cowboy hat.

"I just want to start off by saying thank you," said Klein after being crowned. "I'm so excited to represent this community. This community is amazing, whether it's basketball or clubs or FFA, we're always in the community with fundraisers and asking for donations, and just putting this [banquet] together, the community is so willing to donate."

Klein thanked her parents for their support throughout the process of becoming the 2020 queen, and said this is something she's wanted to do since she was little. She also thanked her friends, family and the rodeo board, and said she couldn't wait to meet all of the little girls, other communities and represent Ritzville.

"I'm just super excited, and I want to thank you for this opportunity," Klein said, concluding her remarks.

Funds raised during the banquet go toward helping Klein's travels throughout the year as an ambassador for the Ritzville Rodeo. The event featured a catered meal from Washtucna's Rollin' Coal Barbecue, as well as a silent and live auction.

The live auction netted over $4,400, with the highest-selling item being an artistic saw blade that sold for $500. Other items that fetched high bids include a saddle stand, handmade coffee table, weed trimmer, dinner bell, a handmade quilt and an all-in-one computer. Smoked chicken from Rollin' Coal Barbecue, wine and 50th Anniversary Ritzville Rodeo beer were also auctioned off.

Silent auction items were in abundance at the banquet, with donations coming from businesses, organizations and community members. Items included trap-shooting targets, wine baskets, a horseshoe paper towel holder, a horseshoe picture frame, cactus decorations, homemade food items, jumper cables, Pro-West Rodeo gear and more.

Before crowning her successor as this year's rodeo queen, Nygren reflected on her past year as being the 2019 queen, calling it an overall "awesome" experience.

"I just want to say that this year has been amazing," said Nygren. "The experiences and all the opportunities I had were awesome. I got to travel to so many places, meet so many new friends ... I feel so blessed to be the 50th anniversary rodeo queen, and I want to thank all of the queens and our past royalty that came back and made it so special."

The 2019 Youth Drill Team was also recognized for its performance last year. Coach Michelle Hennings and Kim Yaeger called their team on stage and thanked each of the 11 members for their hard work and dedication. Hennings also announced that Kayla Vasquez would take over the reins as coach in 2020. Hennings, who has been the coach for the past four years, said that she and Yaeger will still remain involved with the drill team.