Miss Moses Lake Roundup chosen for 2009

MOSES LAKE — After a long day of competition, Sara-Jane Prchal was crowned 2009 Miss Moses Lake Roundup Queen Saturday.

Prchal, 20, competed for the title against Columbia Basin residents Devan Thompson, Megan Lynn Kriete and Kristen Mattson.

Her parents are Royal City residents Joan Prchal and the late Jim Prchal.

Queen Director Nolan Billman said contestants were judged on horsemanship skills, how photogenic they are, modeling skills, stage interview, private interview and media-style interview.

Thompson was named first runner-up. She received an Appearance Award, Personality Award and the Judy Hansen Memorial Sales Achievement Award.

Mattson received a Congeniality Award.

Kriete received the Jack Saulls Memorial Horsemanship Award.

Prchal reacted to the news of her win with tears of happiness.

“This has really been a dream since I could remember,” she said.

Prchal received a host of gifts, including a trophy buckle, saddle made by Richard Call, chaps made by Don Blades, $1,000 scholarship, $1,000 clothing allowance, $575 in fuel cards, $500 travel allowance, saddle blanket, jewelry, display for a trailer, sashes, and a sash pin.

In addition to receiving the title of 2009 Miss Moses Lake Roundup Queen, Prchal received a Speech Award and Photogenic Award.

The Miss Moses Lake Roundup Pageant contestants spent the entire day in competition. It began with a breakfast at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m., they participated in a horsemanship competition.

After lunch with judges and the Miss Moses Lake Roundup Queen Committee, contestants shopped for a casual modeling outfit.

Judges asked contestants questions about the rodeo, current events and other topics in personal interviews.

An evening crowning event included dinner, silent and live auctions, modeling, memorized speeches and impromptu question answering.

Attending the event were several crowned rodeo royalty and Miss Rodeo Washington 2009 Nicole Ray, of Kennewick.

Moses Lake Roundup Queen 2008 Kylie Kooistra gave a farewell speech before crowning Prchal.

For her speech, Prchal discussed the history of horses in the Columbia Basin, concluding with the monument of steel horses that can be seen off Interstate 90, near Vantage.

“Just a short drive up Interstate 90, from Vantage, entitles you to a spectacular view, overlooking basalt cliffs, claiming witness to these majestic beauties,” she said.

“Just close your eyes,” she continued. “Imagine the scenery of steep cliffs, and a 200-foot line of charging horses, jumping and running, down the incline.”