Miss Rodeo Washington to kick off year in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - Audrey Ramsden's win last October on the Miss Rodeo Washington stage marked the continuation of an emerging trend.

For the third time since 2009, the state's rodeo queen has come from the Moses Lake Roundup circuit.

Ramsden was Miss Moses Lake Roundup in 2013, before she won the title of Miss Rodeo Washington 2014.

Miss Rodeo Washington 2010 and 2012 were both former Moses Lake Roundup title holders as well.

2010's state winner was George native Katie Garfield. She was Roundup queen in 2007. And Miss Rodeo Washington 2012, Quincy's Kylie Kooistra, was Roundup queen in 2008.

"It's just a fun thing that's happened every other year for the past couple of years now," Ramsden said. "This year it was the turn for a Moses Lake Roundup Queen to win, so I went into the competition thinking that I better win."

Ramsden was crowned state rodeo queen last October, but didn't officially start her reign until Jan. 1. As Miss Rodeo Washington, Ramsden said she'll spend her year promoting Washington state, as well as Grant County, at various rodeo events around the country.

She kicked off her year of rodeo appearances in Coulee City over New Years and heads to Denver this weekend. Ramsden said her travels this year will also take her throughout the Northwest and to states as far as Texas and Florida.

However, it's going to all the rodeos in Washington that has her the most excited.

"There's nothing like your home state or your hometown, so just to get back to where I'm representing will be really cool," she said.

Ramsden said the Moses Lake Roundup will likely be the highlight of her year.

"The Moses Lake Roundup has been so supportive of me," she said. "I'm excited to come back again, this time as Miss Rodeo Washington."

Ramsden will end her year at the Miss Rodeo America competition this December.

Although she's had a few appearances already, Ramsden said she's officially kicking off her reign with a celebration in her hometown next month.

She's holding a dinner and auction event at the 4-H building at the Grant County Fairgrounds Feb. 1. Proceeds from the night will help support her upcoming year.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. There will be dinner, a live and silent auction and entertainment throughout the night, she said.

Guests can also purchase an entire table, rather than individual tickets.

To donate auction items, or to purchase advance tickets, e-mail missrodeowashington2014@hotmail.com.