It's always an honor for Queen Emma to bring in Old Glory

MOSES LAKE — The honor is all hers, says 2017 Miss Moses Lake Roundup Emma Gunderson.

When she and her 13-year-old palomino quarter horse Diva enter the arena on opening night of the 74th annual Moses Lake Roundup, proudly carrying the American flag, it will mark a highlight in a young life of a woman looking to make a difference.

“Ever since I was young, it always brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps. There’s nothin’ better than Old Glory running on horseback in the rodeo arena,” she said, hesitating for just a moment as the mental picture formulated in her mind. “It’s not about me, it’s about this country and I am so honored to be able to bring in the American flag into the arena.”

For love of country and the sport of rodeo, Columbia Basin rodeo fans will gather Aug. 17-19 at the Grant County Fairgrounds for the 74th annual Moses Lake Roundup, a tradition that dates all the way back to when rodeo officials used to round up wild mustangs on the prairie near Ephrata for cowboys to ride in the arena.

Gunderson has been patiently waiting her turn and now it is her time to represent not only the community of Ephrata, but the Columbia Basin on her journey as Miss Moses Lake Roundup.

“I only get to do this for 365 days and I want to take advantage and enjoy every minute,” the 2016 Ephrata graduate said. “It’s not just about the sparkle of the crown, it’s about your interaction with the people you meet and how you serve them. It’s about being honest and trustworthy.

“The responsibility is a very big one. (The Moses Lake Roundup committee) give me a list of places to be and it’s my job to be there on time and be prepared.”

The rodeo season is about to pick up as the PRCA circuit swings to the Pacific Northwest. Her summer schedule started Mother’s Day weekend at Grand Coulee. It also includes Pendleton, Ore., Ellensburg, Omak, as well as the Moses Lake Roundup.

“I’ve also done a lot of community events in Moses Lake, which I think is important to give something back to the community,” said Gunderson, who is working on an associates of arts degree at Big Bend with plans to transfer to Washington State University–Tri-Cities to study in the area of viticulture and enology.

“I’ve been to a senior picnic for the senior citizens of Moses Lake. It was nice to be able to learn from people that were wise and experienced.”

In her duties, she has visited local schools, participated in food bank drives and focused on several things outside of rodeo itself. But she is also active in the Moses Lake Roundup projects like breast cancer awareness and the national Man Up Against Violence campaign.

“I love the passion in the rodeo arena and I think it’s very important to raise awareness. Thursday night at our rodeo is Breast Cancer Night,” she said. “It’s really cool because we team up with the Cancer Foundation to raise money for a really great cause.”

“We will also be raising awareness for domestic violence through the Man Up campaign. It’s different than what you see at most rodeos. It is an issue that’s not always talked about, so I think it’s really cool we are able to raise money and raise awareness for the prevention of domestic violence.”

Gunderson is an active member of the 4-H group, the White Trail Riders, where she has held many positions in office and participated in various community service projects.

She just completed her third year competing at the state level in Puyallup.

But one of the biggest thrills she will have this summer will be three days of bringing Old Glory into the arena for the 74th annual Moses Lake Roundup.

Rodney Harwood is a sports writer for the Columbia Basin Herald and can be reached at rharwood@columbiabasinherald.com.