Makenna Barron Performs at all Big 4 Rodeos

WAITSBURG – On Tuesday night, local songbird Makenna Barron, performed at the Pendleton Round-Up, completing her goal of singing at an event at all of the Big 4 Rodeo Association rodeos in one year. As The Times went to press Makenna was also still in the running to hit another big goal – singing at the Wrangler NFR Las Vegas rodeo.

Through the months of Aug. and Sept. Makenna sang the National Anthem at the Benton-Franklin Horse County Heaven Round-Up, the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, the Lewiston Roundup, and the Pendleton Round-Up. Performing in Lewiston completed Makenna's first goal of singing at all Big 4 events. Tuesday night's performance in Pendleton made her second goal of singing at all four events in one year.

Nine-year-old Makenna's next goal is to sing the National Anthem at the Wrangler National Finals NFR Las Vegas rodeo in December. Makenna submitted a video entry and was chosen as one of 22 youth finalists, to be narrowed down by popular vote.

As The Times went to press, votes had just closed at http://www.nfrsocialarena.com/national_anthem_vote_youth, but results had not been announced. Voting will resume Sept. 24 between the top three youth finalists.

Makenna says she really enjoys singing at events and the only negative is when she has to miss out on something else, like her grandma taking her brothers to the Tri-Cities. "But we can usually adjust our schedule so I can go, too. Mostly, it's just a lot of fun," she said.

And if Makenna doesn't make Vegas this go-round, there's always next year.