Makenna Barron is 2018 Waitsburg Celebration Days Queen

WAITSBURG – Makenna Barron, who turns 12 on Thursday, is most certainly the youngest Days of Real Sport or Waitsburg Celebration Days Queen, but she may be the most experienced as well.

Makenna, daughter of Charlie and Tracy Barron of Waitsburg, reigned as Miss Rodeo Washington Sweetheart in 2013 and was 2016 Washington Little Rodeo Queen. In 2014, at age eight, Makenna sang the national anthem in the Happy Canyon arena at the opening night PBR Classic at the Pendleton Round-Up.

In her roles as Miss Rodeo Washington Sweetheart and Washington Little Rodeo Queen, Makenna traveled the pacific northwest to promote the sport of rodeo. She said that traveling to new places, meeting new people, seeing new things and making friendships and memories were the best part of being Sweetheart and Queen.

Makenna was able to attend the Calgary Stampede as Washington Little Rodeo Queen, last year with the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days court, and plans to attend again this year.

"It's awesome! The drive is long but once you get there, it's all worth it. The rodeo is huge. It's a sight to see," she said.

And while Makenna has attended rodeos and celebrations near and far, she is more than proud to bring attention to the special attributes of her hometown of Waitsburg.

"I decided I wanted to try out for Waitsburg Celebration Days Queen because it would be fun to have an actual place to represent, especially since Waitsburg is my hometown. It will be fun to let people know how great our town is and what we have going on during Celebration Days," Makenna said.

Makenna will be officially crowned on Feb. 17, but has been representing Waitsburg since Hometown Christmas in December, when she helped with activities and rode in the lighted parade. Last month, she represented Waitsburg at the coronation of the Milton-Freewater Pioneer Posse royalty.

Makenna was a natural-born cowgirl. Her mom, Tracy Barron, belonged to the Pro West Rodeo Association when Makenna was born and included her from the start.

Makenna was born in February and Tracy took her along to rodeos, starting that April. Makenna struck out on her own at age two when she began competing in Pee Wee Barrel Racing and Goat Tail Tying.

Makenna, who had never had voice lessons, began singing the national anthem at rodeos at age six. She continues to freely share her beautiful voice by singing at many community events in Waitsburg and around the Touchet Valley.

While representing Waitsburg, Makenna will be riding Tiger Lily, a 6-year-old quarter horse dun that she has owned for four years.

Makenna said she hopes to continue her royalty career and plans to try out for the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days court when she is 16 and will try for Miss Rodeo Washington when she turns 18.

The community is invited to support Makenna at a fundraising all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner at Waitsburg Town Hall on Sat., Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. The evening will also include a silent auction and dessert auction. Tickets are $10 each or 2/$15 and may be purchased directly from Makenna or by calling Tracy at (509) 520-8776.

"I'm really excited! I'd like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to represent them," Makenna said.