Katie Skramstad of Umapine is crowned queen of the 2019 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Oct. 27 during the royalty pageant at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds.

Katie Skramstad was recently crowned as the queen of the 2019 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days — following in the footsteps of her sister, Taylor Ann, who served on the 2012 royalty court.

The 19-year-old is the daughter of Scott and Kelly Skramstad of Umapine. Joining Skramstad on the court is Bekah Longmire, 19, of Walla Walla and Devon Harshman, 18, of Waitsburg.

The 2019 Royalty Pageant was held Oct. 27 at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. Judges for the event included Beth Merck of Spokane, who serves on the Miss Rodeo America National Advisory Council; Amanda Miller of Moses Lake, who is a director with the Moses Lake Roundup; and Laura Lee Barry of Kennewick. In addition to being the wife of recently retired bullfighter Rowdy Barry, Laura Lee spent 23 years as Lady Wrangler, promoting the sport of rodeo, and served as a volunteer coach with the “Wrangler Girls” for the Kennewick Rodeo.

Court candidates were judged in the areas of congeniality, horsemanship, interviewing, modeling and speech. The event included an evening meet-and-greet in the fairground’s pavilion followed by the modeling, speeches and impromptu questions — culminating in the crowning of the 2019 royalty court. Skramstad scored highest in the horsemanship and modeling categories.

Skramstad’s skills in the arena date back to when she was 6 years old — winning her first barrel racing buckle at the Milton-Freewater Pioneer Posse. She currently competes on her 14-year-old red dun quarter horse mare, SK Zan Parr Sparkle, also referred to as Ruby.

A 2018 graduate of Touchet High School, Skramstad was an honor student, served as the Associated Student Body public relations officer, and played on varsity teams all four years in volleyball, basketball and softball. In addition, she was involved in Touchet FFA, serving as president and competing in showing market swine and livestock judging.

Currently attending Blue Mountain Community College, Skramstad also plays on the women’s basketball team. Upon completion of her transfer degree, Skramstad will head to Eastern Oregon University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She hopes to continue her education at the Pacific University School of Pharmacy.

In its 153rd year, the 2019 Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days runs Aug. 28-Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.wallawallafairgrounds.com.

———

Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539