The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG -- Two eighth grade cowgirls - Devon Harshman and Ashleigh Hubbard - were selected to Waitsburg's 2015 Celebration Days court following tryouts on Sunday afternoon. "The girls were awesome! Riding and speaking skills on both parts are simply amazing. I'm very excited to have Devon and Ashleigh represent our community," said court advisor Beka Adams.

The girls tried out before judges Walt and Gwen Gobel, Ann Adams, Kelly White and Joy Smith. "As a part of their tryout the girls had to run through a mini regime in the arena that included changing gaits, leads, backing, dismount and standing. We also judged the girls on a short presentation and their ability to answer impromptu questions. Both girls changed from riding to presentation outfits and were judged on their appearance," said Commercial Club president Joy Smith. "This is the third year I have participated in the judging for the WCD Court. It is a thrill to be involved with so many talented young women each year. The horses are a bonus!"

Adams, who is new to advising, said that her mom, Ann Adams, will be lending a hand with the duties. Ann helped advise the Dayton Days court and has spent many hours as court mom during Beka's reigns. Beka was 2010 Days of Real Sport Queen, 2011 Dayton Days Queen and 2013 Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days Princess.

"I'm really excited to be on court!" said Hubbard who lives in Dixie and attends school in Waitsburg. She has been riding for five years with her 'Giddy-Up and Go' 4-H group and at home. Hubbard will ride her 18-year-old appaloosa mare, Bella, during her reign. Hubbard says Bella has some unique traits that make her special. "She likes to lift her front lip - we call it her smile," she said.

Hubbard said her mother got her interested in riding and encouraged her to try out for court. She also spends time riding with 2014 WCD Queen Megan Morrison and was encouraged to learn that Adams would be advising. "I remember watching Beka come out on her horse during the Walla Walla Fair and thinking I'd like to do that. I'm really excited to get to know her better," she said. Hubbard wants to be a good role model, represent Waitsburg in a positive way, and improve her public speaking. She hopes to hone her skills and eventually try out for the Milton-Freewater Pioneer Possee and the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days courts.

Harshman says she has been "riding off -and-on since she was four" but just got back into it seriously, recently. She borrowed Morrison's horse for tryouts and is planning to purchase her own prior to their first "with-horse" parade in Asotin this April. Harshman keeps busy as middle school ASB President and plays football, basketball and softball. "I'm not sure if I'll have time to play this year, with my royalty duties, but we'll see," she said.

Harshman said she decided to try out during this year's Walla Walla Fair when she learned that Adams would be the WCD royalty advisor. "I already knew her. She's a very good rider and very good at speaking in public. I knew she would be a great mentor and role model to follow after," said Harshman. "Representing Waitsburg in a positive way" is Harshman's top priority.

A shopping trip for court attire is next on the royalty itinerary for October, followed by fundraisers, the Walla Walla Veterans' parade, helping with veterans' activities and the Dayton Christmas Kick-Off parade, all in November. One of the court members will be crowned Queen prior to Waitsburg Celebration Days in May.