Rodeo Queen Ready To Kick-off The “Best Week of Summer”

The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo gets underway this week in Kennewick.  The five day event serves as the culmination of a summer of hard work for many young and future farmers from across the Columbia Basin.  Benton-Franklin Fair and Rodeo Queen Kenzie Smithyman grew up on a 40 acre farm where her family grows orchard grass hay and Hereford cattle.  She she told the Washington Ag Network farming has been a key part of her entire life, including 4-H starting at the age of six and FFA throughout high school.

“I love the people and all of the learning experiences.  It’s taught me so much about the ag industry.”

Smithyman noted participating in 4-H, FFA and the fair royalty process has improved her public speaking, allowed her to experience new and exciting things and also brought her out of her shell.  She added the Fair week kicks off a very active year.

“I travel around the Pacific Northwest and attend 80+ events throughout the year.  I do rodeos and parades.  I also help out at schools and different 4-H clubs and smaller events.”

Smithyman says when she graduates from college, she plans to be a bovine veterinarian.

To learn more about the Benton-Franklin County Fair, Click Here.

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