Kendra Laratta was honored as the 2022 Citizen of the Year at a ceremony held in the Meyer Community Room at the Battle Ground Community Library on Wednesday, March 1.
The Battle Ground Citizen of the Year Committee reviewed nominations and noted that while all those who were nominated deserved to win, Laratta’s dedication to the community stood out.
“It’s very humbling winning such an important award,” Laratta said. “I much prefer to be in the back and not in the spotlight, but I am very appreciative and I feel very humbled by everybody voting for me to win this award. It’s been a very special time for me and I truly love Battle Ground with my whole heart.”
Laratta is a behind the scenes volunteer with a key role in bringing the community Harvest Days, Halloween on Main Street, the Holiday Window Decorating Contest and other festivities.
Laratta, along with others, started the Battle Ground Festivals Association when the chamber of commerce in Battle Ground dissolved prior to the 2019 Harvest Days. The festivals association manages the cruise-in, parade, and the other activities for Harvest Days.
In the future, Laratta hopes to bring more festivities to Battle Ground, which includes an Oktoberfest and a Christmas parade. The committee faced challenges following the pandemic, but Laratta wants to keep bringing community-centric activities to the growing city of Battle Ground.
“You look at Ridgefield and Camas, these are cities that have a lot of things going on, but they’re tradition based. Things that have been happening for years, and yes, they add on to it, but I’d really like to see us grow and have more of those types of activities as well,” Laratta said. “I think there is a big desire to do things in our city and support our local businesses. I have never been in a community that has tried so hard to support our local businesses as Battle Ground.”
During the ceremony, community members shared their appreciation of Laratta and included notes in a guest book at the entrance to the Meyer Community Room. Summerland Catering provided the food and beverages at no charge for the ceremony to honor Laratta and past citizens of the year and all they have done for the Battle Ground community.
Laratta was able to help a small senior center grow during the pandemic. The membership numbers grew from 30 to 350 members in only a year and a half, said Sharon Wodtke, the president of the Battle Ground Senior Citizens Center, Inc.
On July 15, the Royal Rosarians from Portland will host a rose planting ceremony at Battle Ground’s Central Park on Main Street. The planting will take place prior to the Harvest Days Parade and a rose will be planted in honor of Laratta.
