On the Road Again

05 Jun 2014

It has been a very busy last two weeks! Since my last entry, I have only had four days off! The summer stretch began May 21st with the 790 CFCW Listener Appreciation Concert held at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. CFCW has been a major sponsor of Miss Rodeo Canada since 1975. They graciously allowed us to hold our annual Miss Rodeo Canada Silent Auction during their event to help raise money for the organization. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and introduce Brett Kissel on stage as well watch the majority of the concert from backstage! Following the concert I was able to meet many of the CFCW listeners as well as Gord Bamford, High Valley and the Boom Chucka Boys!

The next day we were off to the 1st Annual Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant Seminar, put on by Kirsten Braumandl, Gillian Shields and other past MRC Alumni. We had seven ladies take part in the three day seminar covering all aspects of a rodeo royalty pageant. We were fortunate enough to have Brandon Thome from Prairie Therapy and a member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team, Ted Stovin (discussing animal welfare, media and hat shaping/building/care), Justine Gardner (skin care and makeup) and Sara Rutley from Energy Equine (discussing horse wellness and anatomy). Of course many members of our Miss Rodeo Canada Alumni were on hand to speak on various pageant categories – their experience was invaluable as they presented to our seven attendees on various aspects of a queen competition. The history and knowledge presented by these keynote speakers made for an amazing seminar!

The very next day I was packed and ready to attend my first CPRA stop of the year — the Grande Prairie Stompede! I was able to spend three days in Grande Prairie alongside, Miss Grande Prairie Stompede, Miss Rodeo Airdrie and the two contestants competing for the new Grande Prairie Stompede title! I had the honour of attending the Bust-Out BBQ to kick off Stompede, the parade, many breakfasts, barbeques, school visits and radio interviews. Amongst the rodeo activities, I was able to attend the entire Miss Grande Prairie Stompede Pageant and had the opportunity to watch the horsemanship, emcee the fashion show and judge the personal interview portion of the pageant. Thank you to my Grande Prairie hosts for a wonderful time!

Following the Thursday night performance of the Grande Prairie Stompede, I was back on the road heading to the Leduc Black Gold Rodeo for Friday morning activities! I started the Leduc Rodeo by attending the Leduc Rodeo of Smiles. There were over 150 special needs kids in attendance and we all had an amazing time. It was great to be a part of such an event. Leduc went by very fast! I had the honour of carrying the Canadian Flag before each rodeo’s performance, helped carry sponsors flags with the amazing Leduc Black Gold Riders, and chased out stock.
June looks to be a very busy month as well! My next stops include Brooks, Innisfail, Sundre, Ponoka and Airdrie!