Hats off to Cowboy Christmas

18 Jul 2013

It has been a solid month of non stop rodeoing for this Miss Rodeo Canada. Looking back at my last blog, I cannot believe I left off at the very beginning of what has been a phenomenal summer!

The Brooks Kinsmen Pro Rodeo provided a ton of fun. Not only did I see some CPRA action that weekend, but I also got to take part in the Little Britches Rodeo too. There is nothing better than watching the next generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls get down in the dirt.Whether it was catching chickens with a butterfly net or scoring high in the mutton busting, those smiles were absolutely priceless. Thanks to the Brooks Kinsmen for putting on a great Rodeo.

The Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo is where is spent the following week. It was a beautiful week, not as much rain as usually predicted for this particular Rodeo. I was joined by Shelby Simmonds, Miss Ponoka Stampede. I truly felt like I was with family that weekend. Heading to the Daines family campsite for homemade meals and marshmellows after every performance, was the highlight of the week. Sitting around that fire Cheryl Daines, an MRC alumni, shared many fond memories of her year with me, and Dave Poulsen roasted me some top of the line marshmellows. Can it get any better than that? I also received a gorgeous buckle donated by Duane Parsonage. Duane donates a buckle every year in memory of his father. I was overwhelmed and very honoured to have received this. Thank you to the Daines family for being my family for the week!

Once again, I had the pleasure to spend the week with the beautiful Shelby Simmonds at the Ponoka Stampede! I wish to extend a big thank you to the Ponoka Stampede for treating me like a million dollars and being a treat to work with. Being able to carry the Canadian flag at the biggest Pro Rodeo in Canada was a dream come true. There is nothing like watching the drill team flat out and then hearing the herd come down the track. It was that part of the performance where I would feel so proud to be apart of this sport and family that makes this all happen.

The Airdrie Pro Rodeo also kicked off during the Canada day weekend. This kept me fairly busy driving back and forth to make both Rodeo performances in Ponoka and Airdrie. I was truly honoured to be at the very Rodeo I represented running for Miss Rodeo Canada, which felt like going home again. It was hard to believe that one year ago I was passing my Airdrie crown over and saying my farewell to my committee. It was bitter sweet to be back. Congrats to Nicole Briggs and Samantha Bilsborrow on a job well done! Thank you to the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association for welcoming me back to my home grounds!

Hell or High Water the Calgary Stampede continued!
I had a great time at the Calgary Stampede Parade and Rodeo. It was absolutely heart warming to watch Southern Alberta come together to ensure the production of the ten day event. The amazing spirit evoked by this tragedy has truly solidified the Calgary Stampede’s reputation as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Recently I just returned from 4 days in the wild! My first time ever experiencing the Teepee Creek Stampede was one I will never forget. Not only was I apart of the Rodeo, but I had the opportunity to take on the stage with my fiddle! I wish I could do it all again. My favorite part about the Teepee Creek Stampede is that almost everyone was at the pancake breakfast because that was the only place to get it! A great crowd and a great committee! Thanks to the Teepee Creek Stampede for a great weekend!