Things have yet to slow down for me this spring. I have had a great last couple weeks spending time in the mountains, playing music, and sharing my love of Rodeo!
My first event back home was visiting the Trochu Valley Elementary School. I had so much fun educating over 200 students on our western values and the sport of Rodeo. The kids had their try at roping, chair Bull Riding and even a little Barrel Racing! I have to say that school visits are one of my favorite things I get to do!
That same day I headed south for the GMC Rangeland Derby Tarp Auction. I had the chance to catch up with some familiar faces and finally got to meet the Calgary Stampede Royal Trio and Indian Princess.
Lake Louise was my next stop, for the first ever Twisted Tea Ski Louise Stampede presented by Ranchman’s. This was a very eventful day, watching some Cowboys and Cowgirls having their go at “Bucking the Mountain”. The Hanna Pro Rodeo Queen and Miss Strathmore Stampede and I had our own fun getting to do some snow tubing. A big thanks to Lake Louise, Ted Stovin, and the CPRA for putting on an amazing day and awards banquet. I really enjoyed seeing everyone in a different element on the slopes.
The following week also turned up being busy. I had the privilege of playing some music for some seniors in Unit 4 at the Didsbury Hospital. They are no doubt one of my favorite audiences to play for. My day was made and I hope I made some of their days too.
I then headed back to a familiar place. Northlands Park in Edmonton for the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo. I carried our beautiful flag to the anthem and carried flags throughout the night. A special thanks to Nicole Briggs the CIRA president, and Northlands Park.
The Roper Stetson Warehouse held the first ever Miss Rodeo Canada Warehouse Sale. Opening it’s doors up for some lucky shoppers, the warehouse was packed with the proceeds going to the Miss Rodeo Canada program. I cannot thank Jim Nevada, Dana Kuzik, Casey Lamoine, Mary Brooks, and, Jeannette Palmer enough for making this possible. I am still so lucky to have the community of Airdrie behind me. I am so blessed to know and have all these people in my life. I have to also give a shout out to my wonderful Miss Rodeo Canada Board, and all the royalty who came out and helped out for the evening.
Next week I am heading to Beautiful British Columbia for the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo!
Stay Tuned….
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields