Keeping up with Miss Strathmore Stampede

Miss Strathmore Stampede 2012 

 

August 1 marked the start of a new adventure when I was crowned Miss Strathmore Stampede 2012 at the Strathmore Stampede Appreciation Banquet. I am honoured for the opportunity to represent the Strathmore Stampede along with being an ambassador for the Town of Strathmore and surrounding area for the next year. 

August was certainly a busy month starting with a visit to the Strathmore Hospital for their seniors pancake breakfast and the annual Strathmore Stampede and Heritage Days. It was fantastic to work alongside the Rodeo Committee, volunteers, and sponsors that make this grand event happen. When the Stampede came to an end, it was time to begin my journey travelling across Alberta to rodeos and parades.  

First invitation was to ride in the Water Valley Days Parade and assist with the children’s games afterwards. The Strathmore Super Series Youth Rodeo committee asked me out to ride in their grand entry and assist with handing out the prizes for mutton busting – the day went very well, and the competitors did a fantastic job! I look forward to helping out again next year.  

After the youth rodeo, I travelled up the highway to Stettler for the Steel Wheel Stampede where I was honored to carry the Canadian Flag. Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo was the next day where I had the privilege in assisting with the crowning of the new Miss Rodeo Pincher Creek.  Just a couple days later, I was in Lethbridge to participate riding in the Whoop-Up Days parade along with Miss Rodeo Canada and other rodeo royalty. It was a beautiful day, and the crowd made it all the better. 

September started off with the Okotoks Pro Rodeo which included a visiting rodeo royalty day of activities, introductions at the rodeo and being on hand to see the crowning of the new Miss Rodeo Okotoks. On Labour Day, I attended the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Visiting Royalty Day riding in their parade, introductions during the rodeo, assisting with mutton bustin, as well as there for the crowning of the new Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen and Princess. It’s a great thing to see so many of the rodeos promoting the Rodeo Royalty, and for all the volunteers to make these great performances possible. 

Recently, I have been to the Hanna Pro Rodeo where I met the new Miss Pro Rodeo Hanna, and participated in their All Horse Parade and other events throughout the day. The other visiting royalty and I had a great time at the threshing demonstration where a few of us took part to see what it was like using a 1928 threshing machine. The rodeo that night went fantastic, and it was great to have the privilege to ride the Calgary Stampede horses that were loaned to some of us royalty to use for the day. This past weekend I attended the FCA Finals in Red Deer for two great performances. I was happy to assist in selling 50/50 tickets and presenting cheques to the competitors along with the royalty from Cochrane and Okotoks.

Having the privilege to be Miss Strathmore Stampede is an honour, and gives me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people from all over. The Strathmore Stampede hasn’t had Stampede Royalty for about eight years, and to be able to help bring it back is fantastic. I am currently working on developing the program, soliciting sponsorship, and getting a committee together. Those interested in running for Miss Strathmore Stampede 2013, and you are between the ages of 18 to 24, applications will be available at the beginning of June 2013. If anyone has any questions about the program, or would like me to attend your event, please e-mail me at missstrathmorestampede@gmail.com and I will be in touch with you. Happy Trails until next month.