Strathmore to get new Rodeo Royalty

 

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

Three contestants are competing to be crowned the 2015 Strathmore Rodeo Queen, for the first time since 2000 – the last time a competition was held for the prestigious title.
Jessica Craig from Crossfield, Jessica Pinkney from Calgary, and Shayla Gerencer from Strathmore are competing in this year’s event, to take over the crown from reigning appointed Strathmore Rodeo Queen Becca Walters.
“The three contestants that are running this year are exceptional,” said Judi Wilson, the chair of the Miss Strathmore Stampede Committee. “We are so pleased as they are polished, they are very likable, beautiful, and they all can ride.”
Wilson continued that last time a competition was held for a local rodeo queen was in 2000, yet the Strathmore Stampede is the third largest pro rodeo in Canada. Because there was no Queen representing the Strathmore rodeo at other rodeos and the Canadian finals, a decision was made in 2012 that a queen was needed. Unfortunately, interest to run in the competition was low and as a result Walter was appointed to serve as Rodeo Queen. Wilson praises Walters on doing a great job during her three-year reign.
According to Gerencer, the only contestant from Strathmore, the participants have to go through various competitions in order to score enough points to be crowned Queen.
The first competition was a show of horsemanship skills where the women had to complete a series of different trials on horses that were not their own. The second competition was a fashion show where they modeled clothing from local stores. The final competition is public speaking where the competitors gave a two-minute prepared speech and a one-minute impromptu speech on a topic given to them. There is also an exam to find out how knowledgeable the women are on topics such as the horse anatomy, parts of the saddle, Strathmore and surrounding areas. Finally there is a dinner for the competitors and the sponsors in order to thank them for their support. Each of the competitions had three different judges, who evaluated the girls of the values of a Rodeo Queen.
The Rodeo Queen has to be knowledgeable about rodeo, the western way of life and most importantly about Strathmore and the district. The Queen must also be an excellent horsewoman and have a bright personality. However, the biggest value is the contender’s morality. Throughout their reign the queen is not allowed to drink alcohol or partake in any carousing of any sort, as they are representing Strathmore.
Gerencer understands the responsibilities that would come with representing Strathmore but for her, representing her hometown would mean a lot.
“By representing Strathmore it would be awesome because it is our rodeo,” said Gerencer. “I love rodeo so much. It is who I am and what my family does, so being the Queen of my hometown rodeo would be so much better.”
The new queen will be crowned on Aug. 1 during the Strathmore Stampede.