Stampede queen competition heats up

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

With the Strathmore Stampede getting ever closer, the three contestants in the Strathmore Stampede queen competition will be preparing to show that they have what it takes to be the next queen.
On July 30, reigning Queen Shayla Gerencer will pass on her crown.
“Our reigning queen Shayla Gerencer has been unbelievable,” said Judi Wilson, who is head of the queen committee. “And the girl who takes over has really big boots to fill because Shayla set the bar pretty high.”
The three contestants are Shelby Stout, Cayley Peltzer and Lindsey Newman. They will be attending the Rockyford Rodeo July 22-24, and once that is over the real work begins.
During the week of July 25-29, the contestants will undergo a number of different tests to ensure they are the best person for the job. Wilson said this year will be harder than the last as all three contestants are very good, sharing similar poise, dress sense and horsemanship skill.
The past year has been a learning experience for the queen committee, as it was the first time since 2000 that Strathmore had a queen. Committee members learned a lot of what not to do as well as how to make sure the reign of the queen runs smoothly.
Gerencer was instrumental in bringing to the committee’s attention certain things they should be doing. They have also improved the judging system for the new queen and have decided to do away with the percentages, instead using a total point system.
The girls will have a total of nine judges they have to impress, in such tests as a written exam, horsemanship and the fashion show.