Jaynie Nye Memorial Benefit, Kurt Bestor Concert

It was an evening with a lot of royalty at the Jaynie Nye Memorial Benefit and Kurt Bestor Concert. The event featured a pre-concert dinner, with a silent and live auction to benefit McKay-Dee Hospital’s Cancer Services. Some of the guest royalty included Miss Utah, Whitney Merrifield; Miss Weber County, Kami Alldredge; Miss Kaysville, Mallory Wahlstrom, the Dodge National Circuit Finals Queen, Stormy Henderson; as well as many other beautiful girls. We helped the guests find their assigned seats and assisted during the live auction. During the live auction I held up the Browning Shotgun that was auctioned off and afterwards a guest came up to me and said "we knew that Miss Rodeo Utah would be the only queen brave enough to hold up that shotgun" and they knew what they were talking about. It was a beautiful evening and an honor to be invited.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Round 4

Boy, I'm sure glad we stayed in Las Vegas a couple more days because our seats for the rodeo on Sunday night were smoking. Not much beats a hot date at the best rodeo in the world and a prime rib dinner. I could make that a yearly tradition. It was unfortunate that I was not able to make it to work in time on Monday since it is a seven hour drive, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I went shopping at Cowboy Christmas and Country Christmas and bumped into friends everywhere we went including Angie Burton, a former Miss Rodeo Utah, who looked beautiful carrying the American Flag at the rodeo that night. I'm already making plans for next year.

Las Vegas Support Group

Okay, okay, I'm back online finally. I'm thankful that someone got these pictures for me so that I can remember how many people were supporting me in Las Vegas; my closest friends and family. I was crying before the fashion show even started that night because my 82 year old grandmother had made the trip to Las Vegas. For someone that doesn't show much emotion I have to admit I was a little emotional a couple times during the week. My mom made me a small scrapbook with pictures of all my friends and family and co-workers and they each wrote me a message next to their pictures. I received it from our chaperons on the way back to our rooms one night and I opened it and the first picture was of my parents and then my grandpa Wade that passed away when my dad was young and the tears just started flowing. Miss Rodeo Wyoming Allie Bass said "Chris, you're so funny" but I couldn't help it. Each time I turned the page more tears would come and soon I was almost laughing because I was being such a baby and then I closed the book and there was this long sigh of relief..... Competing for Miss Rodeo America was one of the biggest events of my life and I didn't want to let anyone down, but throughout the week it became apparent that they would be proud of me no matter the results and honestly I was proud of myself. I placed in the top 10 out of some beautiful, smart, talented young women and I had the time of my life. It was such a great experience and I made some of the best friends that I will ever have. I appreciate everyone that was there supporting me including our Miss Rodeo Utah committee and the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo Committee. I hope you all had an awesome week, as did I. Look at the bright side, I'm still Miss Rodeo Utah for seven more months.

Second day at Miss Rodeo America

The second day at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant started with the Horsemanship portion of the competition. Family and friends of all 28 contestants were at South Pointe equestrian center to cheer on their favorite state queens. As a whole, the group did a fine job. It took several hours for for both go-rounds. Supporters for Chris Wade, our representative from the Beehive State, drew in a collective worried breath when Chris entered the arena on the roan she drew for the first g0-round. That horse had decided he simply didn't want to move forward into the arena. It took Chris nearly a minute to coax the horse, through hand, weight and leg cues, to enter the arena and start his lope down the right side of the arena. The crowd burst into spontaneous applause when Chris, seemingly unfazed by the ornery horse, broke into a lope on the correct lead. From there, Chris, who wore the purple-and-gold shirt and Wrangler pant outfit made for her by her mother, Tami, did a phenomenal job on this horse, which clearly didn't really want to be in the arena. Chris looked confident, didn't lose her patience and stuck with it throughout the ride. We were so proud of her. She did a great job. The second-go round was exciting to watch. Several other contestants had already done really nice jobs so the pressure was on Chris to do a nice job too. We were all surprised at how rapid she entered the arena -- on a sprint down the middle of the arena. She cranked the horse to a nice stop, backed him straight down the middle and then started at a nice clip to the right. Chris executed two flying lead changes during her pattern. You could tell she was having fun -- but she told us later that her legs were killing her. It took quite a bit of leg strength to get that sorrell -- named Floyd -- to properly execute the pattern. Chris told us that later one of the other contestants told her, "Chris, you really rocked Floyd's world." Chris has told us several times how friendly all the other contestants have been, and it seems like they are all having a very good time. This year's bunch are very pretty, and it's been a delight to get to know all their friends and families who are here to support them. We were able to eat lunch with Chris, and she seemed very upbeat about the two go-rounds of horsemanship and the Fashion Show rehearsals. In the evening, we attended the get-acquainted party. We were able to sit with some very nice folks from Mississipi, eat some great food and dance to some music. Red and Cindy Wilk, the couple from South Dakota who judged the Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant several years ago and have been so nice to Chris throughout the years, sponsored the dinner. They also gifted all the girls beautiful rings made of Black Hills Gold. Chris loved it -- and it meant a lot coming from the Wilk family.

First Day at Miss Rodeo America

Quite an exciting day in Las Vegas -- the first day of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Chris Wade, the gal from Heber who is representing the Beehive State, arrived ready to compete. Thanks to the Miss Rodeo Utah organization, our Miss Rodeo Utah, dressed in a buckskin skirt and vest, was whisked from the airport to the Orleans Hotel and Casino in a black stretch limo. After a restless night in the hotel, Chris officially checked in as a contestant in this year's national pageant. All eyes were on Chris, who was clad head to toe in dark-washed Wrangler denim. Her painted red-and-turquoise boots, emblazoned with scenes from Utah's landscape, matched her chunky necklace, bracelet and belt. We're biased, but we think she looked phenomenal. Chris' family would like to thank all of Chris' supporters. It's taken 13 years to get here -- and we wouldn't be here without all of your help, love and support. Up tomorrow: Horsemanship at 9 a.m. Check http://www.shooterenterprises.com/ for more photos of Chris and other contestants at this year's Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Miss Rodeo America Pageant Nov 28-Dec 5

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant will begin in less than two weeks. We will head to Las Vegas the day after Thanksgiving. While I'm gone my mom will try and keep the blog updated. Pictures will be posted on the Shooter Enterprises Website during the pageant and other information may be posted on the Miss Rodeo America Website.

http://missrodeoamerica.com/
http://shooterenterprises.com/

2010 pageant SCHEDULE OF events

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009
8:00 A.M. Contestants Check in – Gator Lounge Stage Area 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Orientation – Showroom
12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. Contestant Room Check-in & Clothing fittings – Contestants suite
2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G& H
3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Church Service – Salon J& M
5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Parent’s Social Mixer – Salon - I
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009
9:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Horsemanship – South Point Arena Complex
1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H
7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Get Acquainted Party – Mardi Gras Ballroom (Light Hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009
8:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. President’s Breakfast (Contestants will answer Impromptu Questions) 10:15 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H
10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. National Directors Meeting – Salon K
10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. National Advisory Council Meeting – Salon I
2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. MRAI Annual Meeting – Salon K
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
8:00 A.M. - 9:20 A.M. First group of Contestants Speeches/Media Video – Showroom
9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H
9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Rodeo Royalty Information Seminar – Salon K
1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Ladies-In-Waiting Social 2010 state queens only – Hurricane Room B 6:00 P.M. - 6:45 P.M. VIP Reception for Fashion Show – Showroom Lobby
6:45 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Fashion show seating - Showroom
7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Fashion Show Production - Showroom
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
8:00 A.M. - 9:20 A.M. Second group of Contestants Speeches/Media Video – Showroom
9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H (Closed for PRCA Luncheon)
11:45 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. PRCA Luncheon at South Point Hotel – Grand Ballroom
6:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. First performance of WNFR – Thomas & Mack Arena
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009
8:00 A.M. - 9:20 A.M. Third group of Contestants Speeches/Media Video - Showroom
9:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H (Closed for Cowboy Christmas Auction)
10:00 A.M - 11:30 A.M. Alumni Event – Hospitality Room 10:00 A.M. Bidding closes for Silent Auction items
11:30 A.M. All Silent Auction items must be picked up by 11:30 A.M.
1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Contestants at Cowboy Christmas for Foundation Auction
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2009
8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. Hospitality & Ticket Registration Open – Bienville/Salon G & H (closed for Coronation 9 a.m.-1 p.m. reopens from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
9:15 A.M. - 9:45 A.M. Seating for Coronation - Showroom
9:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Coronation Performance - Showroom Miss Rodeo America 2010 Press Conference immediately following Coronation in Showroom – Media only
1:00 P.M. - 1:45 P.M. Public Press Conference & official photos – Location TBA
5:45 P.M. Wrangler NFR performance for Miss Rodeo America 2009

CALEA Conference

Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association Finals

This weekend was the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association Finals in Heber City and I also did the drawing for the Browning 12 Gauge Shotgun and the quilt that I have been selling raffle tickets for. JT Wade of Heber City won the quilt. He was actually hoping for the shotgun but he told me that he would take the quilt to college with him this year. Wade Eva from Santaquin, Utah won the shotgun and he didn't even know that he was entered in the drawing! His wife had entered him and it was a nice early Christmas present. I want to thank Becky and Mindy Price and Kathy Lefler for their time and hard work on the quilt. It is beautiful. I would also like thank Browning for helping us get the shotgun. Congratulations to the winners and how crazy that we are all "Wades".

It was a fun weekend. Thanks to Jodi Stark, Brandee Behling, and Megan Mitchel for helping me carry flags and Congratulations to my sister-in-law Sharlee Wade for winning the girls All-Around in the RMPRA.

Happy Halloween!!!

Well this weekend I realized what the most rewarding, and for me emotional, part of being Miss Rodeo Utah is. My little 3 year old friend Samantha Smith dressed up for Halloween and when people asked her what she was dressed as, she said "Chris". I got all teary-eyed when her grandma told me the story because I knew that I have touched someones life the way that I had been impacted when I was a little girl. I knew that I had become some other little girl's "Mary Shaw". Its such an emotional experience for me knowing that 12 years of chasing my dreams and goals has made an impression on a little girl and that I have done what I am supposed to do as Miss Rodeo Utah. Its something that I have become so passionate about and I hope to have this rewarding experience many times throughout the year. I think that Samantha makes a darling little rodeo queen.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Today was my Birthday. The big 24!!! I had such a good day and want to thank everyone that sent their messages to wish me a Happy Birthday. I got some really good presents. My mom bought me an All-American Girl doll with red hair and brown eyes just like me and she said that when Miss Rodeo America is over and she is done sewing clothes for me, she will make my doll a matching chap outfit. A couple other past Miss Rodeo Utah's have received these dolls and I thought it was very special. I can put it in a shadow box with other great memories of this year. Thanks mom!

Wilderness Circuit Finals

The whole weekend of the Wilderness Circuit Finals was so fun and I enjoyed spending time with all of the girls. We carried sponsor flags at the rodeo each night, Thursday we went to the membership meeting, Saturday we went to the Contract Personnel/Year End Award/Sponsor Luncheon, and after the go-rounds each night there was an award banquet at the Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn. I appreciate the Wilderness Circuit Committee for involving the queens in everything and I encourage everyone to go to the rodeo next year.

Wilderness Circuit Finals- Pink Night

Friday night at the rodeo was Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night. This cause was started by Wrangler and has spread to rodeos nationwide who want to support the fight against breast cancer. Rodeo committees will donate $1 for every spectator who comes to the rodeo wearing pink and the Wilderness Circuit Finals also had a silent auction this year to help raise more money for the cause. Val Byrum collected dozens of great silent auction gifts that people were able to bid on throughout the week and all of the proceeds were donated to McKay-Dee Hospital to help those affected by breast cancer. Wrangler started the initiative five years ago and since then over $5 million has been donated from rodeo events to support the cause.

Spanish Fork FFA Fundraiser

Tonight I got to be a kid again at the Spanish Fork FFA Carnival where the high school students were raising money to pay for their trip to National FFA Convention because their chapter had the winning state horse judging team. I got to jump in their bounce house, pet farm animals with my little Samantha, throw darts at balloons and play horseshoes with Tammy Sweat-Chipman, throw a whip cream pie in a little kids face (lol), eat nachos and cotton candy, and all sorts of other crazy things. I really enjoyed myself. Their advisor and teacher, Kasee Smith took me in their Ag Building and showed me the bones of the Horse Steve that the students are cleaning and re-building and I got a good lesson on teeth and some other bones. I want to thank Kasee and the FFA for inviting me to their event and I wish them the best of luck and hope they have a ton of fun at National Convention next week!

MRU Golf Tournament at Victory Ranch

I truly saw a glimpse of paradise today at the Victory Ranch Golf Course by Park City. It is such a beautiful course with great views and a great staff. I felt like I was on a vacation today instead of working. I want to thank everyone who came and participated in the tournament. We had some great prizes, food, and fun thanks to alot of good friends and volunteers. I would like to thank Victory Ranch first of all for allowing us the honor of holding our event at their private golf course. Thank you Tom Bonner for your countless hours spent organizing the event. As always, I appreciate Jackie Belnap and the Ogden Pioneer Days Crew for coming and helping us set up and serve lunch. Thanks to Kristine Hummer, Deb Ivie, Peggy and Vance Farrer for helping my family and I today. Jay and Becky Price, I appreciate your support so much. My big brother Cooper, my dad Randy, Casey Price, and Wasatch Mountain State Park, thanks for helping us get more golf carts.

Once again its overwhelming; the support and love that people give to help pull these events together to support me during the year as Miss Rodeo Utah. Its such an honor to call you all friends and I look forward to representing you all at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas and during the year as Miss Rodeo Utah.

Love,

Chris Wade

Miss Rodeo Utah

Miss Rodeo Utah Gala

I just wanted to tell everyone thank you for making my Miss Rodeo Utah Gala Fundraiser successful. The amount of support I have received as Miss Rodeo Utah is overwhelming and I have some of the greatest friends and family that a girl could ask for.

There were people there at 12:00 in the afternoon helping set everything up. We had some awesome donations for the live and silent auctions. Josh Evertson and his band were awesome. Comedian Keith Stubbs was hilarious. Bella's Fresh Mexican Grill prepared the best meal; the pulled pork and ribs were amazing! Gossners, Coca-cola and Frito Lay were so great to work with. I appreciate Davis County for letting us use the exhibit hall at the Legacy Center. The building was perfect! The whole atmosphere was enjoyable and I will cherish that feeling forever.

I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for their support, my brothers Cooper and Cody, Sharlee and Brandee, John and Cindy Percival, Lisa and Barry Panter, Vance and Peggy Farrer, Barry and Heidi Fitzgerald, and Kent and Jane Fitgerald for being such a good family and being there to help. Thanks to the Price Family for everything: Jay, Becky, Casey, Jason & Jen, Mindy, and Angie for your support. Thanks to Cindy Brunson for your long hours spent baking. The Whitaker Family and Clay for organizing the silent auction- we had a ton of items! Paula Smith, Jackie Belnap, and Kathy Montgomery for helping at the door. The Mounted Sheriff's Possee, the Ogden Pioneer Days Whoopie girls, Bev Clark, and Callie Smith did a great job at the live auction. Thanks to Carla Wilmoth for making the cute quilts and rounding up a ton of other donations for the auctions. My good friends Kaydee Miner, Tammy Sweat and Kasee Smith did a beautiful job with decorations and flowers, fliers, and a special sponsor presentation. Kelly Slater, Linda Stark, Jody Stark, Stephanie Pollard, Jeff Haney- thanks for your support. There are so many special people and good friends and I can't thank you enough. It makes me emotional to look back on the evening to realize that all of these people were there for me and a great organization. I will keep pushing through the year and I hope to make you all proud. Thanks for everything!

Miss Rodeo Utah Gala!!!

I would like to invite everyone to attend my Gala on Monday September 28th at 6:00 in Farmington, Utah at the Legacy Center.

We are going to have a great dinner and wonderful entertainment including Josh Evertson and his band and comedian Keith Stubbs, owner of Wise Guys Comedy Clubs.

We will have a live and silent auction and a couple raffles and we have a lot of great items this year!

I appreciate everyone that has participated in getting the Gala together. It is a lot of work and it takes alot of great people to make it successful.

Hope to see you there!

Love

Chris

Utah Sheriff's Assocation

While I was down in St. George for the Dixie Roundup I was able to attend the Utah Sheriff Association's Convention. I got my picture taken with all of the sheriffs from the state of Utah. It was fun to be apart of their event and I want the thank the Weber County Sheriff's Department for inviting me!

Dixie Roundup Rodeo and Parade

You know you have a strong testimony of rodeo and the effect it has on families when you travel to a rodeo over four hours from home and you have your mom and dad, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Barry, Cousin Justin and his wife Randy and their children, Cousin Marsha and her husband and children, my brother Cody and his wife Sharlee, and her parents John and Cindy all there for the rodeo. I guess I can honestly say rodeo is in our blood.

My brother was up in the steer wrestling Saturday night and my dad hazed for him and Dustin Bennett. Cody got 2nd in the rodeo and won a check; made his trip well worth it. Both Cody and Dustin have qualified for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in October in Ogden, Utah; so once again I know that I'll have another rodeo with a huge family support. I know that good parents and rodeo have been the structure for the type of person I am and I'm so proud of my heritage and our family relationship.

St. George Lion's Special Needs Rodeo

The St. George Lion's Club organizes an awesome Special Needs Rodeo and it was an honor to be involved this year. I enjoyed working with the Dixie Roundup Queens Shaylee and Summer.

Participating in Special Needs Rodeos is such a rewarding experience and it really teaches me to have a better outlook on life. I had a very special Aunt Bonnie (my dad's sister) who passed away this last year and she was the most amazing person I have ever met. She was born with some mental challenges as well as physical. She was born with deformed legs and the doctors told my grandma that she would never be able to walk. My grandma wouldn't accept that and after multiple surgeries Bonnie was able to walk and play and go to school like all of the other kids. Even with all of the challenges she faced, she always had a positive outlook on life and I know that I am a better person just for having her in my life.

Special Needs children love animals and rodeo and I am so happy that I am able to help share those things with them.

Utah State Fair

Congo and I had such an exciting time at the State Fair, by the fourth night we had to use the fence to stay upright while we were clearing the arena of calves and steers. What a great rodeo. It was an honor to carry the American flag in front of a packed stadium. It was amazing to show patriotism for our flag and country the cowboy way during the weekend of September 11th

Wilderness Circuit Queen Contest

Congratulations to Chenae Shiner, the new Wilderness Circuit Queen. She will represent professional rodeo in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada for the next year and I know she'll do a great job! As a former Wilderness Circuit Queen, it was an honor to be in attendance. Paula Smith and her committee put on such a fun contest.

Evanston, Wyoming

Evanston Cowboy Days was my first out of state rodeo even though it was closer for me than for Miss Rodeo Wyoming Allie Bass. I also had my first funnel cake and my first peanut butter ball at the suggestion of the Ogden Pioneer Days Secretary Jackie Belnap and it was well worth it.

Tremonton Utah

I have officially found the new rodeo queen capital of Utah. Tremonton's petite princess category had 32 contestants and I think I was more excited than they were when their director asked me to ride on the trailer with them through the grand entry. It was so much fun! The people were so nice and they have the best mutton busters that I have ever seen.

Huntsman Cancer Foundation Hope on the Range Gala

I had my biggest shock as Miss Rodeo Utah so far when Jon Huntsman himself planted a big kiss on my cheek at the Hunstman Cancer Hope on the Range Gala. Huntsman Cancer was founded by Jon and his wife Karen who are committed to finding a cure for cancer through genetic research. A cancer survivor himself, Mr. Huntsman has donated over $500 million to the institute during his lifetime. The Huntsman Cancer Institute aids in the research of cancer through the world's largest database for genetics. It was such an honor to be invited to this grand event, where I was able to meet people like Jon Huntsman and Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and his wife. I was able to work along with some of my fellow rodeo queens Stormy Henderson, the DNCFR Queen; Jackie McMullin, the Cache County Rodeo Queen; Martina Wardel, Miss Rodeo Oakley; Bailey Sizemore, the Silverstate International Rodeo Queen; and Courtney Woolsey, the Utah State High School Rodeo Queen. We greeted people at the doors, helped them find their seats, sold raffle tickets, and served as spotters during the live auction. The dinner and the whole event was beautiful and I want to say Thank You for allowing me to be a part of the event. It was such an honor!

Hooper Tomato Days Queen Contest

Congratulations to Karianne Berry for winning the Hooper Tomato Days Queen contest and her attendants McKenzie Maughn and Jackie McMullin. All of the contestants looked beautiful and did a great job! I had a great time watching and visiting with the contestant's families during the contest. I wish you girls the best year!

Davis County Fair & Rodeo

I had a great time at the Davis County Fair and Rodeo and met so many new friends! Davis County is full of little sweethearts and I had a great time getting to know all of these cute little girls that were watching the rodeo. Before the rodeo, I went and walked through the fair exhibits and retail booths and of course my favorite was the one with all of the JEWELRY!!!! I was able to meet Jennifer Barlow, who along with her husband Dave, owns Bohemian Cowgirl and they outfitted me with an awesome charm necklace. It was such a pleasure to meet them and I love my new bling. The announcer for the rodeo was Don Jesser from Idaho, who announces from horseback. I was able to visit with him and Regan Torres, the Wilderness Circuit Queen before the rodeo and while we were clearing the arena during the timed events. I would like the encourage everyone to make it out to Farmington's rodeo next year. They are such wonderful people and I want to thank them for having me at their rodeo as well as allowing me to use one of their exhibit buildings for my fundraiser on Monday September 28th. I hope to see everyone there!

Coalville

At Coalville's rodeo I had my good friend Sarah come and visit me. It was her birthday and she wanted to get her picture taken so she sat on Congo with me for her pictures. Hope you had a good birthday Sarah!

Once again, since my mother grew up with the North/South Summit residents, I was able to meet some old acquaintances who had learned that my long journey at the Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant had finally paid off. The local rodeo queens Hannah Nilson, Bailee Richens, and Sierra Boyce were all fun girls that I enjoyed meeting and I hope to see them in future years competing at the Miss Rodeo Utah pageant.

Mtn. Valley Stampede Parade

Two parades and a rodeo in one day and Congo looks like he is loving life- don't you think? You would never guess that this old boy is a stallion. He is my dad's team roping horse and he makes the best parade horse. He's pretty easy going.

It was so neat to have one of my first rodeos in my hometown, especially because I am the first cowgirl from Wasatch County to win Miss Rodeo Utah. Its such an honor and I appreciate everyone and their support and well wishes. It means so much!

Gathering of the Guard

After the Roy Parade I visited the Healing Field in Ogden, Utah. This field is a tribute to every American life lost during the Global War on Terror, where an American Flag is raised in the name of each American. There are approximately 5000 flags raised in the shape of the United States, making it the largest flag field display of its kind in history. It was an emotional experience to remember those that have stood for America and fought for the freedoms that we enjoy.

I was able to meet the Bees and Utah State University Mascots and they even allowed me to get my horse out of the trailer "as long as he was pottie trained". The visitors were very interested in my horse and I even had a young girl who had lost her father in the Iraq War get on Congo with me for a picture. It was definitely a "Weekend to Remember" and such an honor.

Roy Days Parade

Saturday was a packed day. The morning began at the Roy Days Parade and I had my first little panic attack as Miss Rodeo Utah. I went to check-in for the parade and they didn’t have me entered! Some how my entry had been deleted from their list but they were so great. They put me at the front of the parade with the dignitaries, gave me a corsage, and made me feel welcome. They weren’t “expecting horses” and I had the only horse in the entire parade, but the attendees really seemed to enjoy the whinnying horse. I’m sure the Roy City Police Department enjoyed the parade right behind us in their clean vehicles more than I enjoyed their sirens the whole morning. Thank goodness they weren’t on duty as they watched my un-registered trailer driving down the parade route. Thank you Roy City for making me feel welcome at your parade!