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