NEW MISS RODEO UTAH WEBSITE

We have a new Miss Rodeo Utah website!!! So my blog will be moving. I will now post directly to the website under the "On the Road with Chris" tab.

Check it out!

http://www.missrodeoutah.org/blog

North Platte Here I Come!!

http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2010/06/10/news/40000430.txt


Rodeo royalty headed to NP
By Heather James
Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010 4:11 AM CDT
The North Platte Telegraph

North Platte will be transformed into a sea of sequins and leather this week as 19 rodeo queens from out-of-state descend on the community. Miss Rodeo America Kelli Jackson will be among the entourage smiling for cameras and signing autographs around town. She hails from Mississippi.

The other states that will be represented are Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"These young women help to make the celebration special," said publicity chairwoman for Miss Rodeo Nebraska Sharon Negley. "The public sees them all over town in their beautiful outfits, and they're such charming girls."

Negley said North Platte is one of the primary stops state queens try to make.

"A lot of them also hit Cheyenne and Pendleton, but the professionalism and hospitality of our pageant and of the Buffalo Bill Rodeos is well known at the national level. We've had girls say it's one of the major highlights of their year."

Although the queens will arrive at varying times, Negley said the majority of them will be in North Platte by Sunday afternoon - in time for a meet and greet session at 5:30 p.m. at the Wild West Arena. The session is free and open to the public.

During their stay, the women will be involved in a variety of activities. They will assist with the Kids Costume Parade, will attend all of the pageant events, will ride in the grand entries of the rodeos and will be featured at autograph signings throughout the community. Local businesses donate vans for the girls to travel in.

Negley said host homes have been lined up for this year, but anyone interested in becoming a host family for next year's pageant can contact Paula Stobbs at 534-9513.

Queens who travel together are often paired up together, so host families may have more than one girl staying with them. Negley is hosting this year, and said she can't wait for the women to arrive.

"They're absolutely delightful," she said. "Hosting is a great way to learn about other states and pageants, and the young ladies are so good at interacting with their host families. They're just a joy to be around."

Negley said having about 18 visiting queens is normal for North Platte, but high for other contests around the nation.

"I want to say most have around 10," she said. "We're fortunate to be able to have so many outside queens come to the pageant and privileged to have a community that is so supportive of them."

Days of the Old West PRCA Rodeo

Tonight I went to the Days of the Old West PRCA Rodeo and All Horse Parade in Delta, Utah. I was re-united with my good friends from Ogden Pioneer Days, the Weber County Mounted Sheriff's Posse. The Sheriff's Posse is a great supporter of the Miss Rodeo Utah and Miss Rodeo Ogden Pageants. Thanks for all that you do. It was nice to see you again.

Utah State High School Queen Coronation

Congratulations to the new Utah High School Rodeo Queen Court. Queen is Ashley Scott who will represent Utah at the National High School Finals in July. Her 1st Attendant is Carlie Brotherson who will compete in Fallon, Nevada at the Silver State International competition, 2nd Attendant is Bailey Woolsey and 3rd Attendant is Tiffany King.

Growing up in the Utah High School Rodeo Association I can say from the bottom of my heart that if your dream is to be a rodeo queen, Utah is the place to be. The girls that live and compete here are very very lucky. We have one of the best programs because we have wonderful committees and very supportive, amazing parents. Win or lose, these girls are better individuals because of the experiences they have had in preparing and competing for rodeo queen competitions. I'm so proud of all of you!

Utah State High School Queen Contest

There were 11 tough competitors in the Utah State High School Queen contest today. They competed in modeling, public speaking with a two minute prepared speech, impromptu, interview, a hand written test on the rulebook, horsemanship, and were also judged on appearance and personality.

Some people may not know but I am a lucky girl to have a very talented mother who sews. She made three of the dresses there today including mine, outgoing Utah State Queen Courtney Woolsey, and contestant Bailey Woolsey. Thanks mom for all that you do. I couldn't have done this without you.

Price Black Diamond Legends PRCA Rodeo

I attended another Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the rodeo with my two new little girl friends in Price, Utah. It was great to be on hand with rodeo clown Kevin Higley and stock contractor Pat O'Maley of Slash T Rodeo Company. I appreciate the Black Diamond Legends Rodeo for inviting me and for their hospitality.

It was a long, but fun weekend traveling from Moab to South Jordan and back to Price and I want to tell my mom and dad how much I appreciate them for taking time off work to travel with me this busy weekend.

2010 Pharmacy Cup and Polo Match

The Pharmacy Cup fundraiser provided a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sport of kings while supporting the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah. The U's Pharmacy program ranks among the top programs in the nation and the money raised will make it possible for the U scientists and researchers to work in a world class facility. The polo match honors the legacy and generosity of the Skaggs family, who are wonderful supporters of the College of Pharmacy and passionate fans of polo who also had a daughter playing in the match today.

A common supporter of the Pharmacy Cup, Miss Rodeo Utah, and Ogden Pioneer Days is Mr. Spence Eccles, who placed the Miss Rodeo Utah crown on my head at Pioneer Stadium on July 24th. He gave me the traditional kiss on the cheek today and told me that he plans to be a part of the crowning ceremony this year as he has for many years.

Moab Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo

The Moab Canyonlands rodeo has great contract personnel, an awesome committee, and a wonderful bunch of rodeo queens.

Their Stock Contractor is Bud Kerby of Bar T Rodeo Inc, announcer is my good friend Jody Carper who I was able to go to dinner with along with his wife Kelli in Pocatello at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, and rodeo clown Randee Munns.

The Chairman for the rodeo is Kirk Pearson and their rodeo queen is Tia Bates.

http://www.jodycarper.com/

Moab Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo

Tonight I arrived in Moab for Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Canyonlands Rodeo. It was nice to finally be in warm enough weather to get out the sponge and give my horse a good bath before the rodeo.

I was able to meet some sponsors at the rodeo including Steve White who is a running for Grand County Sheriff, Buzz and Julia Bates from Whites Ranch, and Veronica Bullock and her family who are also committee members. I appreciate the rodeo committee and their hospitality. I was also able to stay at the Best Western Canyonlands Inn who is a rodeo sponsor and has some of the nicest rooms and services I have ever had at a hotel.

Ogden Noon Exchange Club

Chenae, Martina, Craig, and I met at the Ogden Golf and Country Club with the Ogden Noon Exchange Club today to invite them and their families to attend some of the great events held during Ogden Pioneer Days.

The Ogden Noon Exchange Club is a group of approximately 100 business and professional leaders from a variety of sources including state and local governments, Utah State University, Weber State University, and University of Utah, the medical community, U.S. service personnel, and a variety of local entrepreneurs. They meet the first four Tuesdays of every month with the mission to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national project: The Prevention of Child Abuse.

Thank you for your time and for allowing us to visit with you about the events held during Ogden Pioneer Days.

Cache County Queen Contest

I was so impressed by the Cache County Rodeo Queen contest and their amazing committee and involvement from girls in the community. This year there were 15 contestants, all of whom were from the Cache County valley. The outgoing queen, Jackie McMullin did a great job promoting the rodeo and queen contest this year and represented them well at the Miss Rodeo Utah competition last July where she was 3rd Runner Up.

The newly crowned Cache County Rodeo Queen is Taci Shaffer. Taci is graduate of cosmetology school, is an eyelash extension stylist, and will be completing a Master Esthetician program this fall. She is pursuing acting and modeling careers in Salt Lake for Whillemina Agency. Taci is also spending her time training for a couple of marathons this summer, working for a hospice agency and working with disabled teens. Taci's attendants for the Cache County Rodeo are Carlie Davis and Callie Checketts. The Junior Queen is Taylor Anderson, Princess is Bailee Noble, and the Junior Princess in Morgan Perkins. The girls all looked beautiful today and I was honored to be invited to attend.

Pony Express Days

Tonight I attended the first annual Pony Express Days Rodeo in Eagle Mountain with their queen Chantell Pilcher and first attendant Regan Torres. I was very impressed with the rodeo committee and their organization of the first rodeo. Hours before the rodeo started I was able to get a picture of the beautiful scenic view from the rodeo grounds and it was great to see the full stands on a Friday night when the rodeo finally got underway.

Rusty Allen, Eagle Mountain Resident and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc riding qualifier is the Rodeo Ambassador for Pony Express Days.

West Haven Hawk Walk

Today was the West Haven Elementary School Relay for Life Hawk Walk. There were hundreds of kids age Kindergarten through Sixth Grade who came and walked to raise money with America First Credit Union for the American Cancer Society. They were also walking in honor of their two school teachers who are cancer survivors.

The walk was real fun. Some of the laps had themes; for example skipping, walking backwards, changing directions, crazy eights, walking through the human tunnel, boogie dancing, and many others. The kids were laughing and having a good time and they were served water, punch, and cookies by America First Credit Union.

America First Credit Union is a sponsor for Miss Rodeo Utah and they do a lot to give back to the community as well. I appreciate all that they do.

Riverdale Lions Club

Tonight I gathered at the Riverdale Lions Club meeting with Chenae Shiner, Martina Wardle, and Ogden Pioneer Days Chairman Dave Halverson to further promote Ogden Pioneer Days and some of the great events that are part of the celebration.

Dave shared some stories tonight that made me even more passionate about the Ogden Celebration. He told about how Mayor Harmon Peery organized the western festival during the Great Depression in 1934 to boost the spirits of the locals and bring tourists to the city. Those traditions are living today when families come together in the community to boost moral while honoring all pioneers.

We also talked about the three parades that are held every year as part of the original tradition. The Children's Parade where all children and families are encouraged to come and participate and the kids receive a free ticket to the first night of the rodeo. The Horse & Hitch Parade, one of the largest in the west with over 600 entries of horses, wagons, and carriages. And finally the Ogden Pioneer Day Parade with thousands of spectators to watch marching bands, floats, horse drawn carriages, antique automobiles, youth groups, and of course Miss Rodeo Utah Contestants.

There truly is something for everyone at Ogden Pioneer Days and it really has become more than just a local community celebration. It involves people from all over.

Mount Ogden Rotary Club

The Fabulous Four (Craig is taking the picture) were out again today sharing more great stories about the traditions and exciting events that are part of the Ogden Pioneer Days Celebration. I went to the Mount Ogden Rotary Club meeting at the Prairie Schooner with Chenae Shiner, Martina Wardle, and Craig Bielik this afternoon. We went into detail about some of the events during the celebration including all of the judging events held in conjunction with the Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant. One awesome thing about most of the events held during the Ogden Pioneer Days Celebration and Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant is that they are free admission making them great, affordable summer entertainment for the entire family.

The Mount Ogden Rotary Club is also planning their own event; the 7th annual Rubber Duck Race fundraiser on the Ogden River to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis and also the Weber County and Ogden City Schools 3rd Grade Dictionary Project. I appreciate the Mount Ogden Rotary Club for the wonderful lunch and applaud their efforts as well as the Ogden Pioneer Days committee to organize great events to involve everyone in the community.

Buffalo Point Kindergarten

Today I had a great time with the morning and afternoon Buffalo Point Kindergarten classes in Syracuse. Their last unit in school is about cowboys, cowgirls, and the old west and they even have their own kindergarten rodeo at the end of the year. I went to teach them about the history of rodeo and about each of the rodeo events. I took my saddle, bridle, my roping dummy that the kids named Fred, chaps, spurs, and ropes so that the kids could participate in some of the events. At the end of the lecture the kids got to practice asking questions that they had wrote down ahead of time. My favorite questions was "Does the Queen have a King?" Each class made me a book labeled "One Hundred and One Questions for Miss Rodeo Utah" with pictures that each student drew along with their questions. It was a fun day and I appreciate the school for inviting me.

Ogden Breakfast Exchange Club

I was up bright and early this morning to attend the Ogden Breakfast Exchange Club meeting with Chenae Shiner, Miss Rodeo Ogden, her Attendant Martina Wardle, and Craig Bielik, the Marketing and Public Relations Director of Ogden Pioneer Days to inform the members of the club about all the great events that are part of the Ogden Pioneer Days Celebration. The 77 year old celebration has three parades, four nights of rodeo, the Farmers Market, dances, concerts, art shows, tractor shows, car shows, movie nights, fireworks, a special kid's rodeo, Miss Rodeo Utah pageant events, and many other fun activities. A complete schedule can be seen on the Ogden Pioneer Days website. http://ogdenpioneerdays.com/events/calendar.php

Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Rodeo Royalty

Congratulations to the new Pleasant Grove, Strawberry Days Royalty. The queen is Bailey Sizemore, 1st Attendant is Karianne Berry, and 2nd Attendant is Chantelle Pilcher. The contest was excellent, as it is every year. I was in the Strawberry Days royalty for two years and they have one of the best rodeos and best committees in the country. Their rodeo this year is June 16-19th and they have the best strawberries and cream ever! I want to thank the rodeo committee for all of the support they have given me this year as Miss Rodeo Utah. You have helped to make my year successful and your friendship means so much to my parents and me.

Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant Application Deadline

Miss Rodeo Utah 2010 Pageant Application Deadline is May 14th at 5:00 pm

For more information visit

http://www.missrodeoutah.org/

Miss Rodeo Ogden

Congratulations to Chenae Shiner, the new Miss Rodeo Ogden for 2010. She is a 19 year old student at Utah State University. She will do a wonderful job promoting Ogden Pioneer Days, the state's biggest and best statehood celebration. The five-day rodeo will be held July 20-24th. The contestants were judged on appearance, personality, horsemanship, public speaking, photogenic ability, and interview skills. Chenae's attendants are Martina Wardle and Ashley Stewart.

Thank you to the Miss Rodeo Ogden Award Sponsors: Mckay Dee Hospital, Weber County Sheriff's Posse, McKay Dee Hospital Foundation, Smith and Edwards, Odgen Litho, Coca-Cola of Ogden, The Bardwell Family, Hazen Studios, Boyle Appliance, PJF Corporation, American Monument, JD Clark & Company, Wildflower Bokays, and Weber State University.

As well as: Phazes Salon & Spa, America First Credit Union, Golden Spike Event Center, The Candy Bouquet, The Greenery Restaurant, Hotline Beauty Supply, Irongate Grill, Interform, Eilertson Enterprises, and Mrs. Cavanaugh's.

Thank you to the Weber County Sheriff's Posse for the wonderful breakfast and for your groom service during horsemanship. The wonderful sponsors, friends, and committee members make this contest and rodeo the best in the state. Thank you for your support.

Miss Rodeo Ogden Agenda

Friday, April 16th, 2010
7:00 PM- Contestant and Parent Orientation

Saturday, April 17th, 2010
8:00 AM- Breakfast Sponsored by Weber County Sheriff's Posse
(contestants, parents, and judges only)

9:30 AM- Photogenic Judging (contestants and judges only)

10:30 AM- Interviews (contestants and judges only)

1:00 PM- Informal Luncheon (contestants and judges only)

2:30 PM- Horsemanship Judging- First and Second Round
Golden Spike Arena
1000 North 1200 South
Open to the public

6:30 PM- Awards Banquet- Doors Open for Seating
Timbermine Restaurant
1701 Park Boulevard
Call Jackie Belnap for tickets 801-668-2555

7:00 PM- Contestant's speech, modeling, impromptu

9:00 PM- Coronation Ceremony

DNCFR Special Kids Rodeo

The Special Kids Rodeo had 41 participants this year. They were able to rope cows, ride different horses and bulls, and feed a little miniature pony. They received back numbers and prizes just like the cowboys and cowgirls at the rodeo and the rodeo announcer Jody Carper was on hand to announce all of the events. My special athlete, Robert, turned 9 years old on the day of the special rodeo and got his name announced over the loud speaker.

Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo

Every night the state queens that were invited to Pocatello for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo would take turns carrying sponsor flags in the Holt Arena.

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a great sponsor for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. All of the queens went there for dinner multiple times throughout the week.