March Madness

Hello Rodeo Fans! Now I know officially people are saying Spring is here, but the Northwest is still being tormented by constant pouring rain and cold temperatures. I hope the saying “April showers bring May flowers” does not apply this year and we get to see some “April Sunshine!” Even with all the rain my activities as Miss NPRA continue to be exciting and fun filled. The month of March was full of great events and we officially kicked off the rodeo season!
I started off by traveling to Grand Ronde, Oregon to attend the Miss Rodeo Oregon Coronation for my dear friend Mackenzie Carr. The Spirit Mountain Casino was an exciting location for the coronation and provided a beautiful room for Mackenzie’s special night. That night we said thank you to Miss Rodeo Oregon 2010 Ashley Ziegler for a job well done and congratulations for placing in the top 10 at Miss Rodeo America. We enjoyed seeing some pictures of Ashley’s year and listening to the emcee for the night, Scott Allen. It was a pleasure to help out with Mackenzie’s live auction and carry around some of the great items. I was able to meet some new faces and say hello to some old friends, everyone came out to support Mackenzie that night. Even my Dad was involved in the event as he helped escort the visiting royalty to the front of the room to be introduced, thank you Dad for always being there when we need you. Mackenzie, I know you will have a fun filled year and I look forward to seeing you during my travels. a>






After a wonderful stay in Grand Ronde, the next weekend I put on some pink and made the short trip down I-5 to attend to the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Vancouver Rodeo Queen Coronation. The night was entertaining with a “Mr. Vancouver Rodeo Pageant.” Incoming Queen Courtney and I had a great time hosting the event. We later heard some Cowboy Poetry from Don Hanley, his poems always seem to put a smile on my face! Great job Don! I was honored to be asked to crown Courtney that night and I couldn’t have placed that crown on a more qualified, wonderful, and special young lady. Courtney, you will do an amazing job this year. The Vancouver Rodeo is one of the best in the NPRA and you will have a wonderful time representing it!
For the next event I didn’t have to travel far. The Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo Fundraiser and Queen Coronation was in Longview, Washington. A short trip over the Lewis and Clark Bridge brought me right to the coronation of the 2011 Miss Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, Erin Overbay. I have had the pleasure of knowing Erin for a while and I enjoyed helping her celebrate her new title that evening with great food and friends. She also had a “Mr.” contest and Vancouver Queen Courtney and I had a great time helping our “Mr. Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo” contestant earn as much money as he could from the crowd. Congratulations Erin, I know we will have another great year together as Rodeo Royalty.


The very next day it was rodeo time! My trailer was loaded up for the first rodeo of the season and I was accompanied by my father, 2011 Columbia County Queen Emily Simpson, 2011 Miss Rodeo Oregon Mackenzie Carr, and their mothers Julie and Barb. After a quick drive to Elma, Washington we tacked up our horses (both Emily and I ride horses named “Missy”, which is funny) and even though it was raining and muddy we still were excited. Luckily, this rodeo is indoors and it even had heat so the pouring down rain and cold chill didn’t get us down! It was great to see a packed house and tons of young kids in the stands for the last performance. I had a great time doing my first official grand entry, pushing cows, helping with the kid’s stick horse races, and signing autographs. I think I can speak for many of us when I say after the first rodeo we now have RODEO FEVER! I am looking forward to a great rodeo season and I hope to see many of you during my travels!