Kissimmee, Florida: Silver Spurs Rodeo

I left a snow covered Mississippi on Valentine’s Day for the Sunshine state. I arrived in time to meet the Miss Silver Spurs judges and pageant director Laura Kessler for dinner at Kissimmee’s famous Catfish House. Our fun-filled, fried foods dinner was just a prelude to a great week in Florida—packed full of fun excursions, school visits, the Miss and Little Miss Silver Spurs pageant, and of course, Osceola county Florida’s own Silver Spurs Rodeo.

Miss Rodeo America is normally a judge for the Miss and Little Miss Silver Spurs pageant, but due to my rodeo schedule at the Dixie National, I was unable to arrive in time to judge. Instead, I had the opportunity to interact with the contestants and speak during the fashion show. I had a blast getting to know each of the girls and watching them compete. Kudos to all of the contestants—they were such a stellar group!

The sixteen visiting state queens, myself, and the newly crowned Silver Spurs court visited Osceola county schools on Wednesday and Thursday. We had a fantastic time with the students at the different schools; they were great audiences and asked a ton of questions. My favorite was when I was asked to demonstrate Bull Riding. I tried to give thorough description and presentation, but alas since I am not PRCA bull rider, I looked a bit amateur. Thankfully, the kids didn’t point out that I wasn’t near the caliber of J.W. Harris or Chance Smart!
The 124th Silver Spurs Rodeo was a grand event. I rode in the opening ceremonies with the visiting queens and then signed autographs during the rodeo. Although all of our PRCA rodeos are great sporting events to come and watch, each is unique. I’ll remember the Silver Spurs rodeo for its celebrated tradition of being a huge community event with international flair. I greeted rodeo goers from several different countries, all who came because they had never seen a rodeo and had heard about Silver Spurs Rodeo.

In my spare time in Florida, I participated in three of the infamous “hog hunts,” relaxed on Cocoa Beach with the other queens, touched a live, wild alligator on an airboat ride (I am not kidding either!) and went to Walt Disney World with the Miss Silver Spurs judges DeAnna Power, Carla Cowley, and Cara Christiensen, and my host while in Florida, Ms. Laura Kessler. It was a fun week filled with great memories…and I will look back with laughs on the fact that even after four hog hunts—counting the one I went on last year as well as this year’s trips—I have yet to get close to a wild hog. I am beginning to think that they really don’t exist and that hog hunting is somewhat like snipe hunting! Regardless, I loved every minute in the Sunshine state, and I hope that one day the Kessler family might invite me back to Florida to attend their wonderful rodeo and chase the ever-elusive infamous Florida hog.

Jackson, Mississippi: Dixie National Rodeo

It was an honor to attend the 45th Dixie National Rodeo—my home state of Mississippi’s largest rodeo—as Miss Rodeo America. I was in Jackson for four days and had the honor of speaking to the Mississippi legislature, riding at the rodeo and in the Dixie National Parade and spending time with the eight visiting titleholders.

I drove down the day before the rodeo began to visit the Mississippi Legislature. Senator Gary Jackson (no relation to me) presented me with a Mississippi Senate Resolution honoring my selection as the first Miss Rodeo America from Mississippi. It was a privilege to speak to the House of Representatives and the Senate and share with them about Miss Rodeo America, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and the western lifestyle. Thank you to Miss Rodeo Mississippi board members, Cathy Brown and Deborah Tucker, for accompanying my family and me to the event.

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we had five inches of snowfall in central Mississippi; however, the snow and ice did not deter the rodeo! Stace Smith and Smith, Harper, and Morgan Rodeo Company put on another great show this year, complete with fierce competition, great concerts, and of course, “our” comedian, Lecile Harris. Congratulations to all of the PRCA cowboys and WPRA cowgirls who picked up checks at the Dixie National!

I rode at each performance and then signed autographs during the rodeo with Amber (Miss Dixie National), Vanessa (Junior Miss Dixie National), and the Miss Rodeo Mississippi titleholders—Katie Jo, Hillary, Kate, Hannah Claire, Cheyenne, and McKinsy. I had fun spending time with the girls, interacting with the crowd, signing autographs and giving away replicas of the Landstrom’s Miss Rodeo America crown at the rodeo. It was definitely a great weekend—my thanks to the Mississippi Fair Commission and the Miss Rodeo Mississippi Association for hosting me at the Dixie National Rodeo!

Denver: National Western Stock Show and Rodeo

I spent eighteen days in the Mile High City and it was a fantastic first trip as Miss Rodeo America. From riding at the National Western Rodeo to the visiting the Colorado State Senate, there was never a dull moment! The NWSS has a little bit of everything—trade show, equine activities, stock show, PRCA rodeo, and much more. Thankfully, Dodge Rodeo provided me with a great 2010 Ram pickup to drive during my stay in Denver to help me try and keep up with all of the festivities!

I was honored to ride at each performance, carrying the American flag as well as the banners of the PRCA Sponsors. I appreciate the generosity of the Mr. Pat Grant, Mr. Leon Vick, and Mr. Marv Witt and everyone on the National Western committee in allowing myself and the visiting state queens to be a part of this year’s rodeo. In addition, thank you to Jodie Witt for coordinating time at the NWSS, to MRA Sponsors John Cavey and Pat Thompson for their kindness in hosting me for meals, and to everyone at Cervi Championship Rodeo for providing me with great horses to ride while I was in Denver.

When I wasn’t at a rodeo performance, I had the opportunity to take part in the stock show activities. I enjoyed attending the National Western Extravaganza, the Stock Show parade, the Citizen’s of the West dinner, the Boots and Business luncheon, the “Goat Roping,” and the Grand Champion Steer Selection…it would be very difficult to pick a favorite event! Many thanks to Ms. Rita Carey and Ms. Deb Dilley for helping coordinate my schedule and accompanying me to the different events.

The 104th National Western Stock Show and Rodeo was a fun and amazing adventure; a hearty thank you to the NWSS and everyone in Denver for their hospitality!