It’s difficult to even know where to begin when it comes to my time spent at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I had such an incredible time at this rodeo and really loved all of the people I got to work with during my two and a half weeks there.
Opening day of the rodeo was filled with media all day long as several different TV stations filled the grounds to cover the event. I arrived at the grounds at 5:45 that morning and was honored to have the opportunity to interview with multiple stations until well into the afternoon. As a communications major, I appreciate these chances to promote and talk about rodeo while sharing my experiences with the public.
Once I was finished with media interviews, I went to production meeting before the first performance that night, as I would throughout the duration of the rodeo. These production meetings are basically a gathering of rodeo staff and contract personnel to go over each performance and make sure the whole production of the rodeo runs smoothly. I really enjoyed getting to attend these meetings because the room is filled with many iconic people in the rodeo industry and it gave me the opportunity to get to know everyone on a more personal level. It’s also neat to see how much goes into putting on each performance. Everyone works SO hard to make this the award winning 10-time Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year that it is.
Then, it was time for my favorite part of every day, the rodeo performance itself! I was sincerely honored to get to play a part in such a large rodeo as San Antonio. Each night, I carried a sponsor flag as I rode around the arena, leading the victory lap for the winner of each event. Cervi Championship Rodeo provided me with several awesome horses to ride and I can’t thank them enough for always being so kind
and helpful! Besides running sponsor flags, I also got to help with the Mutton Bustin’ at each performance! Getting to interact with the kids is always fun because you never know what they’re going to say or do. After each section, I got to help present the winning mutton buster with their shiny new buckle and even got some hugs out of the deal! Right after the rodeo ended each night, I made my way up to autograph signings alongside the rodeo contestants.
One morning, a few rodeo contestants and I went to visit a local children’s hospital with Ropin’ Dreams. These visits can be difficult because it’s hard to see precious kids having to stay in a hospital, but if there’s any way that we can brighten their day, even just a little bit, then that is time very well spent. Visits like these are one of the most meaningful things I get to do throughout my reign.
There were many other events I attended besides the rodeo itself. I went to the school tours every afternoon where I got to speak with many FFA and 4-H students that volunteer their time to guide young children around the grounds and share their passion for agriculture. Every Sunday morning, I loved getting to go to Cowboy Church and sit alongside everyone I worked with at the rodeo. We got to listen to some great messages and “recharge” before starting another week of rodeo. I also went to the different livestock auctions where I witnessed some of the most incredible sponsors support these kids and their projects through record-breaking buys.
I am so grateful for every single person at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo for how wonderful and hospitable they were. I had a hard time leaving the rodeo at the end of the two and a half weeks because it had grown to feel like a family to me there. Thank you to Keith Martin for always being so supportive; with a leader like him, it’s no wonder this rodeo has been as successful as it has. Thank you to Sharron Arnold for taking such good care of me and to the marketing team, as well as the hospitality committee, for welcoming me into their offices. Thank you also to LeaAnn Gardner for all of the help and care she provided, I really enjoyed my time with her! I can’t thank all of the committees and staff enough for all of their hard work and kindness, I always felt right at home. I also appreciated getting to visit with Terry Chandler, Pat Bowen, Linda Ebest, Billy and Brenda Harris, many other Miss Rodeo Texas supporters, family, and friends. Every single one of you made this rodeo one to remember!
Blessings always,
Alex Ingram – Miss Rodeo Texas 2014