Hello Miss Rodeo Texas Fans,
Over the last two weekends I was very privileged to make appearances at the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo. This fair and rodeo is very near and dear to my heart not only because it is my hometown, but because this is where I got my start competing in rodeo queen pageants ten years ago. I knew I wanted to be a rodeo queen, but had no idea of how to get involved. Upon learning about our county pageant, a friend and I decided we would give it a shot and just see what happened. Although neither of us won that first year, I was immediately hooked and entered again the next year. This time I won! Upon winning my first rodeo queen title, Miss Fort Bend County Youth Rodeo Queen, I knew that I wouldn’t give up until I achieved my dream of becoming Miss Rodeo Texas. It was one of the proudest moments in my life thus far, to be able to come home and show everyone that I accomplished my lifetime goal!
The first weekend of the Fair kicked off on Friday September 28, with the Fort Bend County parade. The parade is the largest county fair parade in the state and spans a distance of three miles. I had a great time riding through downtown Rosenberg waving and greeting the parade goers. It was great to see the whole town come together as there were literally seas of people lined up down the road for the entire parade route.
That afternoon was the Fort Bend County Fair Queen pageant coronation. I enjoyed being able to visit with the contestants prior to the coronation, as it brought back so many wonderful memories of back in 2005 when I won Fair Queen. During coronation I modeled on stage, was able to tell the audience about the Miss Rodeo Texas pageant, and shared stories about my travels thus far. There were many former Fair Queens present that night. Several of them came up to me and told me that I inspired them to step out of their own comfort zone and run for Fair Queen. They shared their stories, and told how the scholarship money they won helped to pay for their education. It was very touching to know that by my actions, I have inspired others to achieve their dreams and better their lives. After all, I feel that life is all about being able to help others and give back.
Immediately after the coronation I hurried over to the rodeo arena for the Grand Entry of the Reunion Rodeo. The Reunion Rodeo features two nights of action packed rodeo events. During both nights, I rode in the Grand Entry, carried the American Flag during the national anthem, and made a presentation ride. It was nice to be able to catch up with old friends and meet many new ones.
The second weekend of the fair began with the Exceptional Kids Rodeo on Friday, October 5. Upon arriving at the rodeo, I was greeted by Barbara and Bill Robertson, who produce the Exceptional Kids Rodeo, the Fair Committee, and dozens of volunteers who came out to help put on this exciting event. As the contestants began to arrive, I helped them get signed up and outfitted in their cowboy and cowgirl gear. I was thrilled to be able to share my passion for rodeo with these young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls! The arena was set up with several different rodeo stations where the children could try their hand at everything from roping, to bull riding, to my personal favorite- barrel racing! During the rodeo I went around to the different stations assisting the contestants with the different events. It was the greatest feeling in the world to be able to bring a smile to their face and brighten their day, all while educating them about the western way of life! Being an educator I felt right in my element. After the rodeo I signed autographs and posed for a Championship picture with each contestant. At the end of the rodeo, I don’t know who had more fun- the children or me!
Later that day I headed back up to the fairgrounds for the PRCA rodeo, which ran from Friday to Sunday. I was welcomed by John Hendrick, the Rodeo Committee, Boyd Polhamus PRCA Announcer of the Year, and the stock contractor Classic Pro Rodeo. At the beginning of each rodeo performance Boyd did a special tribute for me, telling the audience about my journey on the road to becoming Miss Rodeo Texas. I would like to thank Fort Bend County Fair for giving me this time to shine. I greatly appreciated such a warm heartfelt welcome home and big send off for the Miss Rodeo America pageant. It was such an honor to be able to make a presentation ride around the arena. I loved looking out to the audience and seeing all of the people who helped me along the way, teaching me the skills to be successful. It was even that much more special for me to have my parents in the audience watching. They have shaped me into the person I am today and always supported my dreams. There is no way I would be where I am today without their hard work and sacrifices. During each night of the opening of the rodeo I carried the American Flag for the National Anthem. The stock contractor, Scotty Lovelace, was nice enough to let me push cattle out of the arena on his personal horse. This little roan gelding, Chisholm, was such a joy to ride. I had a blast during every performance of the Fort Bend PRCA rodeo.
