Hello Miss Rodeo Texas Fans

Hello Miss Rodeo Texas Fans,

     Well, 2012 is officially in the books! I hope that everyone ended 2012 on a good note. I know I sure did! In December, I made my first trip out to Las Vegas for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. I truly had the time of my life and enjoyed the entire contest. It was such an honor to be able to represent the best state – TEXAS! I would like to thank everyone again who helped me prepare for the pageant and who helped me sell raffle tickets. The hard work paid off and I was very proud to place 3rd Runner Up! I am ecstatic to tell you that not only did Texas bring home the title of highest raffle ticket sales, but we broke the record for highest raffle tickets ever sold! Without the help of ‘Team Texas’ this would not have been possible, and I am very grateful to be a part of such a commendable organization.

     I kicked off my 2013 Rodeo Tour the first weekend of January with the Texas Professional Rodeo Association Circuit Finals. The top 15 competitors in each event came to Waco, Texas to compete for the prestigious Circuit Finals Championship title and hopefully a chance to compete in the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo. I arrived in Waco Saturday morning for the Annual Fashion Show and had the chance to model several trendy western outfits. The rodeo contestants and I had a great time working the runway and posing for pictures. After the fashion show, we attended the final performance of the Texas Circuit Finals. The energy in the Heart of Texas Complex was electrifying. I felt so lucky to have been able to attend the rodeo as the First Lady of Texas Professional Rodeo and to be among such gifted cowboys and cowgirls. 

     On January 17th my travels took me to “Cowtown” as I headed to Fort Worth for the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductions. I was ecstatic to be a part of this year’s ceremony. Being around such praiseworthy men and women was very inspirational. It was such an honor to spend the evening with cowboys and cowgirls that I have spent my entire life looking up to. This year’s inductees included Dr. Tandy Freeman, Sandy Kirby, the Edwards Family and Ranch, and Tommy Steiner. The Rick Smith “Spirit of Texas Award” went to Randy White. During the ceremony I had the privilege of awarding each recipient with their medal and plaque. Also, while at the Hall of Fame Inductions I ran into former Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss Rodeo America, Debbie Johnson Garrison. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other and sharing stories about our adventures as rodeo queens.

     With February right around the corner, it is almost time for the 8 time PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year – The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo! I am so eager for the rodeo to kick off and have been attending pre-rodeo events all month. I attended the S.A.L.E. Go Rodeo Ball on January 19th, where I had a fabulous time visiting with committee members and sponsors while dancing to country legend Travis Tritt. Then, on January 24th, Avery Greene, Miss Rodeo Texas Teen, and three former Miss Rodeo Texas Queens – Lauren Graham, 2011, Celesta Harvey, 2010, Devin Felger Sisk, 2009, and myself, had the honor of modeling in the San Antonio Cowgirls Live Forever Fashion Show. The Miss Rodeo Texas organization was well represented during the fashion show. We modeled along with models from Julian Gold, with the formers modeling clothing from Julian Gold and Avery and I modeling our beautiful pageant dresses. The young ladies and I had a great time showcasing our personalities on the stage and catching up on happenings in each other’s lives. 

    During the last few weeks, I have been learning about the many traditions of the San Antonio Rodeo, one of which being the Cowboy Breakfast. The Cowboy Breakfast is in its 35th year and is one of the major kick off events of the rodeo. I arrived at 4:30 a.m. to find people lined up, as far as I could see, to get their breakfast tacos. The event is put on entirely by volunteers who make approximately 10,000 tacos within a four hour span. I was joined by Miss Rodeo Texas President, Wayne Zamzow, and Jackie Van De Walle, S.A.L.E Lifetime Assistant Vice President. 

     On January 25th and 26th Marjorie Murphy, Miss Rodeo Texas State Director, and Frances Bendele, Miss Rodeo Texas Assistant State Director, and I headed north from San Antonio to Austin for the Miss Rodeo Austin Pageant. Upon arriving in Austin we were joined by Miss Rodeo Texas Teen Avery Green and Miss Rodeo Texas Princess, Alysia McCormick. 

     I would like to thank Marjorie Murphy, Frances Bendele, Wayne Zamzow, Jackie Van De Walle, Vicki Hobbs, Jami Hoffman, and Tonya Eppright for helping me to start off my travels of 2013 in grand style. Be sure to stay tuned in for updates next month from the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The rodeo is one of the best in the nation and features the top rodeo competitors in the world. If you are in the area, be sure to come out to the rodeo, and if you are not in the area, plan a trip to San Antonio! There are many exciting events planned for next month and you won’t want to miss out! Also, don’t forget about the Miss Rodeo Texas Facebook page, as I will be posting pictures throughout the rodeo to keep Miss Rodeo Texas Fans up-to-date.

Let’s Rodeo!

Rosanna Pace

Miss Rodeo Texas 2012