Miss Rodeo Texas Blog

Greetings Miss Rodeo Texas Fans,

What a busy week it has been! This week was loaded with fun appearances around the greater San Antonio area. 

     My week kicked off Monday night with the Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up and Little Miss Round-Up competition in Seguin, Texas. The Little Miss Round-Up is a huge tradition in Guadalupe County with its roots going back to 1954! I was joined by Linda Ebest, Miss Rodeo Texas Chaperone and former Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up. Before the pageant I had a chance to visit with the contestants and get a chance to know them.  The young ladies modeled beautiful western pageant dresses and answered impromptu questions on stage. The Miss Round-Up contestants also gave a 3-5 minute speech on what it means to be a hero. I had a fabulous time watching the girls compete, and knew the judges were going to have a very hard decision on their hands. 

     On Wednesday morning, I met Miss Rodeo Texas Committee member, Terry Chandler, at the Farmer’s Market in downtown San Antonio. Being that I am not from the San Antonio area, Mrs. Chandler was nice enough to take me on a historic tour of the city. We began our morning with a cup of coffee at the Mi Tierra restaurant and bakery. As a young girl, I loved taking family vacations to San Antonio and I remember eating at Mi Tierra with my family.  Being there again brought back great memories of my childhood. After coffee we headed down to the Alamo. Mrs. Chandler and I both agreed that every tour of San Antonio should began with this sacred Texas landmark. We watched an informational video of the Alamo and looked at the historic artifacts. While at the Alamo we met many new Miss Rodeo Texas fans, taking pictures, and signed autographs. It was really interesting to visit with the tourist and find out where they were from. We met people from all over the United States and even a few from other countries. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas asked me to sign their special guest book that included signatures from senators, celebrities, and the Queen of England herself. I am very honored and proud to have been able to sign the guest book as the 2012 Miss Rodeo Texas!   It will forever be down in history that we visited the Alamo that day. 

     After visiting the Alamo, we walked around downtown as Mrs. Chandler pointed out several statues and historic buildings in San Antonio. We had a delicious lunch at the historic Menger Hotel, and took a short tour through the hotel. The Victorian themed Menger Hotel is beautiful with a historic elegance. After my tour of San Antonio, Terry and I headed to the Parklane West Nursing Home. We were greeted by a room full of Parklane West residents and staff. I had the opportunity to tell the residents about the Miss Rodeo Texas pageant and share my personal story of how I became Miss Rodeo Texas. The residents and I had a great time visiting and sharing laughs. 

     The next morning began very bright and early with television interviews on Fox 29 in Seguin to promote the Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo as well as Miss Rodeo Texas. I was greeted by Barbara and Bill Robertson, the rodeo committee, and the Wild Card Pro Rodeo Team. We had a blast demonstrating rodeo events on live television, doing contest ticket giveaways, and sharing with the audience what we are all about- Rodeo! Thursday night I attended the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Sale for Kids Fundraising Event at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. It was a wonderful evening filled with great people, music, and food. The fundraiser was a huge success and an excellent example of how the San Antonio Rodeo community comes together to help provide educational opportunities for the youth of Texas.

     On Friday morning my travels took me back to Seguin for the Guadalupe County Parade. Although the skies were trying to rain, it didn’t rain on our parade. It actually turned out to be a beautiful morning! During the parade, I rode with Wild Card Pro Rodeo, a PRCA stock contractor, and Ginger Duke, a PRCA trick rider. We had a grand time riding horseback through downtown Seguin, waving and greeting all the rodeo fans. That night was the second performance of the PRCA rodeo and I don’t think there was an empty seat in the house. At the beginning of the rodeo I made a presentation ride on Tom Reeves’ horses. During the rodeo I visited with people in the stands, took many pictures, and signed autographs. I happened to run into Seguin native and former Miss Rodeo Texas Teen, Katie Knippa-Beicker. It was fun to catch up with her and her wonderful family. 

     Later that night was the coronation ceremony of the Little Miss Round-Up pageant. As a special guest, I had the honor of helping crown the new queen. I was very excited when the announcer declared that Kyleigh Mulanax, a 2012 Miss Rodeo Texas Princess contestant, had won. Kyleigh was my princess when I was Miss Rodeo Jasper in 2011 and it was great to see this well deserving young lady achieve her dream of becoming Little Miss Round-Up.

     Saturday night Marjorie Murphy, the Miss Rodeo Texas State Director, and I headed out for a fun night at Retama Race Track with the South Texas Cattlewomen. The South Texas Cattlewomen are quite an amazing group of women dedicated to promoting the beef industry. Promoting agriculture is something that is very important to me and I am very proud to be a part of such a great organization. We had a fun and relaxing evening at the horse races and enjoyed a delicious southern style dinner that included a big juicy steak. It was exciting to watch the horses race by while visiting with good friends.     

     I would like to thank the Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up and Little Miss Round-Up committee, Terry Chandler, Parklane West, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, Barbara and Bill Robertson, Wild Card Pro Rodeo, Tom Reeves, Fox 29, Guadalupe County Rodeo Committee, South Texas Cattlewomen, and Patricia and Sam Wolf for an amazing week full of excitement and great times. 

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.

     Coming home for the Fair and Rodeo was such an honor. It was an amazing walk down memory lane. I enjoyed returning home for our parade, Fair Queen pageant, Reunion Rodeo, Exceptional Kids Rodeo, and PRCA Rodeo. I would like to thank Fair President Rusty Gibson, Fair Queen Committee President Tammy Osina, the Fair and Rodeo Committee, Barbara and Bill Robertson, Boyd Polhamus, Scotty Lovelace,  John Hendrick, Classic Pro Rodeo, and all of my family and friends for two weekends full of memories that I will forever cherish!

     Just as the “King of County” George Strait said, my travels took me from San Antonio to Amarillo, Texas for the TriState Fair and Rodeo last Tuesday. The TriState Fair and Rodeo is one of the last Pro Rodeos of the 2012 season. It is very important for contestants who are trying to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to do well at the last few rodeos to secure a trip to the finals. With this being said it is no wonder that this rodeo draws record number of contestant entries and spectators, with the top athletes trying to make the coveted top 15 spots in the PRCA. 

     Upon landing in Amarillo, I was greeted by Brenda Michaels, who escorted me to the rodeo office to meet the staff and take a tour of the facilities. After touring the rodeo grounds Brenda and I headed off to lunch at Taco Garcia’s for some delicious Mexican food. I had a great time having lunch with Brenda, hearing her life stories, and about her family’s involvement with rodeo. Following lunch we went out to the Cadillac Ranch. It was so neat to see the Cadillac cars buried in the ground after reading and seeing pictures of them in numerous Texas history books. Then we were off to pick up the truck that MDR Motors was kind enough to allow me to drive for the time I was in Amarillo. I was thrilled to see that it was a big F250 King Ranch, and was so excited to be able to drive it for the week. 

     Wednesday was the first day of the PRCA rodeo, which started off with the timed event slack. When I arrived I met with Johnny Johnson who provided me with one of his horses named Shaq for the week. Johnny warned me, half-jokingly, to be careful the horse didn’t jump out from under me, as Shaq was a turn back horse and would really work a cow. I love a horse that will get down and work a cow, and was so excited to hear that this horse would. As soon as I entered the arena, Shaq immediately locked his eyes on the steer. I knew at that moment that this little sorrel gelding was going to be a blast to ride.

     Thursday morning, I was up bright and early to head to the Channel 10 News Station to promote the rodeo. I was joined by Kennady Johnson, the 2012 Miss Rodeo Texas Junior High Rodeo Association. The News Station Morning Show was very welcoming and we had a great time on camera! It was interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes to create the news shows that we see on television. After the news station we headed to the arena for the Steer Roping slack. During the steer roping I helped by pushing steers out of the arena, while joking around and laughing with the rodeo committee. Then I grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading off to Cavenders Western Wear for autograph signings and radio interviews. At Cavenders I was joined by PRCA Rodeo Announcer Mike Mathis, Specialty Act Troy Lerwill “The Wild Child,” Will Lowe, Trevor Brazile, and Kennady Johnson Miss Rodeo TJHRA. Before we knew it, it was time to head to the rodeo grounds for the first performance of the TriState Rodeo. The rodeo opened every night with a special tribute to our troops.  During the opening I had the privilege of carrying the American Flag for the National Anthem. Being able to thank our military in the arena, while posting the colors was extra special to me.  During the rodeo I pushed cattle out of the arena, and helped with the Mutton Bustin’.

     Friday morning I headed down to KGNC to do radio interviews and promote the rodeo. I have never been inside a radio station studio before and was amazed at how technology plays a big role in producing their shows. I was joined by Kennady Johnson, Miss Rodeo TJHRA. We had a great time going into the different studios and doing interviews live on the air. Friday night was the second performance of the TriState Fair and Rodeo.  I had a great time during the rodeo, and was able to visit with many rodeo enthusiasts. 

     Saturday I took a tour of the American Quarter Horse Museum. It was really neat to see all the exhibits and memorabilia from the famous cowboy and cowgirls, and legendary horses. I have always been very interested in history and enjoyed touring AQHA. While at AQHA there was a bus of people visiting from Chicago taking a tour of Texas. They were so excited to see me while they were at the museum. I loved being able to see the excitement on their faces and being able to tell them about the great state of Texas. 

     Afterwards I went up to the fair grounds to sign autographs and meet with rodeo fans. Before I knew it, it was time to head up to the arena for the final performance of the rodeo. The saying “time flies when you are having fun” couldn’t be more true. As the rodeo came to an end, championship buckles were passed out and for some lucky cowboys and cowgirls a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas was secured. 

     I had a great time in Amarillo at the TriState Fair and Rodeo. I would like to extend a special thank you to the TriState Fair and Rodeo for having me. Also, I would like to thank Angela Ragland, Alex Bell, Johnny Johnson, Brenda Michaels, Randy, and Kennady Johnson for making my trip so memorable.