Western MT Fair & Rodeo

The weather finally started to feel like August as I stepped out of my air-conditioned car onto the rodeo grounds in Missoula. I can’t believe that at this time last year, I was just about to meet Laura Bakker and find out about the Miss Teen Rodeo Montana Pageant. But it felt good to be at my other “hometown” rodeo, knowing every other person I ran into.

First on the agenda was horsemanship, and all of the girls looked fabulous. I think there were a total of 10 girls competing for three different age categories. Unfortunately, no one applied for the queen title. But that meant the 2008 Miss Missoula Stampede Princess would be the lucky duck who got to wear the NEW chaps and crown! Since the title of the rodeo changed from Western Montana to Missoula Stampede, it was time to get a new pair of perpetual chaps. None of the girls knew this yet though, and they were all concentrating hard on their upcoming horsemanship patterns.

I didn’t get too much time to get to know all of the girls, but I did know a few from summers past. Jennika O’Neil, who was competing for the princess title, and I got pretty close over the summer since we attended a ton of rodeos together. She was Little Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo. Another familiar face was Sari McCollum, who I knew from competing in the Bitterroot Gymkhana Club. I almost didn’t recognize her with all of the beautiful clothes and the makeup. But she was riding was riding her same little rodeo pony, Oreo. And a family who I know very well was also there supporting their youngest daughter, Elizabeth. The Roberts family attended cowboy church with me, and their daughters were also in the gymkhana club. AND their other daughter Callie holds the 2008 Jr. Miss Rodeo Ravalli County title. It felt great to see all of their familiar faces.

One other very impressive group of girls was the reining Western Montana Royalty; Lesli Furniss, Hannah Burlingham, and Reagan Tracy. They all have made such an impression on me with their big hearts. And besides that, they’re all a blast to hang out with and talk to. I feel honored to know these wonderful ladies, and I can’t wait to see them again. (Hopefully at the state pageant!!)

That night at the rodeo, I got to ride one of the best, and most well-known, horses around. His name is Cecil, and he’s the biggest teddy bear of a horse I have ever ridden. That is until you put him around some cows or ask him to do a queen buzz. He may be old, but his age didn’t show once. Thank you so much to Laura Bakker for letting me use him for the entire fair.

The next morning was speeches. I shivered at the thought of it, but was incredibly thankful that I wasn’t the one up on stage! I couldn’t believe how creative these young women were with the rhyming and the clever touches. One speech I thought was especially clever and very cute was about the point of view of a pair of boots. After the speeches came the modeling, and I had no clue what I was doing once again. So I just hopped into the line and pretended to know what I was doing. It all went well, and I had a little fun too. And last on the list for the morning were the ever intimidating impromptu questions. All the girls did an awesome job and didn’t falter once. But you could see the relief on their faces when it was all over.

 It was great to hear the familiar voice of Will Rasmussen come over the speakers when I entered the arena for the second night. And I loved watching all of the other girls make their buzz in the arena, seeing their pure excitement. But as I entered the arena I realized I had forgotten one very important piece to my rodeo wardrobe… bobby pins! This may not seem like a big deal to anyone who hasn’t been around a rodeo queen, but to us, its bad news. Within the first 10 feet of the arena my hat started to lift off. So I had no choice but to wave for a few seconds and then cram my hat back down onto my head. I did this for the entire lap around the arena. I felt pretty embarrassed and silly when I came out, but I’m glad it wasn’t something worse.

This night was also the BIG night of coronation! All of the girls rode out into the arena with huge smiles on their faces and their best outfit on. I couldn’t help but feel for them because we all know how nerve wracking it is to be out in front of a crowd waiting for the announcement. Congratulations to your 2008 Miss Missoula Stampede Princess… Samantha Manley! Also to the Little Miss Sarai McCollum and Elizabeth Roberts, the Junior Little Miss. Congratulations to all of you, I know you girls will have an awesome time this year!

After my hat “trauma” the night of rodeo went very well, and I even got the chance afterwards to grab some greasy fair food.

Until next time, I wish you all the best!

                                      

God Bless,

 

Jennifer Marshall

MTRM 2008