Talking about what rodeo cowboys eat
In line for lunch!
Eating our healthy lunch!
I then made my way over my first set of hurdles as I went to Thermopolis for the Cowboy Rendezvous. This was the first opportunity I had to work alongside Donna Vold Larsen. What an amazing set of women she and her daughter, Tami, are! Donna allowed me to carry a few sponsor flags and help clear the arena. I met some great people in Thermopolis, including a couple from Australia who planned their trip to the states around the Thermopolis rodeo. They are what I call true rodeo fans! I also rode in the parade with the other royalty. After the parade, we waited with Donna and Tami for the herd of steers that were making their way down the parade route. I was told last year the steers had a different plan and scattered into the streets of Thermopolis. This year, Donna must have had a talk with them because they stayed together and on the street, except for one small detour into a neighboring yard.
After the parade
I was sad I had to leave the fun being had in Thermopolis early, but was excited to visit one of my long-time favorite rodeos, the Never Summer Rodeo in Walden, Colorado. I have been attending this rodeo for years as royalty, and promised them that if I ever won Miss Rodeo Wyoming, I would come back. As soon as I entered the small town nestled between the Colorado Rockies and sand dunes, I was greeted by a few familiar faces. Greg and Angelique Dieker from the Elizabeth Stampede were standing at the beginning of the parade line up. It was great getting to chat with them and share our stories from the weekend we spent in Elizabeth. I saw a few more members, of the Elizabeth Stampede board and committee, the Swisher family, there as well. I rode in their parade, which is up Main Street, turn around, and back down main street; attended their queen’s luncheon, and rode in the grand entry of the rodeo. My parents and brother also joined me. It was fun hanging out with them during the rodeo. It’s something I don’t get to go much anymore.
Headed up main street
Coming back down main street
The grand entry
I entered into a straight stretch of my race where I was able to have a few days of a break. I added one more sponsor logo to my truck. I will be sporting the Dan Post logo as I travel this summer and winter. Greg Hensley with Dan Post has been an amazing help to the success of my year with regards to my feet! I never wore Dan Post boots until this year. But after he got me in my first pair, I’ve been hooked! I can be on my all day feet, running through the arena, walking from one autograph signing to another, and at the end of it all, my feet still feel like they can run a mile, which is helpful during my “Cowboy Christmas” race! Thank you Greg and Dan Post for everything!
At the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park in Kaycee, Wyoming
I turned my newly logoed truck north and made the journey back to Cody, Wyoming for the Cody Stampede. I was fortunate enough this time to travel with company! Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Kaycee McDanial, drove to Laramie and we headed there together. She did ask if we could take a side trip to Kaycee, Wyoming just so she could get a picture with the Kaycee, Wyoming sign. Since I am always looking for adventure, we took a two hour detour to Kaycee, and then headed up over the Big Horn Mountains above Buffalo, Wyoming to get to Cody. It was a wonderful and beautiful drive! In Cody, we started the official Cowboy Christmas with the committee breakfast. I was presented with my Miss Rodeo Wyoming official Cody Stampede jacket. I am the only one to have two royalty jackets from the Cody Stampede, Miss Cody Stampede 2008 and Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011. Kaycee, Miss Teen Rodeo Florida (Kelly) and a few of the Cody Stampede royalty and I then took the famous Cody Trolley Tour. We learned about the area and the history of Buffalo Bill Cody. After a pedicure and quick nap, we signed autographs at the historical Irma Hotel with some of the Xtreme Bulls bullriders. We then made our way to the arena to watch the Xtreme Bulls. Day two of the Cody Stampede, Miss Rodeo Illinois, Brooke M’lynn Owen, joined us. We signed autographs at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center in the morning, and did some shopping in downtown Cody. We then went to the arena for grand entry practice. Ike Sankey set us straight on what we were doing during the four rodeo performances. We were all a bit nervous but were excited to witness the Cody Stampede Rodeo! The first night went great! My parents also came and were there to enjoy the fun. Day three in Cody was TETWP and I sported “Pinky” from my sponsor Star of The West Hats. We watched the Kiddie Parade then joined the bullfighters, and barrelman for an autograph session at the Yellowstone Gift Shop. The United States Marines Corps Mounted Color Guard did join us for a short time. The queens then made our way across the street to Wayne’s Boot Shop for some more autographs. After a quick clothing change, we went to Wyoming River Raft Trip to enjoy the great weather on a rafting trip. I picked the best place in the boat….to get soaked! I sat in the front! It was fun and relaxing, especially when Kim Kuhn, Miss Sheridan Wyo Rodeo sang to us as we floated down the river. We cleaned up and headed to the arena for the second performance of the rodeo. Miss Rodeo America was supposed to join us; however, because of a missed connecting flight in Denver, she was delayed until the next day. On July 3rd, we started our day with one of two parades in Cody. The parade had a great crowd, but I knew the next day, July 4th, would be bigger! After the parade, we spent some time at Boot Barn signing autographs. It’s always fun visiting local sponsors and thanking them for supporting the rodeo. We then attended the VIP lunch at The Terrace. We had great food and great company. I was able to stand before the board, committee, and sponsors and thank them for everything they have done. When I was Miss Cody Stampede 2008, they helped me understand rodeo and truly love it! They also do so much for their royalty and the visiting royalty. They made us feel so welcomed and apart of the group! Miss Rodeo America then joined us later that afternoon. My parents stepped up and were willing to drive from Cody to Sheridan to pick her up from the airport. That night at the rodeo, we could feel the energy from the crowd as we entered the arena. The Fourth of July had even more energy and patriotism then the day before! The parade route was packed with people, the autograph session at Sierra Trading Post was visited by many, and the rodeo that night was close to sold out, if not already! It was sad having to pack up and leave the next day, but I knew Cody Stampede will always be #1 in my book!
Rafting crew
With GySgt. Michael Bate with the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
With Mr. Kiesner and Roper Kiesner
July 3rd Parade
Signing autographs at the Irma
TETWP (wearing "Pinky" the hat) Signing autographs at the Yellowstone Gift Shop
Bailie Allshouse, Miss Cody Stampede 2011
Autograph Signing at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center
July 2nd Grand Entry
Miss Rodeo America FINALLY got here!!
July 4th Grand Entry
July 4th Parade
Having a bit of fun on the Cody Trolley Tour, its not real!
Miss Sheridan Wyo Rodeo, Kim Kuhn, met our biggest fan, Gabriel!
I made my actual homecoming to the Laramie Jubilee Days my next trip. I was invited to carry the Wyoming State flag for the first performance of the PRCA rodeo. I also helped Miss Laramie Jubilee, Holly Kennedy, and her Lady-In-Waiting, Kodi Lester, clear the arena during the rodeo. I was excited to be home and show my community the hard work I had done to get to where I am today. Saturday morning we started with the parade, followed by the queen’s luncheon. I was asked to speak on my travels and journey thus far. I was happy to share my adventures and bits of wisdom! After the luncheon, Miss Cody Stampede, Bailie Allshouse and I made a quick trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming. While in Cody, Marlo Ward, wife of pickup man Billy Ward, had lost her wedding ring. Someone found it and returned it to the Cody Stampede office after the rodeo. Since Bailie was coming to Laramie for Jubilee Days, she brought the ring with her, and we hand-delivered it to Marlo in Cheyenne. She was so happy to be getting such a meaningful and beautiful piece of jewelry returned! We made it back to Laramie in time for the TETWP performance of the rodeo. The night before we had been drenched with rain, so “Pinky” stayed at home for this rodeo. The evening turned out beautiful! I carried the Laramie Jubilee Days flag, and helped clear the arena. Sunday was an easy day for us. We had the chance to sleep in and relax a bit before the afternoon performance of the rodeo. The rodeo started with me helping with the stick horse rodeo, carrying the Laramie Jubilee Days flag, and ended with me finding out my horse, Cookie, who I had been riding all weekend, likes to cut steers! We had one get away from us, but she went to work getting it back in the pen! I only broke one nail in the process.
Clearing the arena with Miss Laramie Jubilee, Holly Kennedy
Sunday's Grand Entry
Cookie did so well standing still!!
Parade on Saturday with the Wyoming High School Queen
Military Night Grand Entry
Helping with the Stick Horse Rodeo
So with a trip to my sponsor, Absolute Acrylic, to fix my nail, I am starting to prepare for my next set of hurdles, Sheridan WYO Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Red Desert Round-up, Wind River Roundup, and hopefully Lincoln County Rodeo. It’s a tough race, but I’m keeping pace! Wyoming, Let’s Ride On!
