Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant

Rodeo Queen Fashions: Straight from the Designers

Let's face it - one of the most important aspects of being a Rodeo Queen is wardrobe... and here at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, the very best in western wardrobe design is showcased.  Top designers are here as well... and fortunate for us they were willing to sit down with blogger Jody Rempel to share their thoughts on current trends in Rodeo Queen wardrobe.

The designers were all asked about their thoughts on color trends, fabric trends, "bling," hemlines, hat colors, and horsemanship outfits.

• Scott & Susan Rummel - Ridin' High USA
• Donna Riva
• Julie Ewing
• Karen Passion - Arena Passion

All of the designers overwhelmingly agreed that "Bling" was here to STAY (all types of bling from sequins to beads to rhinestones to glitter), and that LEATHER will always remain important to the Rodeo Queen industry.  Karen Passion says that leather is, of course, very representative of rodeo history and all Rodeo Queens should have some incorporated into their wardrobe.   However, the designers noted that other fabrics can and should be used as well, for example, Donna Riva suggests that gaberdines work very well for interviews.

Turning to colors, it's obvious that the blue or teal and brown combination is very popular this year, as are the pinks and corals... Julie Ewing says that the richer, earth colors are starting to show up more (and here at the pageant we've seen a lot of "pearlized" leather colors) and Donna Riva says that colors should be flattering to you but also look good on stage. 

As for hemlines, they've been up and down here at the Pageant.    As a general observation from the designers, it would seem that hemlines are a bit longer now, and especially longer if it's fringe, but that it depends upon the girl and her personal taste.  Karen Passion noted that it seems that fringe is becoming more popular, and that may be driving the lower hemlines.

All of the designers noted that individuality is very important.  They each strive to "know" who they are designing for, by asking them detailed questions so that they can make an outfit that will match not only their personality, but also be the right choice for the event they will wear it to.  Proper FIT is extremely important as well.  Designer Julie Ewing notes that girls will come to her wanting to wear what "last year's Miss Rodeo America winner" wore, but she cautions that individuality is more important - to have a fresh idea and to have something that makes you feel the most comfortable.    For horsemanship, the monochromatic look is still the most popular among the designers, and both Donna Riva and Karen Passion noted that it makes it much easier for the judges to focus on the riding and not be distracted by the outfit.

Here is  some GREAT advice from the designers:

• Scott & Susan Rummel:  Decide on your wardrobe for MRA by July, don't procrastinate in ordering your wardrobe.  Trunk shows are a great idea and videoing yourself in the arena in your horsemanship outfit is a good idea so you know if the outfit is going to work.
• Donna Riva:  Dress for the type of person that you are, don't try to emulate anybody else.
• Julie Ewing:  Go to truly qualified professionals in all areas of your pageant competition so that you can be prepared to do your absolute best when you get here.
• Karen Passion:  Do something for YOU.  Do what makes you feel the most comfortable.  If you really really want to wear it... by all means, wear it!

Thursday - Speeches, Impromptu Questions and the WNFR!

Contestants, chaperones, and judges enjoyed another early morning buffet breakfast at the French Market Buffet inside The Orleans Hotel.  The meal was sponsored by Cheryl Thompson Draper and John Draper of the T Bar D Ranch in Texas.  Cheryl spoke to the contestants and provided uplifting words of encouragement.

The following contestants presented their three-minute state speeches:

• Jesse Gearhart, Miss Rodeo New Mexico
• Claire Pickup, Miss Rodeo Michigan
• Erika Harlan, Miss Rodeo Iowa
• Adrienne Borden, Miss Rodeo Mississippi
• Elizabeth Scott, Miss Rodeo Arizona
• Leslie Brumleve, Miss Rodeo Kentucky
• Shaunna Chartier, Miss Rodeo Kansas
• Kathy Ternes, Miss Rodeo Minnesota
• Kristina Spitale, Miss Rodeo Nevada
• Mari Dean, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin.

The speech session was held in The Orleans Showroom and was sponsored by Tom House and Video II Productions, the official pageant videographer.  Door prizes were provided by Wrangler, Absorbine and Montana Silversmiths.

Following the speeches, the contestants worked on their coronation dances and completed their Horsemanship and Rodeo Knowledge Interviews. 

Inside the Pageant - Wednesday, November 29

During the long week of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, contestants, judges and chaperones are treated to a wide variety of meals.  Blogger Shelia Croft sat down with four contestants and asked them what their favorite meal had been leading up to this evening.

Joanna Blackwell, Miss Rodeo Texas, couldn't get enough of the crab legs, Tequila battered shrimp, filet mignon, the blooming onion and the chocolate cake at Billy Bob's Steakhouse at Sam's Town.  "It was absolutely wonderful!".  The meal was sponsored by Boyd Gaming, Inc.

Brittany Nuckols, Miss Rodeo California, really enjoyed the variety at Cravings at the Mirage.  "They had a huge variety of foods from all parts of the world, including sushi, I love sushi.  And LOTS of desserts too!".  The meal was sponsored by The Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Kaela Holtmeyer, Miss Rodeo Missouri, agreed whole heartedly with Joanna.  " My favorite was the filet mignon, garlic mashed potatoes and the chocolate cake!".

Jennifer Peverley, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, also ranked the meal at Billy Bob's as her favorite.  "It was my first time to ever have crab legs.  They don't have those in Oklahoma!".

Wednesday - Speeches, Interviews and a lot of Good Food

Contestants, chaperones and judges enjoyed an early morning breakfast at the French Market Buffet sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys and the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant.  Sue Lynn Perry sang "Amazing Grace" and provided a personal testimony.

The following contestants gave their three-minute speeches on their state:

• Jennifer Peverley, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma
• Ashley Rice, Miss Rodeo Nebraska
• Cassidy Han, Miss Rodeo Montana
• Amanda Buckalew, Miss Rodeo Alabama
• Jessica West, Miss Rodeo Washington
• Brittany Nuckols, Miss Rodeo California
• Kaela Holtmeyer, Miss Rodeo Missouri
• Rachel O'Connor, Miss Rodeo Florida
• Holly Scott, Miss Rodeo Tennessee

The speech session was held in the Orleans Showroom and was sponsored by Shooter Enterprises, Inc, the official pageant photographer.  Door prizes were provided by Wrangler, Absorbine, and Montana Silversmiths.

Following the speeches, the contestants spent the remainder of the day at coronation practice or in their Rodeo and Horsemanship Knowledge Interviews.  They were joined in the Prime Rib Loft at lunch by the judges and members of the MRA Executive Board.  The lunch was sponsored by Desert Oak Home/Frank and Anne Kocvara.  In the evening they enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at Billy Bob's Steakhouse at Sam's Town sponsored by Boyd Gaming, Inc.

Inside the Pageant - Tuesday, November 28

Blogger Shelia Croft met up with three of the 2007 Miss Rodeo America Pageant contestants and after the MRA 500 Fashion Show.  Throughout the week, contestants are provided a bounty of goodies from the generous pageant sponsors.  Shelia asked about some of the gifts they had received.

Claire Pickup, Miss Rodeo Michigan, was very excited about taking home a Wrangler George Strait guitar complete with the Miss Rodeo America logo.  This gift wasn't limited to just those who had used the guitars as props for one of the dances at the fashion show, every contestant is taking one home.

"I've been wanting a pair of these ever since they came out!  Now I don't have to go shopping when I get home." replied Trena Loftesness, Miss Rodeo Oregon.  Every contestant received a pair of pocket patch low rise Wranglers from the Wrangler jean company.

Holly Scott , Miss Rodeo Tennessee, was so excited at the prospect of meeting Donnie Gay as he presented each contestant a WNFR Contestant duffel bag.  Not only was she excited about meeting the world champion bull rider, but she knew the bag would come in handy to carry home all of their goodies from the pageant.

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is blessed to be supported by so many generous sponsors.  In addition to the above items, the contestants are also taking home the following:

• Wrangler Jeans and Shirts from Wrangler
• Special handcrafted pendant from Landstrom's Black Hills Gold Creations complete with their name, title and year of competition engraved upon the pendant
• Lady Justin Vintage boots from Justin
• Absorbine products from WF Young Products Inc.
• Keepsake guitars from Copley
• Monogrammed briefcase from Buck's Bags
• Wrangler blanket fleece bakcpacks
• Gifts from Brandy Parfums, Ltd
• LipSense products from Ina Ginsberg
• Wrangler bandanas
• Thank you notes from Leanin' Tree
• Bible from Fellowship of Christian Cowboys
• Western art print and special note cards from Western Horseman Magazine
• Contestant gift bag from Boyd Gaming
• Wrangler 20X CD case
• Mesh cosmetic bag, lip gloss and UR Gorgeous lip gloss from UR Gorgeous Cosmetics
• Special gift from Mr. Red Wilk and Family
• Wallet from Rogers/Whitley Company
• Wrangler belts from Chambers and cuff bracelets
• Collapsible trash/laundry bag from Professional's Choice Sports Medicine Products, Inc
• Wrangler NFR t-shirt from Main Gate, Inc
• Gifts from Jill West at West and Company
• Purse from Yak Pak Imports
• Certificate of participation and contestant composite photo from Miss Rodeo America, Inc
• Official MRA Pageant Program

Scrapbook and Achievement Winners

Winners of two optional events were announced on Thursday at the President's Luncheon.

Scrapbook:

1st - Arizona, Elizabeth Scott ($500 and Rosette)
2nd - Oregon, Trena Loftesness ($250 and Rosette)
3rd - Kansas, Shauna Chartier ($150 and Rosette)
4th - Iowa, Erika Harlan ($100 and Rosette)

Raffle Ticket Sales Achievement:
Tie betwee Joanna Blackwell, Miss Rodeo Texas and Jesse Gearhart, Miss Rodeo New Mexico.  Both will receive a bracelet courtesy of Miss Rodeo Montana, Inc.

The Wrangler MRA 500

LADIES...START YOUR ENGINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The contestants in the 2007 Miss Rodeo America Pageant lived life in the fast lane Tuesday night at the annual fashion show.  Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller donned his very own pit crew jacket for the event.  The coat, from Dodge, was to be autographed by all of the contestants and others who played part in the fashion show and will be up for auction at the annual Foundation auction at Cowboy Christmas on Friday.

Executive Board member and Media Committee Chair Sue Lynn Perry of Tennessee opened the event with a beautiful rendition of "America the Beautiful".  Deborah Tucker of Mississippi provided the invocation.

As guests enjoyed a steak dinner, the contestants performed several high energy dances.  Clothing for the dances was provided by Wrangler and Justin provided their footwear.  Helping with the dances were choreographers LauraLyn Kofford, Casey Balding and Tara Rowe.

Reigning Miss Rodeo America Amanda Jenkins performed a comedy skit at the beginning of the evening.  Joining her on stage were Bronc Rumford as "Dr. Feel", Doug Beehler as "Big Earl", Roger Rutherford as "Bubba",  Robby Hodges (nominated for PRCA Barrel Man of the Year) played Amanda's husband, Cody Sosebee (also nominated for PRCA Barrel Man of the Year) played the courtroom judge and PRCA Announcer Jesse Knutson represented Amanda as her lawyer.   In the end, Amanda and Robby rode off into the sunset on their mini race car.

Executive Board member Sherri Smith introduced the Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame Class of 2006.  Mr. Wendell Hamilton of Award Design Medals and Bob Tallman were inducted.  Look for their complete bios on the blog later in the week.

While the contestants readied for their finale walk in their finest western fashions, up and coming singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann entertained the crowd with his talents.  Hailing from Liberal, KS, you may be familiar with some of his work which has been recorded by Neil McCoy, Julie Roberts, Jamey Johnson and Garth Brooks.  He scored his first #1 hit song with Garth in 2005 with "Good Ride Cowboy", a tribute to Chris LeDoux.  Jerrod also is a co-writer on Brooks latest single, "That Girl is a Cowboy".  He has opened shows for Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Tracy Lawrence Gary Allan, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Trick Pony, Josh Turner, The Mavericks, Sammy Kershaw, Black Hawk, and many more.  His first single is set to debut in early January of 2007, and he is currently on a nationwide radio tour to promote his new CD.  Jerrod's performance was provided Hobby Horse Clothing Company, Marris Kaye and Sons Furs, Chambers Belt Company and Bucks Bags.

Following Jerrod's performance the 28 contestants modeled their best western elegance dresses.  Every color of the rainbow was represented on stage, with fringe, crystals and sequins adorning the dresses. 

The evening finished with Amanda awarding the Wrangler MRA 500 Championship Trophy to All Around World Champion Cowboy Ryan Jarrett.  As they exited the giant champagne bottle, confetti poppers filled the room from the ceiling with brightly colored confetti.

The fashion show was sponsored by Red Wilk Construction, Troy Weekley, Shumway Farms, and the Miss Rodeo Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Utah Pageants.  Table sponsors included Wrangler, Red Wilk Construction, Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation and Friends, Arlee Kensinger, Justin Boot Company, Miss Rodeo Texas, John E. Cavey and Pat J. Thompson, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Miss Rodeo Oregon, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Miss rodeo Washington, Miss Rodeo Tennessee, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Miss Rodeo Nevada, Miss Rodeo Florida, Miss Rodeo Arizona, Shumway Farms and Miss Rodeo America's Family.

The fashion show committee is headed by Kiki Shumway of WA and co-chaired by Stephanie Crop of OR and Lori McKettrick of FL.  They are assisted by Tara Rowe (CO), Linda Ebest (TX), Marjorie Murphy (TX), Nicole Cypers (UT), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Jim Peer (UT), Cindy and Red Wilk (SD), Faith Kendrick (FL), Kristy Davis (UT), Katy Shumway (OK), Debbie Vandiver (AL), Deborah Tucker (MS), DeShannon Davis (MS) and Amber Riesterer (OR).

A Day in the Life of a Chaperone

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a chaperone for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant?  They were k ind enough to share a bit of what it's like with me, during one of the contestant's rehearsals.

There are seven Chaperones:  Rita Carey, Kay Dennis, Jo Beth Steward, Clemie Jo Lamb, Chris Williams, Barb Williams, and Deborah Dilley.   Each day, two chaperones are assigned the "wake up" chores - knocking on contestant's doors to make sure they are up and awake...5:30am.  After that, it is a lot of planning and organizing - they do all of the thinking ahead so to make sure that the girls can get where they need to be in a timely manner.  Prior to each event, the chaperones try and give them an idea of what they'll be doing, what to expect, what they can bring with them... so the contestants will feel at ease.  Throughout the day they facilitate delivery  & pickup of items such as gifts, clothing, and other necessities between the contestants and their families.

In the event that a contestant should feel sick during the Pageant, the chaperones make sure that the parents are notified, and a doctor is on call should the need arise.  While the chaperones do not give out any medicines, they'll certainly make sure that a parent or director can be in touch with the contestant so they can get what she feels she needs.  Chaperones say that as the week goes on, the incidences of illness become greater, as the girls start to get run down.  (As well as the Chaperones!) 

What has been the biggest change over the last 10-20 years from their perspective?  The fellowship among the contestants.  Because of today's technology and the travel schedule the girls have, most of them already know each other by the time they arrive at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  They have developed friendships and they form bonds that will last a lifetime.

The best part of being a Chaperone?  One said because it is getting together with the other Chaperones - that they keep in touch through the year and look so forward to getting together for the Pageant.  Being a part of something big.  As Barb pointed out, it is a huge sacrifice of time, but well worth it.  It's obvious, even after a few minutes in their company, that this group definitely has a strong bond.  I begged them to tell me some interesting stories... and lest I suffer retribution, I can only repeat this one: 

The first year that Clemie Jo was a chaperone, she was trying so very hard to make sure she was doing a good job and being helpful for the girls.  At one time there was a gal who would steam the girl's hats but she wasn't there so that duty fell to the Chaperones, who did have a steamer in one of the rooms.  As it turned out, as Clemie is making the rounds, one gal needs her hat shaped.  So, Clemie goes to the room where the steamer is to turn it on, and she fills it with water, then goes about her rounds while it's warming up.  Well, in about ten minutes she returned with the hat, ready to steam it, and upon entering the room, found the "steamer" spitting a stream of water onto the carpet!  Apparently... the reservoir was already full when she filled it!!!   

The most challenging?  All agreed it was the schedule...  the logistics involved with getting that many girls organized and on time and where they need to be... figuring out the best route to take to get there... and every year there are always changes to the schedule so there is always something new to figure out.

The Chaperones have pretty much seen it all over the years, and they offered some advice for me to pass along for the contestants who will be coming along.

• Be yourself.
• Be physically prepared.
• Be very well rested when you get here and be on a good vitamin program.
• Be prepared to have FUN!
• Enjoy the moment and remember it's a once in a lifetime experience.  It's not the end of your life if you don't win.
• The girl who wins is the one who consistently does well throughout the entire pageant.
• Focus on each individual event and when that event is over, start focusing on the next event.

This story was submitted by blogger Jody Rempel.

Fiesta Theme for Get Acquainted Party

The Miss Rodeo America “Fiesta” was held Monday evening and gave contestants, sponsors, volunteers & the friends and families of the contestants the opportunity to relax and get acquainted.  The event was sponsored by Corral West Ranchwear, Western Horseman Magazine, and the following state pageant organizations—Alabama, Arizona, Florida, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Tracy Damrell and Karie O’Donnell-Jones.

The MRAP Alumni Association sold out of “Fiesta Ducks” within 15-minutes of the start of the event.  Each duck was numbered and door prizes were drawn from the duck numbers.

The contestants made self-introductions and told of a special memory that they had from the year or since they had arrived for the pageant.  There were many laughs shared by all.

Red & Jenny Wilk of South Dakota presented each contestant with a piece of Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold Jewelry to commemorate their participation in the pageant  Red also presented a one-of-a-kind MRA Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold Ring to Tim Fuller, Master of Ceremonies.

Singer C.C. Collier, whose performance was sponsored by the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant, provided music for the evening.  A $5-dollar dance allowed guests an opportunity to dance with Miss Rodeo America, Amanda Jenkins and the always-popular $1 dance was a hit with the women who had a chance to dance with Tim Fuller, Bronc Rumford, Tommy Rumford & Doug Beehler. After all monies were counted, the men were awarded prizes for the most money raised.  1^st place went to National Advisory Council Member Doug Beehler, 2^nd place to MRAP Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller and 3^rd place to past MRA, Inc President Bronc Rumford.  The dance contest ended with a donation for Bronc to dance with Tim, it was hard to tell which one was leading, which wasn’t the case when Dusty Chartier, brother of Miss Rodeo Kansas, Shaunna Chartier, cut in on Bronc.

The proceeds from the evening are earmarked for the written test award scholarship sponsored by the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Alumni Pageant Association.  If you are a former MRAP Contestant and would like more information on the MRAP Alumni Association, visit the website at http://www.missrodeoamerica.com.

PRCA Luncheon Showcases Rodeo Knowledge

Guests at the annual PRCA Luncheon, held at the new South Point Hotel, enjoyed a delicious meal, entertainment by country singer Susie Dobbs and the contestants as they answered their rodeo knowledge impromptu question.  Commissioner Troy Ellerman was in attendance as well as representatives of the many rodeo committees who had invited Amanda to attend their events throughout her reign.

Contestants entered the room to high energy music and paraded throughout the tables.  Guests were able to get an up close look at the details on each pair of personalized chaps the contestants were wearing .  Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller joined Amanda Jenkins on stage to ask the questions.  Contestants came forward in random order (drawn before the event) and pulled a question from the bowl.  This year the questions were word associations and the contestant was to tell about the word or phrase.  Some examples include "ProCom", "Scamper", "TETWP", "Stace Smith", "Matt Austin", and "PSN".  Between the contestants Tim and Amanda shared the stage and entertained guests with stories about her year as Miss Rodeo America.

Following the questions, Commissioner Troy Ellerman addressed the room and then presented Amanda a 2007 WNFR Contestant Jacket.  She was also presented a Miss Rodeo America buckle from Montana Silversmiths along with a portrait by Montana photographer Clark Martin of her promoting the Montana Silversmiths product line.  Over $12,000 was raised for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation during a live auction overseen by Harry Vold.

Guests received the latest copy of the ProRoeo Sports News and samples from WF Young Absorbine.  Tara Rowe represented Absorbine and presente PRCA Stock Contractor Bennie Beutler with the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship Horse Award.  Mr. Beutler's horse was horse #4 in the horsemanship competition draw earlier in the week.