PRCA Luncheon Includes Rodeo Knowledge and Presentations
The annual PRCA Luncheon showcased the immense rodeo knowledge the twenty-seven contestants must have to do their public relations jobs well. Held at the South Point Hotel, the event began with a parade of colorful beauties led by two-time 20X Extreme Talent Contest winner Brett Hall. Hall, a former NHSRA competitor from Lexington, NE, is an up and coming Country and Christian Music Entertainer. Each contestant wore her state chaps with matching blouses and the bling was immense.
Tim Fuller, the voice of Miss Rodeo America, and reigning Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews called each contestant to the stage to answer her question. They also entertained the audience with a few stories of Ashley's adventures as Miss Rodeo America. This year the questions were single words or phrases in which the contestant had to expand upon. Examples include "Cheyenne, WY", "Grated Coconut" and "Kyle Whitaker". The contestants were as cool as cucumbers as they shared their knowledge of these topics with the judges and audience.
Following the invocation by Dale Woodard of Canon City, CA guests enjoyed a delicious pork chop lunch complete with banana cheesecake.
Keith Martin, Interim CEO and Chairman of the Board for the PRCA, addressed the contestants and congratulated them on their achievements. In addition to his service to the PRCA, Mr. Martin remains the CEO of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. He presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo to the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation. A live auction, sold by famed stock contractor Harry Vold, raised another $1,075 for the foundation. Bids were accepted for Wrangler NFR tickets and a signed and numbered pair of Tough Enough to Wear Pink chinks.
Tara Graham-Rowe, West Coast Regional Sales Manager for W.F. Young, Inc., presented the Top Horse award to Iowa stock contractor Bob Barnes. Mr. Barnes was one of the stock contractors who provided horses for the Miss Rodeo America contestants to ride during the horsemanship portion of the pageant.
Another presentation was made to event sponsors John E. Cavey and Pat J. Thompson for their continued support of the Miss Rodeo America program. Ashley shared her stories of spending time with John and Pat while at the Denver Western Stock Show. Each Miss Rodeo America contestant, along with their chaperones, received commemorative jackets from John and Pat.
One lucky guest from each table received a door prize from Montana Silversmiths. Judy Wagner of Montana Silversmiths was also a special guest at the event.
After the luncheon and presentations, the contestants headed back to The Orleans to put the finishing touches on tonight's fashion show gala. "Happy Birthday Wrangler", the theme for this year's event, is sure to bring a lot of surprises to those in attendance.
