TheSouth Point Hotel was the site of today's PRCA Luncheon. Special guests of the event included members of the PRCA committees who hosted Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008, during her reign.
MRA Executive Board President Tracy Damrell began the event by welcoming those in attendance and inviting the 2009 Miss Rodeo America contestants to enter the room. Led by Amy to Rascal Flatts "Me and My Gang", the ladies paraded through the luncheon tables wearing their custom made chaps and arena wear. Each introduced themselves and described their chaps.
Following their introductions Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller introduced those sitting at the head table. Honored guests included Donna McSpadden, Sharon Shoulders, Harry Vold, Judy Wagner,Steve Miller, Tara Graham Rowe, John E. Cavey and Pat J. Thompson, Amy Wilson, Lonnie and Lori Wilson and Tracy Damrell. Keith Martin, Chairman of the PRCA Board, presented a check from the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo to Tracy Damrell for a $10,000 donation to the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation. Also in attendance was Karl Stessman, Cheif Executive Officer, who spoke to the contestants on a job well done as their state titleholders. Judge Dale Woodard provided two stories from the previous day's visit to Opportunity Village and presented the invocation.
Following lunch Tara Rowe presented the Absorbine Top Horse award. The award was judged during yesterday's Horsemanship Award by WNFR pickup men Gary Rempel and Bobby Marriott. Third place honors went to the number 12 horse, Skip, owned by the Rumford Rodeo Company, second place went to the number 1 horse, Floyd, owned by the Barnes Rodeo Company and the top honors were given to Powder River's Mick, the number three horse. A plaque and a $200 cash award was presented to the company.
Montana Silversmith representatives Judy Wagner and Steve Miller presented Amy with her official Montana Silversmith portrait. Hall of Famer and one of only two stock contractors who have had stock at all fifty National Finals Rodeo Harry Vold served as the auctioneer for the live auction. Bids were accepted for two different sets of WNFR tickets as well as a gift certificate for a 100X Bailey Hat. Special thanks to Karen Troyer and Carol Grencecvicz for helping with the auction.
The contestants then showcased their rodeo knowledge. A poster was placed on stage which had six categories with six terms. They included (along with the terms pulled out during the luncheon) were:
Sponsors: Dodge, Absorbine, Justin, Wrangler, AQHA, Montana Silversmiths
Cowboys: Don Gay, Bruce Ford, Roy Cooper, Shawn Davis
Rodeo Terms 1: Turnout, Barrier, Buddy System, Mark Out, Reride, Legal Catch
Rodeo Terms 2: Cross Fire, Dally, Slack
Stock Contractors/Stock: Benny Butler, Stace Smith, Blood Brother, Voodoo Child, Grated Coconut
Grab Bag: Circuit System, Heartland Series
Members of the WPRA were in attendance and judged the chaps. At the conclusion of the event Carly Hagey, Miss Rodeo Illinois, was awarded a $500 scholarship for having "Best Chaps". Her chaps, and matching vest and cuffs, feature cognac alligator with gold fringe, black and gold crosses and scroll work and gold outlining and studs. They were made by Jill Veteto of Diamond J Leather in Montana. WPRA Vice President Phyllis Wells presented the award to Carly on behalf of the WPRA.
~ Bobbie
Photo Courtesty of Shooter Enterprises and my not be used in any way or printed for personal use without written permission from Shooter Enterprises.
