Miss Rodeo America 2009 Pageant

Idaho Resident Inducted Into Miss Rodeo America Pageant Hall of Fame

Longtime Miss Rodeo America Pageant chaperone Mrs. Valena "Kay" Weick Dennis of Caldwell, ID, is the newest inductee into the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Hall of Fame.

Surprise, smiles and tears marked the emotional ceremony, which took place last night during a portion of the 51^st annual pageant, held at The Orleans in Las Vegas, NV.

Fellow volunteers surprised Dennis with a video tribute, a crystal trophy and kind words from several friends. Plus her family secretly flew to Las Vegas to be part of the celebration. They were ushered into the convention hall from the back door and made their presence known at the moment Dennis received her trophy and flowers before an audience of 700 people.

The very humble recipient was moved to tears by the announcement, but the tears were no match for her dazzling smile and gracious manner.

Dennis competed in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in 1957 as Miss Rodeo Idaho and returned to the pageant in 1977 to serve in a volunteer capacity as a contestant chaperone.

Over the years, she has become a much beloved team player among the 150 volunteers that produce the pageant annually. She was recognized two years ago for 25 years of service to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Dennis, a lifetime Caldwell resident, graduated from Boise State University with a Master’s degree in business administration. In 2000, she retired from the Boise Independent School district, where she taught 3^rd grade for 36 years.

In her retirement, Dennis still works with the school district administering testing modules for the students and filling in as a substitute teacher.

Dennis has been married to Vernon Dennis for 45 years. They have one son, Stuart Dennis, a daughter-in-law Darla Dennis and grandsons Caelen, 6, and Gabriel, 3.

She has been a member of the First Christian Church in Caldwell for over 50 years, where she plays the piano and also is a member of the handbell choir.

Auction Record Broken Again

The Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation raised a record $22,000 today at the Cowboy Christmas Auction.  Contestants brought an item representative of their state.  Vacation ski packages, baskets of food and artwork were included in the items.

The event was made possible Las Vegas Events, INC.  The planning committee is chaired by Bronc Rumford (KS) and co-chaired by Marjorie Murphy (TX) and Karie O'Donnell Jones (WA).  Other committee members included Trish Fuller (AZ), Dale Fulcher (AZ), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Johna Niedfelt (NE), Kelly Baxley (TX), Laurie Thoman (WY), Gail DeJongh (CA), Debbie Foot (AR), Bindee Eberle (NV), Jody Rempel (MT), Kiki Shumway (WA), Shelia Croft (KS), Kelley Pollock (AZ), Dona Rutherford (NM), Bill Olson (MI), and Mesia Murphy (UT).

Speeches - Round 3

The final round of speeches was preceded by a breakfast at the French Market Buffet sponsored by the Pageant Chaperones.  Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, provided the invocation.

Selena presented plaques to the scrapbook award winners and each chaperone spoke to the group.  Sportsmanship, setting goals, and making a difference in the lives of others were some of the topics each chaperone addressed.

Miss Rodeo Montana, Miss Rodeo Utah, Miss Rodeo Louisiana, Miss Rodeo Kansas, Miss rodeo Nebraska, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Miss Rodeo Florida and Miss Rodeo Mississippi presented speeches in the Showroom.

Miss Rodeo America travels the breadth of the country, and Selena continued to share stories of her experience.  Some of the states she highlighted today included Nebraska, Washington, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida.

A door prize drawing is held at each speech session.  Wrangler, Absorbine and Montana Silversmith provide prizes.  Today's speech session was sponsored by P.D.Q. Printers, INC.

What's on Tap for Friday - Following the speeches, contestants will rehearse for the upcoming coronation and complete their Horsemanship Interviews.  They will enjoy lunch with the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee and then head over to Cowboy Christmas for a fundraising auction and shopping.  This evening they will have a private dinner prior to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and then take in the first round of the WNFR.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - A promotional tour to Paris was in store for Miss Rodeo America 2000, Brandy DeJongh.  She was accompanied by Brandy Elliott, Miss Rodeo Texas 1999, and promoted the Western lifestyle while attending press parties, sightseeing and other appearances.

President's Luncheon Features Current Event Questions

Miss Rodeo America, INC President Kiki Shumway hosted the annual President's Luncheon.  In attendance were five past Presidents including Jim Sutton of South Dakota (1995 & 1996), Arlene Kensinger of Wyoming (1997 & 1998), Sharon Halligan of Nebraska (1999 & 2000), Marjorie Murphy of Texas (2001 & 2002) and Bronc Rumford of Kansas (2003 & 2004).

The luncheon began with Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller introducing each contestant, who presented her state flag.  Kiki Shumway presented the American Flag, and then led the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Each contestant was presented a commemorative Black Hills Gold and Alexandrite pendant from Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold and a participation certificate from Miss Rodeo America, INC.

Contestants compete in a previously drawn random order.  The questions were challenging and included topics such as media coverage of the war in Iraq, Bird Flu, steroid use in Major League Baseball and the continuation of the Space Shuttle program.

The Miss Rodeo Arkansas, Miss Rodeo Georgia, Miss Rodeo Louisiana, Miss Rodeo Mississippi and Miss Rodeo Texas pageant associations sponsored the event.

South Dakota Takes Home Scrapbook Award

Marie Schaller, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, took home a $500 cash award and first place rosette for her entry in the scrapbook competition.  Second place and $250 was awarded to Camie Johnston, Miss Rodeo Oregon; Third place and $150 went to Kristan Jo Gibbs, Miss Rodeo Utah and Brittany Bennett, Miss Rodeo New Mexico took home the Fourth place award and $100.

Arlene Kensinger of Wyoming generously sponsors the cash award prizes for the scrapbook competition and Miss Rodeo America, Inc sponsors rosettes.

Going Back in Time - The Wild Wild West Fashion Show

Guests and contestants at the 2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant enjoyed a trip back in time during the much-anticipated Fashion Show.

Master of Ceremonies 'Buffalo Tim' Fuller began the event by introducing judges Sandy Garrett, Leslie Lange, Craig Haythorn and Ken Mumy.  Recording artist Joni Harms beautifully sang the National Anthem and Sharon Halligan provided a moving Invocation.  Guests feasted on a three-course meal including salad, steak and a plate of chocolate desserts.

'Buffalo Tim' welcomed everyone to his Wild Wild West Show and asked that all sit back and enjoy the entertainment.  The Miss Rodeo America 2006 contestants, reigning Miss Rodeo America Selena Ulch and many other volunteers provided entertainment for the evening .  The contestants were dressed in Wrangler jeans and blouses, Resistol hats and Justin boots, all generously donated by the respective sponsor.

Selena was a hit in her productions of "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun" and "These Boots Were Made for Walking".  PRCA entertainer Tomas Garcilazo also showcased his trick roping talents to those attending the event.

Miss Rodeo America Chaperone Kay Dennis was inducted into the Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame.  She is the third inductee and was presented a commemorative crystal sculpture for the honor.

Two-time Entertainer of the Year Neal McCoy sang a selection of his hit songs and provided some comic relief.  Neal recently signed on as a Tough Enough to Wear Pink Wrangler endorsee and his appearance was made possible by Wrangler.  Tonight he and his band will be one of the featured entertainers for the Fremont Street Experience.

Phil McAdams, Karl Stressman and Kevin Walsh escorted the twenty-four Miss Rodeo America contestants escorted on stage.  Each was beautifully dressed in their best Western Elegance dress.  The lights of Las Vegas were rivaled with their radiance and class as they introduced themselves and modeled for the audience. 

The event was hijacked by a group of bandits who kidnapped Selena and tied her to a set of railroad tracks.  Try as she might she was unable to free herself, but true to the Wild West legends of yester-year she was rescued by a handsome cowboy riding his white horse.  Just in the nick of time Bronc Rumford came riding to the rescue on his trusty American Quarter Horse 'Silverado' and carried Selena to safety.

Once again the Fashion Show Committee outdid itself with their production talents.  Headed by Kiki Shumway, the committee consists of co-chair and choreographer Tara Graham (CO), co-chair Stephanie Crop (OR), Linda Ebest (TX), Marjorie Murphy (TX), LauraLyn Kofford (UT), Jim Peer (UT), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Nicole Cypers (UT), Cindy Wilk (SD), Faith Kendrick (FL), Red Wilk (SD), Lori McKettrick (FL), Kristy Davis (UT), Kathy Shumway (OK), Debbie Vandiver (AL), DeShannon Davis (MS), and Kelley Pollock (AZ).  Wrangler, Red Wilk Construction, Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant, Five Star Rodeo, INC, Shumway Farms and Royal Arena Table Sponsors sponsored the event.  Prior to the fashion show contestants were treated to dinner by Brandy Parfums, LTD.

Numerous Miss Rodeo America Pageant Alumni continue their involvement with the program.  Laurie Thoman (WY - former Miss Rodeo Wyoming), Shannon Guy Snow (GA - former Miss Rodeo Alabama) and Jeana Welsh Allen (NE - former Miss Rodeo Wyoming) participate in the Fashion Show production as Can-Can Girls.

Speeches - Round 2

The morning started out early for contestants and judges with a breakfast at the French Market Buffet at the Orleans Hotel and Casino.  John and Cheryl Draper of Texas graciously sponsored the meal.  Arlene Kensinger, WNFR scheduling coordinator for Miss Rodeo America, spoke to the contestants about how Miss Rodeo America's involvement with the WNFR has evolved.  When she began the job many years ago she only had one event to take Miss Rodeo America to after she was crowned.  She now takes Miss Rodeo America to a variety of luncheons, radio and television appearances and other events related to the WNFR during the week leading up to the event and the ten-days of the WNFR.  Once Miss Rodeo America 2006 is selected, then Arlene and her committee will be busy coordinating the schedules for both titleholders during the transition time.

Missouri, California, Texas, Oregon, Wisconsin, Colorado, South Dakota and Iowa presented their three-minute speeches.

Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, entertained the audience with stories of her year.  Florida, New Mexico and Wyoming were the trips she highlighted this morning.  The second session of speeches was sponsored by Tom House and Video II Productions.

What's on Tap for Thursday - Following the speech competition, contestants will continue their individual Horsemanship interviews and will begin rehearsals for the upcoming Coronation performance.  The President's Luncheon will be held at noon where the contestants will answer current event impromptu questions and this evening will be an early turn-in for contestants.  Many pageant attendees will be attending the Rodeo Royalty Information Seminar this morning and afternoon.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - During her 1973 reign as Miss Rodeo America, Pam (Martin) Minick did a multi-city tour for Kraft Squeeze Parkay Liquid margarine and appeared on talk shows from Chicago to Los Angeles.

PRCA Luncheon Showcases Rodeo Knowledge

The annual PRCA Luncheon was held at the Mirage Hotel and included top-notch entertainment along with smart and beautiful cowgirls.

Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller kicked off the luncheon by inviting past Miss Rodeo America, INC President Bronc Rumford to the podium to present a buckle to current President Kiki Shumway.  The contestants then entered the room and promenaded throughout the crowd greeting family and friends with warm, welcoming smiles. 

Once on stage Max Reynolds, who showed off his gun-slinging trickery and master bullwhip skills, joined the contestants.  Youth trick roping champion and Monty Montana Showmanship winner Rider Keiser wowed the crowd with his extraordinary trick roping skills.   Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, was presented a Certificate of Congressional Achievement by Congressman Gibbons.

The contestant's wardrobe for the PRCA Luncheon consists of their state chaps and matching blouses.  A wide variety of styles and colors were seen, including a few colored cowboy hats.  Each contestant introduced herself and gave a brief description of her chaps.

Contestants are judged on their rodeo knowledge at this event.  Each pulls a question regarding the PRCA from a large bowl.  The question is then read and the contestant provides the answer.  Examples of questions included "Name one of the three new PRCA Executive Board members.” "How many commissioners has the PRCA had?" and "Name the 2004 AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year.". 

Following the questions, current PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman spoke on the state of the PRCA.  Several rounds of applause were given as Mr. Ellerman provided insight into the future of the PRCA.

Kate and Bronc Rumford were recognized by Tara Graham of W.F. Young and Absorbine products with the Top Horse Award.  The award was selected by Billy and Marlo Ward during the Horsemanship competition on Monday.  They received a $200 cash award and a plaque of recognition.

Miss Rodeo Texas was recognized with the Achievement Award, sponsored by Miss Rodeo Montana and presented by Jody Rempel.  The award is given to the Miss Rodeo America contestant who sells the most raffle tickets for the saddle drawing.

Angie Muir of Montana Silversmiths presented a self-framed portrait to Selena Ulch from Clark and Rachel Marten of Columbus, MT.  The portrait is a photograph of Selena taken by Clark during her Montana Silversmith's photo shoot.  The 2005 Montana Silversmith catalog featured 12 photos of Selena modeling Montana Silversmith products, and national campaign ads with Selena ran in such magazines as Western Horseman and the ProRodeo Sports News.

On behalf of Miss Rodeo America, Inc Kiki Shumway presented a $3,000 check to ProRodeo Hall of Fame director Larry  McCormack.  The money was raised this summer during the first Miss Rodeo America Premier Rodeo Queen Clinic held in Colorado Springs.

A fundraising auction was also held for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation.  Nearly $14,000 was raised during the event.  PRCA stock contractor and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame member Harry Vold was the auctioneer.

Sponsored by the PRCA, Wells Fargo Bank, US Smokeless Tobacco Company and the Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant, the luncheon is chaired by Joanna Brooks Alvarado of Nevada and co-chaired by Desiree Larsen of Utah.  Other committee members include JoAnn Abraham (AZ), Gena Black (UT), Nyla Bristow (CO), Cheryl Thompson Draper (TX), Deborah Foot (AR), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Carol Grencevicz (AZ), Lou Johnson (AZ), Laura Kessler (FL) and Lynne Shearer (NE).

Speeches - Round 1

Contestants, judges and other pageant personnel gathered early this morning at the French Market Buffet for breakfast sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys and the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant.  Cory Young of the FCC was on hand to greet each contestant and to share the story of the FCC.  Sue Lynn Perry, Miss Rodeo America Executive Board Member, shared her testimony and sang two songs.  Each contestant received a copy of the Cowboy Bible which includes testimonies from PRCA cowboys, plus a personalized box filled with daily devotionals.

Following breakfast the group moved to the Showroom of the Orleans Hotel and Casino.  During the speech portion of the judging, contestants present a 3-minute speech with the topic being any aspect of her home state.  Contestants are grouped into three groups with Washington, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada, North Dakota and Idaho presenting today.

Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, entertained the audience with stories about the past year.  Her wit and humor was evident as she shared her experiences at the National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo, Black Hills Stock Show and the Rose Bowl Parade.  Drawings were held for Montana Silversmith, Wrangler and Absorbine products.  Shooter Enterprises, INC were sponsors of the event.

On Tap for Wednesday - Contestants will begin their horsemanship and rodeo interviews, and will perfect their choreography for tonight's Fashion Show.  The PRCA luncheon will be held at the Mirage where contestants will answer impromptu questions related to rodeo.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - During her reign as Miss Rodeo America 1970, Christine (Vincent) Williams took a 2-week trip to England, Switzerland, France and Italy promoting Buster Ivory's "Rodeo Far West".  One of the highlights was visiting Buckingham Palace.  Chris continues her involvement with the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, returning each year to serve as a chaperone to the contestants.

Texas Takes Home State Table Award

The State of Texas received the top state table award for the 2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  Honorable mention went to Oregon and Arizona.  Each state received a rosette and plaque sponsored by Karie O'Donnell-Jones of Washington.

"The Spirit of Texas" theme was carried out using descriptive words and icons such as an American Quarter Horse with "Legend", and a photo of Beth Murphy, Miss Rodeo Texas, with "Radiance".

The Oregon table's theme was "Following the Oregon Trail" and featured a variety of covered wagons crossing the state, and a copper background.  Arizona's "Come C Arizona" theme came from the five C's of the Arizona economy - copper, cotton, citrus, canyon and climate.

A committee chaired by Bill Olson of Michigan judges each table, taking into account the theme, originality, creativity, neatness and overall presentation.  Other committee members include Glenn Klaus (TX), Zona Vig (SD), Johna Niedfelt (NE), Kristy Davis (UT), JoAnn Abraham (AZ) and Lou Johnson (AZ).