Lake City, Iowa Heartland Rodeo

Right after getting back from Mexico we headed to Lake City, Iowa for their annual rodeo. This was a big rodeo for my family because it was our first trip in my(our!) new trailer. We got there Saturday in time for the parade, where I rode with the Top Rail Saddle Club. I was honored to be surrounded by more royalty, sisters, Genelle and Ashely Holly. Genelle is the Top Rail Saddle Club Senior Queen, and Ashley is the Top Rail Saddle Club Junior Queen. After the parade we had sometime to hang out and relax, but before I knew it, it was rodeo time. Heartland Rodeo Company provided the stock, and they put on a spectacular show. The specailty act was the Dusty and Rawhide show. Dusty rode Rawhide all the way to the top of the trailer and was very handy with the bull whip. It was amazing! Ashley Holly and I had the chance to chase out Saturday, and Genelle and I did Sunday night. Except for a little rain on Saturday is was an awesome rodeo weekend. A huge thank you to everyone in Lake City that helped me out and to those that helped put on the rodeo.

Miss Dallas County Fair Rodeo Queen

On Friday, June, 20th, my mom Deb and I headed down to Adel for the first annual Miss Dallas county Fair Rodeo Queen pageant. There were two great contestants running this year: Kara Telfer and Shelby Chapman. I was honored to judge this tough competition. Callie McCauley, this pageant coordinator, did an amazing job! Congrats to Callie for a wonderful pageant and to Shelby Chapman for capturing the title. Unfortunately I couldn't stick around for the rodeo Friday night, because I was leaving for my family vacation in Mexico! I hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed the rodeo! Shelby, I hope to see you at some more rodeos this summer!

Illinois High School Rodeo Finals

On June 12th, Paula, her friend Sue, and myself made the trek to the Illinois High School Rodeo Finals to judge the Miss Illinois High School Rodeo 2008-2009 pageant. We had a great trip out there despite the rain and near flooding. When we arrived we watched the first rodeo performance before heading to the hotel for the night. It was an early start on Friday for interviews of the four lovely contestants. Then we were off to lunch in a nearby town. After lunch we had a little time before horsemanship. Luckily we avoided the rain for the horsemanship portion. Before we knew it, it was time for the second performance where I was lucky enough to ride in the grand entry, along with Miss Rodeo Illinois 2008, Carly Ray Hagey. If you get the chance be sure to check out her new chaps, they are gorgeous! After the rodeo it was time to hit the hay. Saturday we got up in time to visit the delicious breakfast served on the rodeo grounds just before the modeling, speech, and improptu portion of the competition. After breakfast we were ready to hear the speeches and watch the girls strut their stuff. Soon after the judging was finished Paula, Sue, and I had to hit the road again, because of flooding we took a slight detour through Missouri since I-80 was closed. Congratulations to all of the girls on a job well done and to the new queen, Chelsea Demott. Also congratulations to all of the IHSRA contestants that made it to state finals, and best of luck to all of those going to nationals!

Cherokee

This last weekend I headed north to Cherokee for their PRCA rodeo. Aleigh and I arrived at about the same time and got our horses all settled in then parked the trailers for the weekend. A huge thanks to Aleigh for backing my trailer in! I am praciticing, but it was taking way too long! Then we got settled into the hotel and headed to HyVee to sign autographs and meet with the community. Next I watched the Miss Cherokee Rodeo Horsemanship before getting ready for the performance. Thursday was a rainy night, with a smaller crowd. All anyone could do is hope for better weather for the weekend. Friday we attended Chamber Coffee, where I was honored to meet Bob Barnes and Tommie Turvie. Then Aleigh, Dani Jo Lange (Miss Rodeo Cherokee 2007), the queen contestants, and myself, along with Kristin Weiland (one of the Cherokee Rodeo board members) headed to the local radio station for interviews. Just before lunch we stopped by and visited one of the Cherokee nursing homes. From there we headed straight to the queens luncheon. Aleigh and I sat right across from Tommie Turvey, and had the chance to ask him about his travels and amazing training skills. I then had some free time to check out Bits and Pieces for a little shopping! Then i went to City Hall for the Miss Cherokee Rodeo interviews. It really gave me a chance to sit down and chat with the contestants, and even answer any questions they had for me. Before we knew it, it was time to crown the next Miss Cherokee Rodeo. Congrats to Jessica! For some kids entertainment there was a calf scramble, then they got the queens involved. I was chased down by one of the calves, and have the bruises to prove it! Then it was rodeo time! Friday had a little rain, but was much drier then Thursday! It was another great show put on by the Barnes family. Saturday morning we got up and helped out at the Exceptional Rodeo. The Exceptional Rodeo is a 'mini' rodeo put on for some special contestants to get a taste of the rodeo world. There was roping, bull riding, goat tying, and horse riding station. At the end each contestant won a trophy! This whole experience made it worth while. I met some very special people, Dick (aka Roy Rogers!), Bruce, Kelly, and so many more! This is something I will never forget. Aleigh and I went straight to lunch at the Depot (once we stopped and asked for directions!). It was parade time! There was such a great crowd turn out and beautiful weather! Aleigh and I found a few minutes after the parade to make a Dairy Queen Trip with our parents for a little cool down and then were headed straight back to the rodeo grounds to get ready for the final performance. Saturday was gorgeous weather, sold out crowd, and a great rodeo. Tommie Turvey was the entertainment and the Barnes had excellent stock. After the show and autograph signing we packed up and headed home! A huge thanks to the Cherokee Rodeo Board, and especially Kristin Weiland for showing us around. Another thanks to Al Landa for helping out Thursday and Friday when my parents weren't there! Everyone was so helpful and friendly, Thanks!

Tivoli Fest

On May 25th, I had the short drive to Elk Horn, Iowa for the anual Tivoli Fest Parade. I was honored to ride in the parade, it was so nice to see so many people along the route that I knew. After the parade I had the chance to visit with several people, and chow down on some delicious 'ebleskiver', which, to me, is just like a small round pancake. It was a great time and had beautiful weather!