South Dakota Rodeo Association Finals

Family has always been a longstanding tradition within the roots of rodeo and that family spirit was very evident at this year’s South Dakota Rodeo Association Finals in Rapid City. The SDRA is an outstanding association because all members of the family can compete. At this year’s finals we saw brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers all competing in the same arena. My family was also on hand to help with my final fundraising efforts before my trip to Las Vegas for the Miss Rodeo American Pageant. We held a small silent auction and the visiting queens were on hand to help sell 50/50 tickets. This year’s Cowboy Christmas during the Finals was a great success and I owe a huge thank you to Deb McPherson, Lonnie Harrowa, and the entire SDRA Board of Directors for including me in their special events at the SDRA Finals Rodeo.

New to the SDRA Finals this year was the South Dakota High School Rodeo Extravaganza, where each of South Dakota’s region’s top contestants competed for the Extravaganza title. During the weekend, I was honored to carry the American flag and help with the clearing of the arena for all the roping events. We also had the opportunity to ride in the wagon parade during the final performance. During the final performance I was honored to meet the first Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott Freimark who was attending the rodeo watching her grandchildren.

I was proud to be with our rodeo family in my hometown for the SDRA Finals Rodeo as this marks my last rodeo appearance for the year before heading to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. All the words of encouragement and well wishes received from so many people will remain with me as I compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America and will empower me to make our South Dakota rodeo family proud.

Announcer Dale Christensen and I

at the start of the SDRA Finals

McKenzie Haley, MRSD LIW, Kristina Maddocks,

S.D. 4-H Rodeo Ambassador and I at the SDRA Finals Cowboy Christmas

My sister Hayley and I after she won 2nd place in the Pole Bending

at the High School Rodeo Extravaganza

Visiting rodeo queens and I riding the wagons

Kristina Maddocks, the S.D. 4-H Rodeo

Ambassador and I ready to help at the rodeo!

The first Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott

Freimark and I at the SDRA Finals Rodeo

(L to R) Kourtney Hauge, S.D. High School Rodeo Queen, Jessica Johnson, Jr. Miss Rodeo S.D., McKenzie Haley, MRSD 2010 Lady-In-Waiting, myself, Kristina Maddocks, S.D. 4-H Rodeo Ambassador and my sister Hayley Smith.

Presenting a Miss Rodeo South Dakota sponsor appreciation

plaque to EquiMedic USA's Kelsey Baker

Badlands Circuit Finals and the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant

North Dakota’s reputation as a very COLD state held true this weekend as I ventured north for the Miss Rodeo North Dakota pageant and the Badlands Circuit Finals in Minot, North Dakota. The Minot Y’s Men’s Committee did an outstanding job producing this standout rodeo. During the weekend I enjoyed participating in the Wild West Special Rodeo, carrying many sponsor flags, and presenting the South Dakota flag each performance. At the rodeo I also had the opportunity to meet 8-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, Bob Tallman and 5-time PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, Troy Lerwill. The Badlands Circuit Finals rodeo was truly an amazing arena brimming with champion talent. After all of the go-arounds several South Dakota cowboys and cowgirls came out on top in the Circuit Finals standings and will travel on the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho next April.

The circuit finals are also the host home to the Miss Rodeo North Dakota pageant. Special thanks to the Miss Rodeo North Dakota board for including me in their breakfasts, luncheons, and for allowing me to show off my modeling skills. In the end, Tiffany Kuntz came out on top as Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2010. It was a long, snowy trip back home to Rapid City but I was very thankful to have my reliable Dodge Durango to get me through the snow and ice. Thank you again to all of my wonderful sponsors helped me utilize this wonderful vehicle!

My buddy Sterling and I at the Wild West Special Rodeo

Jessinta and I at the Miss Rodeo North Dakota breakfast

Miss Rodeo North Dakota contestant, Sadie Warner and I

Jessinta Hammer, MRND, and I trying to stay warm during the

Badlands Circuit Finals. Can you see the snow in the background?

Proud to carry the South Dakota flag!