Miss Rodeo Canada
2019 Pageant
Red Deer, Alberta Oct 30 – Nov 2, 2018
Index MRC Sponsors Brittney Chomistek Farewell Letter from the President Board of Directors Pageant Categories Social Media MRC 2019 Contestants Schedule of Events Meet the Judges Visiting Royalty History of MRC MRC Alumni MRC Trivia
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2018 Sponsors World Champions
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2018 Sponsors Gold Crown
Pageant Host Hotel
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Brittney Chomistek Miss Rodeo Canada 2018
There once was a 3 years old little girl, who would lope around the basement on an imaginary horse, carrying a tiny Canadian flag and loudly singing “O Cand a dut”. Fast forward to November 11, 2017 – that little girl was bursting with pride, wearing the Miss Rodeo Canada banner at the Canadian Finals Rodeo! At the CFR last year, I remember how the slogan “A Hell of a Ride”, was met with mixed emotions. And as I sat down to write my farewell comments, I too experienced that same mix of emotions. It is not about the 125,000 km I have traveled, the number of horses I have ridden, or the multiple stampede breakfasts I have consumed. No, it is about the warm people I have met and the western traditions we work to preserve. I have gained so many experiences that I could never have dreamed of without my title. I was the last Miss Rodeo Canada to ride in the Coliseum at the CFR, and I am now the first Miss Rodeo Canada to proudly carry the Canadian flag at the Westerner. I have been given the opportunity to ride in helicopters, wrestle an alligator, and catch a flying fish. I have been challenged in a corn cob eating contest, visited sick children in hospitals, and so proudly represented our Canadian Rodeo Athletes in 3 different countries. 4
But my proudest moment was November 12, 2017 standing in the dirt amongst the 13 Canadian Finals Rodeo Champions after Championship Sunday! I will be forever grateful to the Miss Rodeo Canada Board of Directors. I am so appreciative of this amazing group of volunteers, who have spent countless hours, meeting with donors, scheduling me at rodeos, and always looking out for me! Thank you to the Cowboys, Cowgirls and their families who immediately made me feel welcome. I was raised an only child, but this year I was so fortunate to enjoy the memories, laughter and support of an extended family. My parents were never concerned when I hopped in my truck and headed down the road, as they knew so many people were looking out for me. To the MRC 2019 Contestants, I wish you each the best of luck. It has been a very long and exhausting week, but I complement each of you for pursuing your dream, and representing your rodeos with such grace and dignity. 2018 was definitely a year to remember. And just like last year’s CFR slogan, yes, it has been a Hell of a ride. But with change comes new ideas and success. Just as we have all been so excited for the 45th CFR to be hosted in Red Deer, I am excited to return to school in January. Even though I close this beautiful chapter in my life, I hope that each of you will continue to be a part of my future. 5
Letter from the President Sheona Lucas
Welcome to the 2019 Miss Rodeo Canada Competition. This year we have six beautiful young ladies competing for the title of Miss Rodeo Canada 2019. It will be an exciting and extremely busy week for not only our six contestants but for our reigning queen, Brittney Chomistek and our visiting royalty, Keri Sheffield, Miss Rodeo America. We are honoured to have Keri find time in her busy schedule to attend our competition and #CFR45. This pageant and program would not be possible without the hard work of our entire Miss Rodeo Canada board, volunteers and sponsors ~ I personally thank you! With all your hard work, dedication and continued support we are able to send our rodeo ambassador to over 500 events during her reign, across Canada, the United States and Australia. Without the generous contributions of our sponsors this would not be possible. To Brittney, thank you for representing the sport we all love. You had a very busy year and represented Canada with dedication and competence. We are all extremely proud to have had you as Miss Rodeo Canada 2018. To Ashley, Alicia, Sage, Brittany, Jaden and Kaylee, I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for dedicating your time, passion and enthusiasm in your quests to represent our great sport of rodeo as the next Miss Rodeo Canada - Enjoy the ride! 12
Miss Rodeo Canada Board of Directors
Sheona Lucas President
Ken Heintz Legal Affairs
Pat Buckler Member at Large
Nicole Murray Vice-President
Sharon Koke Pageant Coordinator
Nicole Templeton Samantha Stokes Official Photographer Alumni Relations
Dale Leschiutta Member at Large
Shawna Erickson Scheduling
Tracy Keith Sponsorship Director
Mackenzi Mitchell Dominic St. Amand Communications Pageant MC & Driver
Tom Chrisp Member at Large
Patricia Tiffen Member at Large
Book Miss Rodeo Canada for your event! Miss Rodeo Canada attends over 500 events each year: rodeos, schools, senior homes, charities, businesses, and more. Book Miss Rodeo Canada today before her schedule fills!
Book online at: www.missrodeocanada.ca
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Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant Categories
Personal Interview: Contestants sit down, face to face with the judges for a “rodeo queen’s job interview,” answering questions revolving around rodeo, their experiences, current events, and any other topics the judges deem necessary to the job of being MRC. Horsemanship: Being able to handle any horse is essential. During the competition, contestants will ride three different horses drawn for them randomly and must perform specified patterns on those horses, showing their ability to ride any horse they come across. Public Speaking: Miss Rodeo Canada will speak at approximately 500 events during her reign. The judges place special emphasis on grammar and enunciation while the contestants perform a prepared speech, impromptu speeches, and an extemporaneous speech. Written Test: The Miss Rodeo Canada contestants will take a two part written test. The first half is based on rodeo knowledge – champions, rules, sponsors, etc – while the second part is focused around horse health, management, and proper care. Modeling: Miss Rodeo Canada represents various clothing brands throughout her reign and must be able to present herself – and those brands – with poise, professionalism and in a way that properly represents the companies that support her. Personality: Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant participants should have the ability to project their personality, whether it is from horseback in an arena, on television while promoting rodeo and our western heritage, during interactions with the public or before an audience.
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Attend Pageant Events The public is welcome to attend the horsemanship, public speaking, fashion show and crowning reception. Cheer on your favourite contestant at these events! Meet the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Canada and Visiting Royalty at the Crowning Ceremony, and find out who won each of the Pageant categories. Proceeds from ticket sales go towards funding and growing the Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant.
Follow the journey online www.missrodeocanada.ca @missrodeocanada 23
Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Alicia Erickson
2018 Miss Ponoka Stampede On the endless path of creating herself, the western lifestyle and the support of the “rodeo family” has helped Alicia Erickson discover her purpose and passion. This 22-year-old has earned her Youth Justice Studies Diploma and will continue her education to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Erickson believes that you should “be the person you needed when you were younger”, which inspired her to pursue this education. Her passion for educating youth has always been apparent through hours of volunteering that transitioned into positions as a horseback riding instructor, CanSkate Coach, youth programming facilitator, and an equine 4-H leader. The Trochu, Alberta resident also enjoys singing and playing guitar, helping family friends on the ranch, and barrel racing. While she didn’t inherit this lifestyle, Alicia has chosen to live by it and will continue to do so by being a contributing member to rodeo.
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Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Ashley Hygaard 2017 Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess
Ashley Hygaard is a 24 year old from Selkirk, Manitoba, where she grew up on her family’s horse and cattle ranch. After graduating from high school, Ashley moved to Alberta where she graduated from Lakeland College in 2016. Her studies included an Agribusiness Diploma majoring in Marketing Communications as well as a diploma in Animal Science Technology. Ashley has been competitive in rodeo at a high school and collegiate level. She was an active participant in five rodeo events while competing across western Canada. Currently Ashley works for the Calgary Stampede as a member of the Western Events and Agriculture team. In this role, a major highlight for Ashley has been the opportunity to facilitate Rodeo 101 sessions for the Stampede School program. Being able to educate youth and connecting urban audiences to their western heritage is something Ashley has been very proud to be a part of.
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Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Brittany Doyle
2018 Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Queen Brittany Doyle is a 22-year-old avid horsewoman from a small farming community in Ontario. Having completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Laurentian University, she works as a Registered Nurse in an Operating Room. Brittany travelled to Moshi, Tanzania and volunteered at outreach clinics in small villages to assist in providing access to essential healthcare. She spent a summer at Camp Kennebec, teaching children with Autism about horse riding and care. Brittany is an all-around horsewoman, and a member of the Capital Cowgirls Mounted Drill Team. She has competed successfully in both Western and English disciplines for many years on the ApHC breed circuit, earning three International High-Point Championships, and two-time top-ten finalist at the ApHC Youth World Championships. Brittany enjoys sharing her love for rodeo and western way of life and is honoured to represent Saskatchewan as their first Miss Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Queen.
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Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Jaden Holle
2018 Claresholm CBI Queen Jaden is working towards a Bachelor of Education through the MĂŠtis Teacher Education Program delivered by the University of Saskatchewan. She was born in High River, Alberta and has had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout her life. Jaden has a passion for languages and speaks Spanish and French. Growing up, Jaden was active in the 4-H Program where she gained much of her knowledge about horses. Often hearing stories of her family that used to compete in rodeo, Jaden wanted to keep those roots alive. In 2017, she was excited to be crowned Calgary Stampede Princess. Following her reign with the Stampede, Jaden is honoured to be representing the Claresholm Chad Besplug Invitational as their first Queen. Jaden hopes she can encourage young people to pursue their passions and unleash their inner cowboy or cowgirl, no matter where they grew up.
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Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Kaylee Billyboy
2017 Williams Lake Stampede Queen Being a 4th generation Cowgirl, the rodeo way of life is something Miss Williams Lake Stampede Queen, Kaylee Billyboy has always cherished and held close to her heart. Watching her Father and his brothers ride rough stock as she grew up and competing for her first time at the age of 5 gave her a deep passion for the sport of rodeo. From competing in timed events, riding rough stock, judging and organizing to wave laps in grand entry Kaylee always finds a way to be in the rodeo arena. Along with rodeo, education has also been a huge part of her life. She has finished her 3rd year in the Bachelor of Arts program in hopes of becoming a teacher. She thanks her family, friends and her hometown for the endless amount of support and encouragement to help her achieve her goals and get her to where she is today.
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Miss Rodeo Canada Contestant
Sage Nelson
2017 Hanna Pro Rodeo Queen Sage Nelson is a fifth generation rancher who hangs her hat in Youngstown, Alberta. Growing up on the back of a horse, she learned the ins and outs of raising cattle on her family’s ranch. This upbringing shaped Sage into the strong woman she is today, teaching her respect, responsibility, and perseverance through the western way of life. Rodeo became a large part of Sage’s life in 2012, when her family joined the world of Wild Pony Racing. Travelling the rodeo trail left Sage with memories that will last a lifetime. Art has always been her creative outlet and she has recently been selected as one of the top 8 artists for the 2019 Calgary Stampede Poster. Sage loves depicting the western heritage in her drawings. Holding the Hanna Pro Rodeo Queen title was a true honour and is something Sage will always hold close to her heart.
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Schedule Tuesday, October 30 Horsemanship 9:00 am Agricentre East, Westerner Park Admission $10 at the door Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #1 7:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park
Wednesday, October 31 Written Exam & Personal Interviews Closed to Public Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #2 7:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park
Thursday, November 1 Public Speaking 2:00 pm Baymont Inn & Suites Admission $10 at the door Coffee/Tea/Water provided Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #3 7:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park
Did you know?
Miss Rodeo Canada is known as the First Lady of Canadian Pro Rodeo. She represents the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and is recognized with a membership for her year.
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Of Events Friday, November 2 Fashion Show doors open at 10:30 am Holiday Inn & Suites Tickets in advance: lcprfashionshow@gmail.com Use code “MRCGUEST” so proceeds return to MRC program! Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #4 7:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park Miss Rodeo Canada 2019 Crowning During CFR performance Crowning Reception and Awards 9:00 pm Lookout Room, Westerner Park Admission $10 at the door
Saturday, November 3 Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #5 1:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park Rising Stars Rodeo Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #6 7:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park
Sunday, November 4 Canadian Finals Rodeo Performance #7 1:00 pm ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park Final Performance of #CFR45 47
Leading Judge Dean Ross
Dean is a long-time resident of Castor, AB. He is the father of two children, Colton and Carter. Dean has been involved in training, showing and judging horses the better part of his life. He owns and operates the Dean Ross Training Centre. Dean remains active in the horse business, judging across the United States, Canada and Europe. He holds judge's cards with the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association. Dean has judged many major shows including AQHA and NSBA World Shows, All American Quarter Horse Congress, The Reichert Celebration, Big A Circuit, Sun and Surf as well as numerous others across North America. Dean is also a director with the American Quarter Horse Association.
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Leading Judge Deborah Kay Dilley
Deborah Dilley is a life long resident of the State of Colorado. Raised on a Hereford and Quarter Horse operation in Colorado, she spent most of her life showing horses. She participated in 4-H, Little Britches and Amateur Rodeo. She held many local and state titles and was the 1st Runner up and Horsemanship Award winner for the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant. After participating in the Colorado Pageant, Ms. Dilley assumed the role of Pageant Director for Miss Rodeo Colorado. Ms. Dilley then began work on the National level serving for the last 22 years as a chaperone for the National Pageant. She has also worked on the horsemanship committee for the national pageant. She is a founding member and current president of the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation where she continues to proudly serve. Ms. Dilley has judged numerous state level, international and local pageants. Ms. Dilley retired from the Denver Police Department in 2010 after serving with them for 26 years. She retired as a Commander overseeing a station with 190 officers in the downtown area of Denver. Ms. Dilley is married and resides in Lone Tree, Colorado with her husband James Palermo. 57
Leading Judge Merry Ann Stoney
Merry Ann Stoney is no stranger to the world of rodeo queens. A former Williams Lake Stampede Queen, she carried that title forward to earn the distinction of serving as Miss Rodeo Canada 1977. Afterwards, she represented the province of British Columbia in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. The accolades that Merry Ann has received both in and outside of the rodeo arena carry beyond her impressive rodeo queen resume. She is a Gold Card holder with the CPRA (LBR), has been awarded Cowgirl of the Year honours from the Canadian Professional Barrel Racers, and most recently received the Sharon Ferguson Memorial Award. Passionately serving the sport that she loves, Merry Ann is a founding member of the Alberta Barrel Racing Association, served four years on the CPRA Board of Directors (LBR), and worked at the CPRA office for eight years. She has had the opportunity to judge several rodeo queen pageants, including the Calgary Stampede Pageant, and the MRC Pageant. In fact, Merry Ann coordinated the MRC Committee and Pageant for nine years. Nowadays, she acts as a chaperone during the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Having been blessed with two lovely daughters and three amazing grandchildren, Merry Ann and husband Rob just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
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Leading Judge Peggy Jackson
Peggy Jackson was raised on a ranch at Stauffer in west-central Alberta where the family was involved in everything “western” from rodeo and team roping to racing pony chuckwagons and chariots. In 1983, (back before Noah was a stock contractor), Peggy competed for and was crowned Miss Rodeo Alberta which also saw her compete in the Miss Rodeo Canada and Miss Rodeo America pageants. These were experiences that she will never forget and she made many life-long friends during that year. She was one of the founding members of the CAARA Rodeo Association and spent many years as the rodeo coordinator and secretary for the Hale Lake Rodeo. Peggy joined the team at Westerner Park in 2004 and currently spends her time supporting the Board of Directors and the CEO as the Board & Corporate Services Administrator. The western heritage / rural lifestyle were a huge part of her upbringing and still remain near and dear to her heart. As she says often – “You can take a girl from the country – but you can’t take the country from the girl!”
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Guest Judges Christine Soroka Christine Soroka became a bikini bodybuilder at the age of 47 because she believes that no matter your age, or how difficult things seem, anything is achievable. Three competitions later with the Alberta Body Building Association and she made the top 10 (9th) at Muscle Beach 2017 in Edmonton. Now, her fitness journey has lead her to fitness modelling, and a recent contract with Numa Modelling in Calgary. Most importantly, it has taught all four of her children the importance of a healthy lifestyle, exercise and making the right choices for your body. Besides her accomplishments in ABBA Bikini competiton and fitness modelling, she has also worked as an Administrative Assistant for the past 13 years.
Jack MacDonald
A long-time resident of Red Deer, Alberta, Jack MacDonald retired as Fire Chief after over three decades. He had joined the Red Deer Fire Department in 1982 after his wife and friends gently told him his dream of being a professional hockey player wasn't going to "pan out." Jack was a contestant and champion of Red Deer's celebrity Dancing with the Stars. Jack and his wife Jan have three children and four grand children. 60
Guest Judges Joanne Riou Growing up, Joanne was fortunate to be trained in pony club. Every day after school in Saskatoon, the Pavillion was her second home. From the age of 9 to 22 she made her way up to B training level. Ian Miller coached in the junior jumpers, and the group had the dressage coach of Canada work with them in many clinics. Joanne competed in 3 day event, dressage,and stadium jumping for 12 years. She also showed and trained with L&S stables out of Saskatoon in western events for a few years before changing disciplines and starting to barrel race in CCA and CPRA. Formal training in an English saddle gave Joanne a solid foundation to enjoy and compete in many displines, having now trained riders from reiners to cutters, jumpers, to national level. She continues to ride, compete and learn. Thank you to all of our judges who spend their days with us during Competition Week, taking the time to get to know each of our contestants. You have a truly important role, and we are extremely grateful for your expertise and input.
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Visiting Royalty Miss Rodeo America 2018
Keri Sheffield is a 24-year-old, sweet-tea drinking, sunshineloving, cowgirl from Summerfield, Florida. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Berry College, and works as an ICU nurse. As Miss Rodeo America, Keri will receive more than $20,000 in scholarships. When the year is over, she plans to continue her education to become a nurse anesthetist and carry out her vision to serve as a medical missionary. During her reign as Miss Rodeo America and as the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Keri will travel more than 120,000 miles and appear at more than 120 rodeo performances. Along the rodeo trail she’ll make appearances at schools, children’s hospitals, civic groups and other special events to educate the public about the sport of rodeo. Keri will also serve as a spokesperson at a variety of promotional events and model in advertisements for Western clothiers, publications, Miss Rodeo America sponsors and other service providers to the Western industry. 68
Keri’s determination is resolute, her passions unmistakable: riding, rodeo, kissing on her nieces and nephews, and living a life of service. In her spare time, Keri enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, riding horses, boating with her family, befriending strangers, going on mission trips, paying it forward, and sports. “There is an abundance of privilege and responsibility bound to the crown of Miss Rodeo America. It would afford any one of us the unique and honorable opportunity to promote the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life. It is also a deeply personal choice. I have prayed for an avenue by which I can be a living demonstration that a life is best lived when it is given selflessly to others. I have prayed for a path that can make my dreams of continuing my education a reality, which will ultimately lead me to help administer medical services as a missionary in third world countries. I have prayed for a way to lead others towards a sense of belonging and community. I have prayed for a position of leadership from which I can teach humility and simple kindness. Miss Rodeo America is, quite frankly, an answer to my prayers.�
Miss Rodeo Canada welcomes many other visiting royalty queens and princesses - and future Miss Rodeo Canada hopefuls - to watch the competition and take part in Western Week events during the Canadian Finals Rodeo! 69
Miss Rodeo Canada The Beginnings...
Rodeo queens have been around for many decades, appearing as early as 1910 at the Pendleton Round-Up in Oregon, but it was in 1955 when the first Miss Rodeo Canada was crowned. In 1955 Mr. Herman Linder, a rodeo cowboy, announcer, and promoter felt the need to start a Miss Rodeo Canada organization when he saw Miss Rodeo America organize a year earlier. He felt the need to have ladies represent the sport of rodeo, acting as ambassadors Phyllis Backs (Dahl) meets Clint Eastwood in Las Vegas, 1959 and spokespersons. Mr. Linder got the Southern Alberta Rodeo Circuit (SARC) to endorse a queen contest. He called up some ladies he knew who were skilled horsewomen and who he felt would best represent Canada at a national and international level, and soon the Miss Rodeo Canada organization was born. Miss Connie Ivins was crowned the very first Miss Rodeo Canada in 1955. As it became more difficult to pick our “First Lady of the Rodeo,” competitions were held to decide the winner. In the 1950’s Miss Rodeo Canada competed nationally and then went on to compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant. In the 1960’s rodeo queens had to be especially skilled horsewomen, because they not only held a rodeo queen title, they were also required to actively compete in the rodeo - usually in barrel racing! Did you know that Miss Rodeo Canada did not officially wear a crown until 1975, when Sis Thacker (Miss Rodeo Canada 1976) wore her own crown after winning the Miss Rodeo Canada title? Be sure to read the trivia section in this program!
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In the early years, rodeo queens were selected by seeing which contestant could sell the most tickets to the rodeo, or sometimes were selected by the fans - people could purchase tickets for their favourite queens. In the 1970’s the public voted for their favourite rodeo queen, and these votes counted for a large portion of the contestants’ final score! Today, we base our selection on the talent of the individual and use multiple qualified judges. Miss Rodeo Canada is judged on her poise, personality, public speaking, modeling, rodeo knowledge and horsemanship skills. This year we have six wonderful young ladies vying for the coveted title! For further history and stories of our reigning Miss Rodeo Canada, and our Alumni, be sure to visit the website.
www.missrodeocanada.ca
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Miss Rodeo Canada Alumni
1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1992 1993 1993 1994
Connie (Ivins) Robinson Mary Lynn (Cook) Beazer Dixie (Broadhead) Forsyth Joanne (Sharples) Perlich Phyllis (Backs) Dahl Kay Thurman (deceased) Jerri (Duce) Phillips Sis (Thacker) Bjaranson Merry Ann (Reed) Stoney Marianne Cole Eileen Duff Joanne Riou Joan Pardell Susan (Gittens) Killam Kathy (Cornelson) Rumford Susan (Hargrave) Hanlon Dawn (Abbey) Gingerich Shelley (Sodero) Chomistek Kelly Fredell Cheryl (Robson) Daines Stacey Soffel Rhonda (Hartman) Miller Trisha (Kostelansky) Seitz Deedra Lybbert (Queen) Angie Lundgren (Princess) Dode (Minor) Sears (Queen) Tanya (Hines) Vair (Princess) Wendi (Lund) Paget
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Susie (Turton) Young Erin (Moore) Geymonat Jody (Bougerolle) Brisebois Brook Robertson Karina (Tees) Geleynse Shelia (Taylor) Walker Andrea (Johnston) Slofstra Shereen (Ziegler) Cameron Shannon McCarthy Jennifer (Bird) Rondeau Christa (Lawrence) Needham Aleaha More Tara Sergerie Jenna (Berreth) Verhun Aaron (Courchesne) Lucas (Queen) Tara Slade (Princess) Britteny (Foster) Smar (Queen) Dana (Hansen) Zannis (Princess) Kezia (Morrison) Grams (Queen) Kirsten (Johnson) Braumandl (Princess) Arleta (Bowhay) Thiessen Gillian (Shields) Grant Nicole Briggs Katy Lucas Samantha Stokes Ali Mullin Brittney Chomistek
Who will be next to wear the crown? 81
Did You Know? ~ In the early years (1955 – 1974), Miss Rodeo Canada did not wear a crown. It wasn’t until 1976 that Shelly (Sis) Thacker wore a crown. ~ CFCW used to run the Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant and is our oldest sponsor, starting in 1975. ~ There have been six Miss Rodeo Canada crowns to date. ~ Chaps were not worn by MRC until Heather Beierbach was commissioned to make a pair in 1997. Ms. Beierbach noticed Miss Rodeo America had a pair at the NFR, but MRC did not! ~ As MRC 1975, Jerri Duce won the CFR Ladies’ Barrel Racing event. In the same year, she became the first Canadian barrel racer to qualify for the NFR. She would go on to qualify two more times (1976 & 1977), and would win nine barrel racing championships! ~ The Ponoka Stampede held their first queen competition in 1948, crowning Bertha Santee. Since then, five Ponoka queens have won the MRC title: Rhonda Hartman (1990), Jody Bougerolle (1997), Brook Robertson (1998), Karina Tees (1999), Katy Lucas (2015). ~ The first Miss Rodeo Canada Princess, Angie Lundgren, was crowned in Nov 1991, reigning with queen Deedra Lybbert (1992). ~ Taber’s only running queen contestant, Tanya Vair, was the winner of the Miss Rodeo Canada Princess title in 1993. ~ Kathy Cornelson was the first Miss Rodeo Canada from Saskatchewan, crowned in 1983. It would be 21 years later the next Saskatchewan girl was crowned (Christa Lawrence in 2004). ~ Karina Tees, Miss Rodeo Canada 2005, was deaf. She also was crowned by the Premier, Ralph Klein. 86
M R C Trivia ~ Trish Kostelansky, held both the Miss Alberta High School Rodeo title (1985) and the Miss National High School Rodeo Queen title (1985), before winning the title of Miss Rodeo Canada 1991. ~ Five Alumni previously held an AHSRA Queen title. In separate years, they competed at National High School Rodeo Finals Queen competitions and all made top ten! These were Trish Kostelansky, Stacey Soffel, Jenna Berreth, Nicole Briggs and Katy Lucas. ~ Aleaha More (MRC 2006), and Ali Mullin (MRC 2017) each previously held the Miss Manitoba High School Rodeo title. ~ The smallest pageants were held when there were only two qualifying contestants (Shannon McCarthy & Breanna Ernst, 2003; (Nicole Briggs & Bronwen Bowhay, 2014). ~ Three of our Miss Rodeo Canada queens also reigned as Calgary Stampede Royalty: Sis Thacker, Karina Tees and Tara Sergerie. ~ Medicine Hat has brought us eight MRC's to date: Susan Hargrave (1984), Shelley Sodero (1986), Dode Minor (1993), Wendi Lund (1994), Andrea Johnston (2001), Aleaha More (2006), Ali Mullin (2017), Brittney Chomistek (2018). ~ Samantha Stokes was the first MRC to be invited to Nova Scotia! ~ Brittney Chomistek and Shelley (Sodero) Chomistek each wore the crown of Miss Rodeo Canada, in 2018 and 1986, respectively. They are the first mother-daughter duo to both hold the MRC title.
For more interesting history: missrodeocanada.ca 87
Thank You! For attending the 2019 Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant!