Well, let’s start off by saying this past seven months have been a wonderful experience for both of us. Between the rodeo committee, the Airdrie community, our wonderful sponsors and so on, we have been able to make a seamless transition into our new Airdrie family. We have had so many people offer us a place to stay, or offer to help us out and it means so much.
After being crowned at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo on July 1 2012, we were pretty much non stop for about four months. The day after the Airdrie Rodeo ended we headed up to the Ponoka Stampede. It was a nice way to relax after a bit of a stressful month of June. Miss Pro Rodeo Airdrie 2012 Nicole Briggs was asked to help with chase out at the Rodeo, which was very exciting.
That day we met someone who has helped the Airdrie Royalty out immensely this year and in the past, Jim Nevada. We will talk about the amazing trip he took us on a little later. After that we were off to the Calgary Stampede. Every year, the Calgary Stampede hosts a visiting royalty day. We were fortunate enough to be invited this year and were joined by about 25 other queens from around the world. We also took part in the parade, and attended an autograph signing at Smithbilt Hats. Another fun rodeo we attended was the Medicine Hat Stampede. There we met the newly crowned queen and princess, and they hosted an awesome visiting royalty day. We were fed a delicious home-cooked meal, got to ride in the parade and rodeo, and met Deirks Bently! We each got a picture with him and got him to sign our pad folios, which were graciously donated by Bev at Watches N More. Other rodeos we have attended so far have been the Strathmore Stampede, Millarville, Stettler, and Okotoks.
Aside from rodeo we have attended many community events in Airdrie as well. Though we loved attending each and every one, our favourite so far has been the Art of the Harvest put on by the Airdrie Agriculture Society. There was a thrashing machine demonstration, tractors pulling cultivators, and a huge straw bale fort that was a hit with the kids. This was all out at the new Ag Society Grounds, located just west of Airdrie on the Big Springs road.
Let’s talk about our sponsors a bit. Our year would not be possible without these amazing sponsors, and a big thank you to Leanne Grenier for helping to attain them. The Comfort Inn hosted a few events during our competition as well as provided sponsored rooms during the rodeo. Jim Nevada at Roper Stetson has kept us looking sharp by sponsoring several pairs of boots including our beautiful Tin Hauls, shirts, jeans, Stetson jackets and the list goes on. Jim also took us to Denver in January. There we visited the Denver Stock Show, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Roper Stetson Warehouse. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget. To read more about our trip, visit the Airdrie Rodeo Royalty blog. We would also like to thank Airdrie Insurance Centre Ltd., Airdrie Autobody Ltd., Scotia Bank, and many, many more. And last but not least, thank you to Covy Moore Photography for taking our pictures throughout the year.
If we haven’t got around to see you yet, or you would like us to attend your upcoming event contact Leanne Grenier at [email protected]. Also, if you are interested in running for the titles of Miss Rodeo Airdrie and Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess 2013 contact Leanne for an application. It is a once in a lifetime experience that helps you grow as a person and gain social skills that are very valuable throughout you life.
See you at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo June 27 to July 1, 2013.
Happy Trails!
This column submitted by Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2012, Nicole Briggs and Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess 2012, Samantha Bilsborrow.
