It is hard to believe that it has been almost five months since Kelsey (Reinboldt-Lynch) and I were crowned during the final performance of the 2011 Cochrane Lions Rodeo, and what a busy last five months we have had. Since we were crowned on Sept. 6, during the intermission, we have attended a total of 20 events and it appears that our new year is scheduled with some exciting events.
Our first official event as royalty came a week following the crowning when, we attended the Bearspaw Farmersí Market and the Ugly Ranch Horse Competition. Kelsey and I had a wonderful time looking at the various vendors and sampling their delicious products. We then headed to Cochrane to attend the annual Ugly Ranch Horse Competition, organized by the Cowboy Church. We were curious to see exactly what an Ugly Ranch Horse Competition entailed and we were excited to see the event in action. From pint-sized riders to well-seasoned pros, we enjoyed watching this showcase of horsemanship skill and warm sense of community.
The following weekend we headed to Hanna for their annual indoor rodeo. Kelsey and I rode in their all horse parade, participated in grand entry and carried sponsorship flags. We then wrapped up the day with an autograph session. It was so great to see the smiles on all the little girlsí faces we signed autographs for; it is one of my favourite aspects of being royalty.
Other events we attended in October and November include The Calgary Stampede Top six final Horsemanship Competition, The High River Womenís Show, The Cochrane Legionís annual Poppy Tea, the Cochrane Legionís Remembrance Day Service, Springbank annual Christmas craft fair and the annual sight night Run in Calgary in support of Alberta Society of Recreation and Sport for the Blind.
Also in November, we made the trek to Edmonton for Canadian Finals Rodeo and to see which lucky lady would be crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2012.
Congratulations to Arleta Bowhay our new Miss Rodeo Canada and well done to Megan Luider, Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen 2011, on winning the speech and fashion show portion of the competition. While our stay in Edmonton was brief, we enjoyed watching Thursday nightís rodeo performance and attending the Miss Rodeo Canada Crowning Gala.
We kicked off the holiday season when we attended Light Up Cochrane on a very chilly night. It was -30∞C. Despite the bitter cold, many Cochranites attended this event bundled up but kept warm with spirit. Kelsey and I were chosen as judges for best Display of Spirit and best fire pit decorations; I can attest our choice was very difficult.
We did manage to pick the winners though and I recommend that you share the magic of the season by attending this family event next December.
Kelsey and I were invited to participate in Glenbow Elementaryís fundraising concert with country music artist Gord Bamford. We helped by collecting tickets and helping the school auction off many live auction items. The highlight of the evening was a very intimate concert from Bamford and we were absolutely star struck to meet him and get an autograph from him.
We welcomed 2012 by attending our first event of the year in Strathmore for the Lions Club District 37 annual meeting on Jan. 14. We met Lions from all over Calgary and the surrounding area and we were able to experience and understand what a vital role Lions clubs play in our communities. Kelsey and I look forward to upcoming busy rodeo season - be sure to keep a look out for us and come say hello.
On behalf of the 2012 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty, I would like to extend well wishes for 2012. We wish you and yours a healthy and happy new year.
Letís make 2012 the best year yet.
