INNISFAIL – There was special love in town for Miss Rodeo Canada on Valentine's Day.
Twenty-three-year-old Alicia Erickson of Trochu was in Innisfail to pick up her new Innisfail Chrysler-sponsored vehicle, a 2019 Ram 1500 Sport.
Innisfail Chrysler sponsored the 2019 truck for Miss Rodeo Canada and is continuing that support this year.
“This form of transportation will get me all across Canada and the United States of America to the rodeos and appearances that I need to go to,” said Erickson. “Without their help and their support, I wouldn’t have something like this.”
She noted the Innisfail car dealership’s important role and support for local rodeos, including the annual Daines Rodeo.
“Without sponsors like Innisfail Chrysler we wouldn’t be able to do the things we love and that’s why they are so wonderful,” she said.
Erickson won the title of Miss Rodeo Canada last fall after she was crowed Queen of the Ponoka Pro-Rodeo in 2018.
She now represents the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and is the ambassador for pro-rodeo in Canada, which includes all athlete and equine participants.
“I won Miss Rodeo Canada 2020 back in November at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (in Red Deer),” said Erickson. “I started December 15. That was the first day of my reign.”
Erickson said she has been busy in her new role.
“I’ve actually been to a couple of places. I went to Denver for two weeks and I’m actually heading to Florida on Sunday for the Silver Spurs Rodeo,” she said. “Our Canadians compete down south a little bit with the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and I get to follow them there.”
Erickson said she may make several appearances this spring in the Innisfail area, including the annual Night At the Ranch fundraiser in May, the Daines Pro-Rodeo and the annual Innisfail Parade in June.
Innisfail Chrysler general manager Adam Glover was clearly pleased on Feb. 14 about handing Erickson the keys to her new truck.
“We’re super happy to have Alicia driving our truck,” said Glover. “It’s really nice that we can be a part of this with her this year and we think she’s really going to love it. We’re really excited to see it back here around Innisfail when it comes to rodeo time,” said Glover.
