Two contenders for the Miss Rodeo Sundre crown dazzled a crowd that gathered for the annual kickoff event to select the local rodeo royalty.
“The contestants did a fabulous job in the fashion show,” said Bronwen Bowhay, the Miss Rodeo Sundre Committee coordinator, on Monday morning.
More than 50 people attended the fashion show, which was hosted at the Sundre West Country Centre for the first time. Previously held at the Sundre Arts Centre, organizers sought “a venue that worked with our timeframe this year,” she said.
“It went really well,” she added.
From left are as follows: Alisa Brace, 2017 Miss Rodeo Sundre; Jayden Calvert, 2018 Miss Rodeo Sundre; Bronwen Bowhay, 2011 Miss Rodeo Sundre; Kyla Williams, 2015 Miss Rodeo Sundre; and Martina Holtkamp, 2016 Miss Rodeo Sundre. Photo courtesy of Miss Rodeo Sundre Facebook
There are two contestants in the running for this year’s title, she said, adding both of them — Jesse Miller and Mackenzie Skeels — are from Rimbey.
The contestant who will go on to be crowned becomes an ambassador not only for the Sundre Pro Rodeo, but also for the town of Sundre, she said.
During appearances at other rodeo events around the province, Miss Rodeo Sundre dons a sash identifying who she is as well as the municipality she is representing while promoting and spreading the word about the community and in turn hopefully enticing visitors to come to Sundre, she said.
Additionally, contestants must also successfully complete a test to ensure a base level of knowledge about Sundre before being crowned, she said.
“Whether they’re from Sundre or not, they are expected to know about the town so they can accurately answer questions,” when they’re on the road in places such as Medicine Hat and Brooks, she said.
The fashion show also serves as a fundraiser, with proceeds helping cover costs associated with becoming the Sundre Pro Rodeo ambassador, including travel and accommodations, she said.
This year’s silent auction, 50-50 draw as well as drink and admission sales raised nearly $1,900, said Jenn Anderson, Sundre Rodeo and Race Association treasurer.
Colt Calvert and Teagen Peacock share a dance during the Miss Rodeo Sundre Fashion Show held Saturday evening at the West Country Centre. Photo courtesy of Miss Rodeo Sundre Facebook
A portion of the proceeds is also used to purchase prizes when the new queen is crowned during the opening night of the Sundre Pro Rodeo, said Bowhay. She added that the funds also help buy Miss Rodeo Sundre a ticket to the annual Canadian Finals Rodeo, which after years of being hosted in Edmonton is now held in Red Deer.
With the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association’s milestone 40th annual Sundre Pro Rodeo scheduled this summer from June 21-23, Bowhay said organizers are excited and looking forward to seeing fans pack the stands.
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019, Jaden Holle, who was crowned at last year’s CFR, is also scheduled to make a guest appearance during the Friday and Saturday afternoon performances, said Bowhay.
“We would love to see everybody out there, especially on the Friday night when we crown the new Miss Rodeo Sundre.”
