Running for a title like Miss Rodeo Sundre is a goal both the 2017 contestants have aspired to achieve since they were little.
Alisa Brace, 20, from Sundre, and Dana Blasetti, 18, from Medicine Hat, both took time out of their schedules last week to speak with the Round Up regarding why they hope to become ambassadors for Sundre as well as the local pro rodeo.
"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time," Brace said over the phone.
Attending the local pro rodeo since she was about six years old and along the way seeing other young women crowned ó her mom Susan even won the Miss Rodeo Sundre title in 1978 ó fostered within her a desire to keep that legacy alive. Additionally, being raised with horses never far away instilled early on roots that would grow to flourish into a lifelong passion for rodeo, she said.
"It's always been a part of my life."
She also speaks about Sundre with unreserved pride.
"The fact our small town has a pro rodeo is very impressive," said Brace, who wants to represent the local rodeo association as well as her hometown on a provincial and even national stage.
"It's a very big accomplishment for our small town to be a part of the pro rodeo circuit."
If crowned, Brace said she especially looks forward to travelling along the rodeo trail, promoting Sundre every step of the way.
"I've always liked to move around and meet new people."
Enrolled in the animal health technology program at Lakeland College in Vermilion, the 20-year-old has one year of studies left to complete. Throughout her post-secondary education as well as life in rodeo, Brace said she has learned a lot about animals and wants to raise awareness about how livestock is treated at events.
"I truly believe we're doing an incredible job in taking care of our animals. I've been behind the scenes, I know how they're treated."
An ambassador represents not only the human athletes but the animal athletes as well. But rodeo queens also act as role models for young girls, giving them someone to look up to, as she herself once did as she watched from the stands. Whether getting involved in sports or pageants and everything in between, the possibilities for young women are endless so long as they work hard, she said.
Once convinced running for Miss Rodeo Sundre was something she could not do, Brace said she changed her mind after doing some research and engaging in conversations with other young women who had previously run.
"I thought it was something I couldn't do."
But just about anything is possible with enough effort, she said.
"It's important for girls to know they can do it. You just have to work really, really hard ó pick something and go for it!"
Blasetti, who is currently living near Olds with friends on a family farm while she studies at Olds College, also feels that the example set by royalty plays an important role not just in the lives of young girls who might look up to them, but also in promoting the rodeo community to people who are uncertain regarding what the lifestyle is all about.
Queens are "not just a pretty smile," she said.
"They know pretty much anyone and everything about rodeo."
Growing up seeing rodeo queens and princesses at events inspired her to pursue a similar path.
Currently pursuing post-secondary studies in equine science with a business major, the Miss Rodeo Sundre hopeful said horses are also athletes and that their trainers "put their heart and soul into everything they do."
So Blasetti said she wants to put herself out there and show everyone that rodeo is not just a sport, "It's a way of life."
Eventually, her goal is to be involved in planning major rodeo events and she hopes her studies will help her to reach that milestone.
"This program will help me to better understand what it takes to plan rodeos and big events."
If crowned, she also would look forward to the opportunity to travel along the rodeo circuit, promoting the Sundre Pro Rodeo every step of the way. Such an experience would additionally herald new friendships and networks as well as help her to grow and mature as a young adult by taking on the responsibilities of a rodeo ambassador, she said.
Arleta Thiessen, herself former Miss Rodeo Sundre 2009 as well as Miss Rodeo Canada 2012, coordinates the annual fashion show, which takes place at the Sundre Arts Centre on Saturday, April 15 with doors opening at 6 p.m.
"It's one of the biggest annual fundraisers the girls do," she said, adding the funds raised support their travel expenses around Alberta on their mission to promote the Sundre Pro Rodeo as well as the community.
Through public speaking engagements and interviews, the program offers contestants an opportunity not only to develop their independence as well as improve their confidence, but also to build a foundation that will carry over into their everyday adult life, she said.
"As an ambassador, you're the face of your community and rodeo."
As per Sundre Pro Rodeo tradition, this year's queen will be crowned during the big event, which takes place in June.
