When the other visiting state queens arrived on Tuesday our first event was the kick-off party at the Holiday Inn, the DNCFR host hotel.  We had a great time getting to meet and visit with the committee for the DNCFR, their wonderful community sponsors, as well as meeting some PRCA directors and personnel.   We were also honored to spend a couple of hours with about 41 special need kids for the Exceptional Kids Rodeo hosted by the DNCFR.  It was incredible to see the children’s faces as we taught them how to rope, ride bucking “stuffed” animals, and ride the real big horses. The rest of the week was spent in service visiting schools, hospitals, retirement and assisted living homes, sponsors, interviewing for the media and signing autographs.  We carried and presented flags at each performance of the rodeo to promote all the generous sponsors that help keep this national rodeo in our great state of Idaho.  I was especially honored to carry the American Flag at every performance of the DNCFR.  I cannot even describe the feelings of pride I felt holding the flag in the center of the arena.  It gave me goose bumps to know that we live in such a wonderful state and country.  That is an experience I will never forget.   We had an unforgettable week and I was sad to see the girls leave but the memories will be with me for a lifetime.

The Silver Spurs Rodeo and Queen Contest went very well.  During the rodeo were asked to conduct a rodeo survey; what their favorite part of the rodeo?   Would they attend again?  Those were a few of the questions.  During the survey I met people from Australia, England and Ireland just to name of few. 

While in Florida I ate gator tail and LOVED it, tried frog legs (didn’t like that so much), and catfish, which was very good!  I would have liked to try turtle and rattle snake but didn’t get the opportunity to.   

My room mate for the week was Miss Rodeo Virginia, Anita Moorhead.  Pre-rodeo events included signing autograph sheets every day in the Rodeo Zone.  Many queens were encouraged to ride the mechanical bull – we sure gathered a crowed every time one of us would ride!  I also was able to attend my first Ranch rodeo.

A trip to South Dakota isn’t complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore.   The Mount Rushmore staff were listening to us on the radio while we were talking about our visit to the National Monument and were ready and waiting for us when we arrived.  They allowed us to stand on the wall for pictures.  There wasn’t another person in sight, it was like we had this great monument all to ourselves!

Perhaps the thing touched my heart the most is how the National Anthem was performed every night at The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.   Fireworks accompanied the Anthem.    During the words and the rockets red glare a red colored flare shot across the arena.   During the bombs bursting in air a salute fire work boomed.   I immediately pictured a battle during the Revolutionary War. This wonderful display of patriotism ended with Miss Rodeo South Dakota, McKenzie Hailey carrying the American Flag around the arena on a pole that shot fireworks sparks out of the top.

The schedule really gave me an insight into what my year was going to be like.  The market was huge; two to three rodeos a day; and meeting most of the other state queens; what a great way to begin.   Oh…. and I will never forget my first flight all dressed in my queen attire (what an experience!!!!).  

My first night in Denver I had the opportunity to room with Miss Rodeo Colorado, Kassi Pigg.   The rest of my week I roomed with Miss Rodeo Washington, Katie Garfield.  One of the highlights of my Denver trip was a photo opportunity and chat for Katie and me with Trevor Brazile.  It was amazing

One activity I experience, but wasn’t planning on was my trip to downtown Denver. Unfortunately this happened when I accompanied Katie to the hospital after she injured her knee during a rodeo.  After she returned home Katie was told that she shattered her patella. I hope you are feeling better now Katie. 

One of my bull riding friends allowed me to take his gear bag to the school with me, it had everything in it from his dirty pants that bull riders never seem to wash; his pink Tough Enough shirt, spurs, boots, vest, and bull rope.   I also had a friend’s bareback rigging with me, and a tie-down roper’s rope.  The students really loved hearing about the different equipment, and how and what it is used for. 

I was very surprised that some students in the classes knew the answer to every question I asked.  I was extremely proud to know that the western heritage that rodeo represents still runs deep in my community!