PRCA Luncheon

The President's Luncheon was a sold-out event at the South Point Hotel & Casino. This is always one of the best events, with the contestants showcasing their beautiful chaps.


Special guests included:

• Mr. Keith Martin, Chairman of the Board, PRCA
• Mr. Karl Stressman - Commissioner & CEO of PRCA Properties, PRCA
• John Cavey & Pat Thompson, Miss Rodeo America Sponsors
• Mr. Steve Miller, Montana Silversmiths

To start things off they conducted a fundraising auction for the MRA Scholarship Foundation, first up was a 100X Hat, donated by MRA sponsor Bailey, it was purchased for $450; and two plaza level tickets for tonight's rodeo which went for $300.

Miss Rodeo America, Maegan Ridley, had the opportunity to speak and say that the most special things to her over the past year were the friendships that she made in all of the places that she went - thanking rodeo committees, sponsors and host families.

After the contestants came in and gave an introduction/information about their chaps, Mr. Karl Stressman was invited to speak on behalf of the PRCA. He talked of the similarities between his job and that of Miss Rodeo America, how stressful it is to be traveling all of the time, and also of the common bond that they share - a passion for the sport of rodeo. He also said that next year he would like to have Miss Rodeo America be "Commissioner for a Day" - during the Hall of Fame week - and actually sit at his desk, answer his phone, and see what it's like to be the Commissioner of the PRCA.

Mr. Stressman made the announcement that Keith Martin had a $10,000 check from the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, to be given to the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation. The San Antonio Livestock & Rodeo has been extending their generosity to MRASF for several years now and their contributions to the scholarship fund are greatly appreciated.

Contestants then had the opportunity to give their rodeo impromptu question answers. The format this year was new. Each contestant was given two topics on the bus ride to the luncheon, allowing them to prepare their answers. It worked well, all of the girls did great on their answers and I have to say, this is one SHARP group of contestants! They have truly studied. Miss Rodeo Washington was the first to go, her topics were "Luke Branquinho" and "Hall of Fame".



A sampling of other topics were:

"Justin McDaniel & Media Guide"
"JW Harris & Buckeye"
"Donnie Gay & Wrangler"
"Trevor Brazile & Rodeo Camp Series"
"Larry Mahan & Roughstock"
"Erv Korkow & ProRodeo Live"
"Ike Sankey & WNFR"
"Clem McSpadden & Justin"
"Joe Beaver & WPRA"


On behalf of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, Randy Rae Britt presented the Chap Award, the winner receives a $500 scholarship from the WPRA and a Back Chap Belt sponsored by Beastmaster Rodeo Products, Inc. The winner: Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Courtney Smith. Her chaps were a tribute to Casey Tibbs, purple in color, featuring rhinestones and bucking horses.