Pageant Results

Miss Rodeo America 2011: McKenzie Haley
First Runner-up: Markie Battaglia – Miss Rodeo California
Second Runner-up: Martina Wardle – Miss Rodeo Utah
Third Runner-up: Michelle Boeshart – Miss Rodeo Nebraska
Fourth Runner-up: Kasie Pigg – Miss Rodeo Colorado

Appearance: McKenzie Haley – Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Personality: McKenzie Haley – Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Horsemanship: Markie Battaglia – Miss Rodeo California
Photogenic: McKenzie Haley – Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Speech: McKenzie Haley – Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Congeniality: Taylor Wong – Miss Rodeo Hawaii
Raeana Wadhams Spirit Award: Lauren Neil – Miss Rodeo Nevada
Written Test: Martina Wardle – Miss Rodeo Utah

Top Ten Contestants:
Michelle Boeshart - Miss Rodeo Nebraska
Celesta Harvey – Miss Rodeo Texas
Kasie Pigg – Miss Rodeo Colorado
Ashley Zeigler – Miss Rodeo Oregon
Jordanne Blair – Miss Rodeo Iowa
Martina Wardle – Miss Rodeo Utah
Katie Garfield – Miss Rodeo Washington
Markie Battaglia – Miss Rodeo California
McKenzie Haley – Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Lauren Neil – Miss Rodeo Nevada


Other Awards
Scrapbook Awards:
1st Place – Miss Rodeo Montana, Jourdon Han
2nd Place – Miss Rodeo South Dakota, McKenzie Haley
3rd Place – Miss Rodeo Texas, Celesta Harvey
4th Place – Miss Rodeo Washington, Katie Garfield

Achievement Award (given to high seller for MRA Scholarship Foundation Drawing): – Miss Rodeo Texas, Celesta Harvey

Chap Award (Scholarship from Women’s Professional Rodeo Association for contestant with unique chaps & story): – Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Michelle Boeshart

People’s Choice Text Voting Award: – Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Chassity Sisco

Alumni Luncheon

The alumni luncheon was full of former and current state title holders and 25 past Miss Rodeo America title holders. Marilyn Scott Freemark, our first Miss Rodeo America, gave our invocation and invited everyone to enjoy the fabulous lunch.

Tara Rowe spoke on the importance of remaining active in the organization and the videography project of pageant alumni.  Desiree Larsen spoke about the life changing opportunities this pageant offers.  Melanie Mooney took time to ask some impromptu questions of the past title holders and there were some good laughs.  

If you are part of the pageant alumni please take time to get us your current contact information. 

There are some router problems in the Las Vegas area and we are having trouble getting photos uploaded to www.shooterenterprises.com so be patient with us.

Stay tuned the pageant results will be posted soon.

MRAI Executive Board announces a new slate of officers

During the last session of Speeches today, Kelli Jackson announced the new slate of officers for the MRAI Executive Board.

President - Tracy Damrell
Executive Vice President - Tara Rowe
First Vice President - Nicole Cypers
Secretary - Kiki Shumway

Speech Session III

Contestants giving their speech today were:

Miss Rodeo Illinois
Miss Rodeo North Dakota
Miss Rodeo Hawaii
Miss Rodeo New Mexico
Miss Rodeo Arkansas
Miss Rodeo Nebraska
Miss Rodeo Wisconsin
Miss Rodeo Oklahoma
Miss Rodeo Arizona
Miss Rodeo Oregon

At the close of each speech session there were ticket drawings held for prizes sponsored by Absorbine, Montana Silversmiths, and the MRA Gift Shop.

PRCA Luncheon Thursday, Dec. 2nd

I have to admit, this is my most favorite event of all of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant events! It is such a treat to see the contestants in their gorgeous chaps outfits!

MRA, Inc. President Tracy Damrell welcomed the sold-out crowd at the South Point's Ballroom and past President Sharon Halligan gave the invocation. Then, the doors opened at each corner of the room and in came the girls, through the tables, clapping their hands to the music.
Tracy introduced special guests on hand for the luncheon including Mr. Keith Martin, Chairman of the Board of the PRCA, and Mr. Karl Stressman, PRCA Commissioner. Mr. Stressman gave a wonderful talk, praising Kelli for the job she has done as Miss Rodeo America, and encouraging the contestants.

Following a delicious beef lunch (and I mean delicious!) the presentation was made for the Top Horse Award. This award is voted on by the W.N.F.R. pickup men, who judged the horses provided by the stock contractors for the horsemanship competition. The winning horse was #8, "Floyd," owned by Bob Barnes and Marty Barnes accepted the bronze and $200 cash award provided by the American Quarter Horse Association and W.F. Young/Absorbine.

Kelli Jackson presented a special award to the PRCA and to the WPRA; Montana Silversmiths presented Kelli with a beautiful framed portrait.

Next, Deborah Dilley, representing the Scholarship Foundation Board, announced that this year the total amount of scholarships awarded at the MRA Pageant will be $50,000 - which reflects a $1500 increase to the 1st Runner-Up Scholarship from $3,500 to $5,000. One of the major fundraisers of the scholarship foundation is the raffle, and eight contestants were recognized for selling the most raffle tickets: Miss Rodeo California, Markie Battaglia; Miss Rodeo Colorado, Kasie Pigg; Miss Rodeo Florida, Heather Hall; Miss Rodeo Iowa, Jordanne Blair; Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Chassity Sisco; Miss Rodeo Oregon, Ashley Zeigler; Miss Rodeo Texas, Celesta Harvey; and Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Erin Heffron. The award for top sales went to Miss Rodeo Texas, Celesta Harvey. Celesta was presented with a silver bracelet sponsored by Miss Rodeo Montana, Inc. and a diamond necklace sponsored by Marjorie Murphy. Miss Rodeo California, Markie Battaglia, also received a diamond necklace for second place sales.

The scholarship foundation then conducted an auction of several items including W.N.F.R. tickets and a 100x Bailey Hat.

For the contestant's question & answer period, each contestant had been given a "word" that pertained to the theme of What it Takes to Put On A Rodeo, when they boarded the bus to go to the luncheon. They had that time to formulate what they would say, with approximately 45 seconds each. First contestant up was South Dakota - her word was "committee" and the last contestant to go was Florida, whose word was "prize money." All of the contestants did a great job with their topics!

The Women's Professional Rodeo Association was on hand to present the chaps award, a $500 scholarship given by them and a back chap belt sponsored by Ellensburg Saddle Company. Winner of the Chaps Award was Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Michelle Boeshart, with her beautiful black and gold chaps.

Speech Session II

Contestants giving their speech today were:

Miss Rodeo Wyoming
Miss Rodeo Virginia
Miss Rodeo Utah
Miss Rodeo Alabama
Miss Rodeo Montana
Miss Rodeo Texas
Miss Rodeo Tennessee
Miss Rodeo Colorado
Miss Rodeo Washington

Lori Bortner Harding, Miss Rodeo America 2003 conducted the contestant media interviews which were presented on screen following their speech. The questions presented in the media interviews were:

1. The pageant starts in about an hour. What event are you most looking forward to?

2. I'm sure this year has been an exciting year for you. What was the most unexpected experience for you so far?

3. The WNFR starts on Thursday. Do you have any predictions for the cowboys and cowgirls from your state?

4. If you win the crown on Saturday, where is the first place that you would like to go as Miss Rodeo America 2011?

Under the Big Top

Welcome to the Circus was the opening Under the Big Top. Ring 1 with "The Wild Side" followed by Magicians Steven Best & Cassandra. Ring 2 was Puppet on a String followed by Ring 3 Illusionistas and Ring 4 Cowgirl Up.

Ringmaster, Creed Roberts welcomed special guest escorts, Mr. Phil McAdams - Wrangler President; Mr. Joe Hertz - Wrangler Vice President & General Manager; and Mr. Craig Errington - Wrangler Vice President, Consumer Marketing assisting each contestant as they came out one at a time, in alphabetical order by state, in their fashion show dress.

Kelli entered the stage horseback. As she dismounted decked out in her red, white & blue chaps outfit complete with lights draping her cowgirl hat, the contestants joined her on stage for the finale, "Leaving on the Circus Train" receiving a final round of applause.

The Fashion Show Sponsors and Committee deserve a special thanks for putting on such a great show!

Sponsors: Red Wilk Construction, Red & Cindy Wilk; Shumway Farms - Weekley Brothers / Davie Pro Rodeo & Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Paeant.

Fashion Show Committee:

Jeana Allen, Nicole Cypers, DeShannon Davis, Mesia Murphy, Gayle plackemeier, Kiki Shumway, Cindy Wilk, Red Wilk, Kate Rumford, melanie Mooney, Kathy Shumway, Nyla Bristow, Mimi Haught, Suzie Kendall, Amanda Jenkins, Lynn Haynes, Stephanie Hedin, Laurie Thoman-Hernandez, Kelly Baxley, Carol Grencevicz, Pat Kerr & Manny Azevedo.

New this year was a reception held after the fashion show in the Grand Ballroom which was hosted by The Orleans Hotel and Casino. Family and friends joint the contestants for refreshments, visiting and many pictures.

Speech Session I

Contestants giving their speech today were:

Miss Rodeo Kansas
Miss Rodeo Idaho
Miss Rode Nevada
Miss Rodeo South Dakota
Miss Rodeo California
Miss Rodeo Mississippi
Miss Rodeo Florida
Miss Rodeo Iowa
Miss Rodeo Missouri

Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo America 2010 entertained the crowd with stories from her year. Door prizes were given.

President's Breakfast

Twenty-eight fresh faced and energetic young women were greeted by MRA President Tracy Damrell as the Presiden't Breakfast kicked off the day first thing this morning. He explained to those in attendance that the event was to honor all of the past presidents of the association and went on to say that he feels MRA is still growing strong and considers it a vibrant organization, thanks to all of those who volunteer so much of their time. He introduced past presidents who were in attendance including Jim Sutton, Judy Gill, Arlene Kensinger, Sharon Halligan, Marjorie Murphy, Bronc Rumford and Kiki Shumway.

With introductions over, and the delicious buffet breakfast finished, contestants filed towards the front and prepared to answer questions about current events. First up was Miss Rodeo Tennessee, Breezy Smith. And so it continued until each contestant had the opportunity to display her knowledge about all that is happening in our country and the world around us. The questions asked of the girls this morning ranged from those about health care reform to free speech. Other questions pertained to personal freedoms, unemployment and our nations economy, and social networking and personal responsibility.

After all the questions were asked and answered it was time to learn the winners of the scrapbook award. Miss Rodeo Montana, Jourdon Han took top honors this year, while Miss Rodeo South Dakota, McKenzie Haley won second place. Celesta Harvey, Miss Rodeo Texas took third place with her scrapbook and Katie Garfield garnered the forth place ribbon.

New this year was the awarding of a scholarship by past presidents to a state who might just be getting started and needing a little assistance. This first recipient of this award was the state of Virginia.

In closing, once again President Damrell addressed the audience saying that he would like to recognize long term volunteers, and with the help of Miss Rodeo America, Kelli Jackson, presented silver business card holders those who have been active in the organization for 10 years or more, 15-20 years, and 20 years or more. The beautiful holders were provided by one of our great sponsors, Montana Silversmiths.

A Denim 'State'ment

The dance floor was a rockin' tonight at the Cowgirl Gala (formerly the Get Acquainted Party). As the room filled with more than 300 people the girls were anxious to visit with their parents and have the opportunity to show off their state outfits. This year the silent auction was moved to the Cowgirl Gala so the room was lined with auction items.

Creed Robert, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the contestants into the room while Born in the USA rocked through the speakers and the girls came in one by one with their state flags. The girls weaved through the tables showing off their colorful and original state themed Wrangler outfits. Kelli Jackson, 2010 MRA, started the event off talking about her outfit and that she had chosen to showcase the latest fashions from some of the current sponsors. The contestants then started with Wyoming and described why they had chosen their outfits. There were a lot of great descriptions and outfits.

Creed Roberts spent time asking Kelli what she was thinking one year ago during this event and then what advice she would give the contestants this year. Kelli said her advice would include the fact that the contestants had done all the studying they could and that now was the time to showcase themselves and their year.

Glenn Klaus won the 50/50 raffle and then used part of his winnings to have the first dance with Kelli Jackson.

Then it was time to dance. JP Ultimate Entertainment (Jose Perez Jr, Ellensburg, WA) DJ'd the Cowgirl Gala and worked to keep the girls on the dance floor.

A big thank you to the committee, chaired by Karie O'Donnell and Nicole Cypers, for all their hard work and to the sponsors of this event.

Horsemanship Competition Completed!

You could hear a big sigh of relief from all of the contestants this afternoon when the horsemanship competition was completed. While the horsemanship award is one of the most coveted awards at the Pageant, the competition itself...well... makes most contestants just a little bit nervous.

The horsemanship committee was up at the crack of dawn (literally, 4am) to get the horses ready for the competition - from brushing and polishing with Absorbine products, to hauling them to the arena to saddling them in the new Court's saddles provided for the competition, and then warming them up. Sixteen horses were brought over to the arena for the competition; 14 were used in the competition (each horse was ridden 4 times), with two spares in the event one needed to be pulled out. Horses were provided by PRCA Stock Contractors.

Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo America, presented the American Flag and the National Anthem was sang by Nashville recording artist Susie Dobbs. Kelli did a demonstration of the pattern and following that the contestants were "briefed" by the judges before the first group of contestants was taken down to their horses.

The contestants are taken down to their horses and assisted with stirrup length; they are not given a warm-up period and the first opportunity they get to "test" that horse is when the gate opens. Once the competition started it went like clockwork with all contestants doing a great job and all of the horses performing well. After each contestant went through the "pattern," there was a brief intermission before the second go-round started. During the second go-round, each contestant did a 1 and a half minute "freestyle" pattern. It was interesting to see the routines that they came up with, they were all different and unique. For clothing, the monochromatic look was the most popular; and embellishments adorned most of the horsemanship shirts.

At the conclusion of the competition, Kelli Jackson gave a farewell arena run and was presented with a bouquet of roses from her parents and the Mississippi National Director, Deshannon Davis.

While the contestants were being judged on their horsemanship ability, two judges were observing the horse's abilities. This year's Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Pickup Men, Gary Rempel and Chase Cervi, were judges for the "Top Horse" award. This award, sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association & Absorbine/WF Young, includes a $200 cash award plus a bronze. The winner of this award is announced at the PRCA Luncheon on Thursday.

The winner of the Horsemanship category of the pageant receives a $1,500 Misss Rodeo America Memorial Scholarship honoring Marie Mass Gatlin, MRA 1960. $1,000 is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association and $500 sponsored by former Miss Rodeo America's and the Marie Mass Gatlin family. The winner also receives a beautiful Tex Tan saddle sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association.

Immediately following the horsemanship competition, contestants enjoyed the South Point's Buffet with family & friends.

Foundation Dinner

The first day of competition ended with a dinner sponsored by the MRA Scholarship Foundation Board and Trish and Dale Fulcher. There was lots and lots of color tonight as the contestants were dressed in their Wrangler monogrammed shirts and Wrangler jeans.

Kelly Baxley, Foundation Vice-President gave the invocation, Berlyn Miller, MRA Scholarship Foundation Director, discussed the rules regarding the scholarships available and 2010 Miss Rodeo America, Kelli Jackson, spoke on the importance of education and her goal of returning to school to receive a masters degree. There are two additions to the Scholarship Foundation Board; Karie O'Donnell and Desiree Larsen were introduced tonight. Miss Rodeo Australia also joined the contestants and MRASF Board for dinner.

Following dinner the contestants took their written test and then headed to rehearsal.

Don't forget to check out http://www.shooterenterprises.com/ for pictures of the pageant.

Cowboy Christmas Auction

Christmas is right around the corner... Time to do some shopping at the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation Auction. It will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of Cowboy Christmas, Friday December 3, at 1:30 p.m. Here is a complete listing of the fabulous auction items the contestants will be auctioning. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/notes/miss-rodeo-america/mra-scholarship-foundation-auction-items/456715051465

Text Voting

28 Cowgirls Compete for Miss Rodeo America 2011

This year marks the 56^th Anniversary of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Over the duration the Miss Rodeo America Pageant has hosted hundreds of beautiful and talented cowgirls from across the country. Hopefuls converge annually for a weeklong competition to select a representative to promote America’s Original Professional Sport – rodeo.

This year the Miss Rodeo America Pageant welcomes 28 cowgirls, ages 19-25, to Las Vegas to compete for the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo America 2011. Each year a new Miss Rodeo America serves as the official spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The pageant is Sunday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 4. It is a glamorous prelude to the famous Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the PRCA’s year-end championship event also held in Las Vegas in December.

Pageant activities are held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, official sponsor and host hotel of the 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. The horsemanship competition, Monday, Nov. 29, will be held at The South Point Equestrian and Event Center.

A complete pageant schedule of events and pageant ticket information can be found online at www.missrodeoamerica.com.

Contestants are judged in the categories of, personality, appearance, horsemanship, knowledge and presentation. Each contestant will demonstrate her skills in public speaking, personal interviewing, horsemanship, knowledge of rodeo and general equine science, current event awareness, photogenic qualities, visual poise and overall professionalism.

Miss Rodeo America 2010, Kelli Jackson of Eupora, Miss., will crown her successor during a formal coronation ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, in The Orleans Showroom. A media conference with the newly crowned Miss Rodeo America 2011 will follow the ceremony at The Orleans Hotel & Casino.

Contestants vying for the 2011 Miss Rodeo America title include Sara Grace Dixon of Wetumpka, Ala.; Kasey Jo Painter of Yuma, Ariz.; Synda Lockard of Shirley, Ark.; Markie Battaglia of Ramona, Calif.; Kasie Pigg of Pueblo, Colo.; Heather Hall of Kenansville, Fla.; Taylor Wong of Kaneohe, Hawaii; Measha Gittins of Dayton, Idaho; Katie Lea Chaffin of Ipava, Ill.; Jordanne Blair of Lake City, Iowa; Danielle Dinges of Ness City, Kan.; Katie Jo Vanderslice of Pachuta, Miss.; Erin Watts of Bloomfield, Mo.; Jourdon Han of Rudyard, Mont.; Michelle Boeshart of Maxwell, Neb.; Lauren Neil of Reno, Nev.; Kelly Horton of Placitas, N.M.; Tiffany Kuntz of Bismarck, N.D.; Chassity Sisco of Ponca City, Okla.; Ashley Zeigler of Roseburg, Ore.; McKenzie Haley of Colome, S.D.; Breezy Smith of Martin, Tenn.; Celesta Harvey of San Antonio, Texas; Martina Wardle of Lehi, Utah; Anita Moorhead of Jarratt, Va.; Katie Garfield of George, Wash.; Amanda Breitenfeldt of Tigerton, Wis.; and Erin Heffron of Alta, Wyo.

The primary role of Miss Rodeo America is to promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and America’s Western heritage. She is a liaison between the rodeo fans and Pro Rodeo producers, sponsors and contestants.

As Miss Rodeo America, the new queen will travel extensively representing rodeo via many public appearances at rodeo performances, special events, schools and civic groups. She will take on the role of model and spokesperson in a variety of promotional events and commercial advertisements for western clothiers, publications, sponsors and other service providers to the western industry.

Miss Rodeo America pageant contestants are awarded many gifts from generous sponsors. Each contestant is eligible to win a portion of more than $45,000 in educational scholarships that the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation disperses to pageant contestants annually.

National corporate sponsors of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant include: Wrangler Jeans and Shirts, Las Vegas Events, The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, American Quarter Horse Association, W. F. Young/Absorbine, Montana Silversmiths, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, Dodge Trucks, The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Court’s Saddlery, Tandy Brands Accessories, Hobby Horse Clothing Company, Bonefrog Creative, Reata Ranch Gear, Red Wilk Construction, Buck’s Bags and Stone Horses.

Media information can be obtained by visiting www.missrodeoamerica.com and clicking the Media Information link or email requests to info@missrodeoamerica.com. The deadline for media credential request is Nov. 15, 2010.

Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions for more information visit www.missrodeoamerica.com.

Send encouragment during the pageant

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is rapidly approaching. We like to encourage friends and family to send well wishes to the contestants during the pageant. While competing contestants are not allowed to have their cell phones or computers to access the internet. Therefore a committee was formed at the pageant. A dedicated group of volunteers scans email messages and then provides them to the chaperones to give to contestants on a nightly basis.

It is always fun to see the expressions on the contestant's faces once they're received an encouraging word after a long day of competition. A quick "thinking of you" means the world to the girls.

If you would like to send an encouraging message to a contestant during the pageant you can do so by e-mailing it to missrodeopageant@yahoo.com be sure to put the STATE of the contestant in the subject line.

Miss Rodeo America Contestant Video

Here is a video of the contestants for the 2011 Miss Rodeo America title.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNWOybC0Rxc

Pageant Countdown

Click Countdown.

2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant Contestants

The 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant Contestant photos have been posted. To view click here.

Pageant Tickets

The 2010-2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant will be Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2010, in Las Vegas. The host hotel is The Orleans Hotel & Casino. Additional competition events will take place at The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa and the Las Vegas Convention center.

Tickets are available by clicking on this link ... http://www.missrodeoamerica.com/Store/tickets.html

A schedule of events can be found here ... http://www.missrodeoamerica.com/Pageant/pageant-information.html#events