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

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