Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo Queen Program Information
The Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo Queen program is in its ninth year. The Spokane Interstate Rodeo is providing a traveling tiara, chaps, saddle serape, and magnetic auto signs to the winner of this year’s pageant. The Spokane Interstate Rodeo will also provide a sash and buckle for this year’s Queen to keep. Additional sponsorships are being sought to assist with travel expenses and other related expenses.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
• Age 18 to 24 years of age • Single, never having been married • Willing and able to travel
DATES OF THE PAGEANT: All events will be held at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center unless noted
March 6, 2020 – Time to be determined / Radio Interview
March 7, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. in the Concessions Garden Written test, contestant orientation
March 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in the Livestock Office Personal Interviews followed by Contestant’s Luncheon and rehearsal
March 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Indoor Arena (open to public) Horsemanship competition
March 7, 2020 following horsemanship in the Concessions Garden (open to public) Speeches, impromptu questions, and modeling followed by Coronation
COMPETITION ATTIRE:
• Photograph – Western attire including hat (without crown), photo submitted should be head and shoulders only. • Horsemanship – Western attire including a plain white western shirt (no embellishments), deep indigo blue Wrangler jeans (low rise, 20X, and Cruel Girl jeans are not permitted), belt, western boots, and hat. No chaps. • Personal Interview and Rodeo Knowledge Test – Wrangler pants (or skirt) with shirt, vest, or jacket. • Speech and Modeling – An elegant western dress or skirt with blouse and/or jacket. In 2020, we will also include a fashion-forward segment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Each contestant will be required to submit a completed application along with a $30.00 entry fee and 8” x 10” color photo (head and shoulders only). Each contestant will also be required to obtain and bring two items for the silent auction (minimum value $50 each).
The written test will include questions demonstrating the contestant’s PRCA knowledge. The speech topic will be provided to each contestant closer to the date of the competition. The completed speech should be approximately 2-4 minutes in length. Interview questions will deal with current world events, general horsemanship, and personality. The horsemanship competition will include a pattern and rail work (on your own horse) followed by an arena run and demonstration of ability to carry a flag (on a draw horse). The horsemanship competition will be weighted heavier than the other categories.
Slight changes to the competition attire and categories may occur prior to the competition. Candidates will be notified in a timely manner in order to prepare. Should you have questions regarding the MSIR program, please contact Queen Coordinator Kahla Ableman at [email protected] or (509) 994-8809.
WHAT IS A RODEO QUEEN? According to the Rodeo Queen University written by Jamie Rauch a rodeo queen is the face and voice of our association. She is the ambassador and representative for our event and local community to other communities, the State, and nation. She represents the very essence of the sport of rodeo which helps preserve western heritage and way of life. A rodeo queen lives by and portrays to others, “The Code of the West”. The Code of the West was a code that the early pioneers lived by before laws were established in the new territory. Character and integrity were vital for survival. A person’s worth was measured in society by their level of integrity demonstrated when dealing with others. The position of rodeo queen requires impeccable character and strength. Rodeo queening isn’t just about the outward beauty and horsemanship talent, it’s more about the inward beauty of the young woman and how she inspires others. It’s not about wearing a pretty outfit and crown on her cowboy hat, running mock two with her hair on fire around an arena on a horse. It’s about the passion for rodeo, the thrill and her ability to instill that in others. Being a rodeo queen is about serving your association and community with all of your gracious heart, with your mind, and with all of your born-of-the-west cowgirl spirit. It’s about learning valuable and essential life lessons that help build and grow character in a young person far above what you could possibly think or imagine (pg. 18-19).
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RODEO QUEEN? Quite simply…a rodeo queen is to serve; not to be served (pg. 21). The duties of the 2020 Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo will be as follows -
• Promote the Spokane Interstate Rodeo at PRCA rodeos throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana • Serve as the ambassador of the Spokane Interstate Rodeo • Participate in parades and make public appearances at specified regional events • Promote the Spokane Interstate Rodeo’s charity of choice – Tough Enough to Wear Pink – helping spread Breast Cancer awareness and information on prevention • Attend Rodeo Committee meetings • Assist with finding sponsors for the 2020 Spokane Interstate Rodeo and/or 2020 MSIR Program
RODEO ATTENDANCE FOR 2020. The 2020 MSIR will be asked to submit her slate of events that she plans to attend in 2020 to the SCF&EC Office no later than two (2) weeks following the pageant. The Spokane Interstate Rodeo will provide a list of recommended events for the current MSIR to attend and additional events may be added to the slate. Upon receipt of the slate of events, staff will complete the 2020 MSIR Agreement and e-mail it to the 2020 MSIR for signature.
MISS RODEO WASHINGTON. Almost each year since the inception of the Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo Program, the current MSIR has competed for the title of Miss Rodeo Washington. Katherine Merck (2014 MSIR) served as 2015 Miss Rodeo Washington and became the first Washington representative to ever win the title of Miss Rodeo America (serving as Miss Rodeo America 2016)! Madi Casto (2016 MSIR) was crowned the 2020 Miss Rodeo Washington. Macy LaValley (2013 MSIR) was crowned the 2016 Miss Rodeo Washington. Additionally, Jessie Tennant (2012 MSIR) was crowned the 2013 Miss Rodeo Washington. We strongly encourage MSIR winners to consider competing for the title of Miss Rodeo Washington however we want to reiterate to our candidates that running for MRW is not required of the MSIR title holder.