Since being named Miss Rodeo Colorado 2010 in July, I have been busy with preparations for the coming year. Meeting with sponsors has been an absolute thrill.

I started as Lady-in-Waiting by attending the final performances of Greeley Stampede. I was announced in the arena, and rode in Audra’s pickup with the visiting royalty. I had a great time getting to know some of the girls and having a glimpse into what my reign would entail.

Following Greeley, I attended the Brighton Feed and Saddlery 32nd annual saddle sale. Roger and Verna Allgeier support the Miss Rodeo Colorado Organization by donating a saddle to the titleholder each year. I am fortunate enough to be outfitted with a beautiful Mc Calls saddle that will keep me sitting pretty for years and years to come.

The weekend following, I was invited to Durango Fiesta Days by former Miss Rodeo Colorado and friend Aspen Emmett. My sister Sarah traveled along with me and we had a great time at the parade and rodeo performances. Aspen also took us to Farmington, NM to watch the short-go of the National High School Rodeo Finals. Several of the contestants were younger siblings of my friends from my high school rodeo days, I must be getting older.

Shortly after my return, I made a trip to Ft. Lupton, Colo. to visit JB Saddlery and pick out my chaps. Barbara and Jerry Kauffman graciously donate custom chaps to Miss Rodeo Colorado and Miss Rodeo America. With all of the color combinations and customization options available, the possibilities were endless!

After a few weeks, I was headed to the National Western Stock Show Hide Party. This event is held to thank and congratulate the purchasers of the grand champion and reserve grand champion livestock at the youth auction. I was able to meet many of the individuals I will be working with at the Stock Show, and spend some time with Audra Dobbs, Miss Rodeo Colorado 2009.

The following week was the Cattle Baron’s Ball in Greeley, Colo. This event was not only fun, but all proceeds were to support the American Cancer Society. Rodeo queens from all over Northern Colorado gathered to greet guests and form what was known as the cowgirl paparazzi.

Before heading to these formal events, Barbara Griggs from All About Nails in Pueblo made sure I was ready by becoming a personal sponsor. She will provide nail care to me for the entire year. If you are in the Pueblo area and need a manicure, be sure and visit her!

In September, I was able to start a Personal Time Management course with Morrell and Associates, owned by Pete Morrell. Not only does Mr. Morrell sponsor this informative class, he also provides Miss Rodeo Colorado with beautiful belt buckle each year, and is on the Miss Rodeo Colorado Committee. With the help of Mr. Morrell and his MyTyme time management system, I expect this year to be well managed.

The first weekend in November was time for the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows (CAFS) queen clinic. Audra Dobbs, Miss High School Rodeo Colorado, Kelsey Winslow, and I had the opportunity to meet with county fair royalty from across the state and give them some advice on their upcoming reigns. During this time we visted 4 Bar Western Store owned by former Miss Rodeo Colorado, and National Little Britches Rodeo Association Director Kimber Solberg. 4 Bar donated clothes for the clinic participants to model.

The following weekend I was a guest of John Cavey and Pat Thompson at the Mountain State Circuit Finals.  John and Pat were so generous during this weekend and took me shopping. I am ready for any Tough Enough to Wear Pink event with my new bling belt and jewelry! During this time I was also hosted by former Miss Rodeo Colorado Contestant and fellow former Miss High School Rodeo Colorado Megan Odell Holdren. Terri and Lee Lancaster also outfitted me in a Mountain State Circuit Finals coat, which came in handy during the storm that hit that weekend!

Thanksgiving for most means time for family, food and football. For avid rodeo fans, Thanksgiving means one week until the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo starts. The Saturday after Thanksgiving my mom and I headed to Las Vegas to watch the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. While Red and Cindy Wilk, along with John Cavey and Pat Thompson sponsor a bowling and pizza party for all of the ladies-in-waiting who are in attendance. It was a great time, and I can’t wait to get to know the girls better throughout the year. John and Pat graciously donated beautiful coats to each girl complete with state title on them, which will surely come in handy during the National Western Stock Show!

After the Miss Rodeo America pageant, I was presented the opportunity to stay in Vegas a while longer and work for Stetson. Roper USA rep, Stacey Little supports Miss Rodeo Colorado by giving a wardrobe of Roper and Stetson apparel and boots. Wardrobe might not be the correct term. Truckload maybe.

Right before Christmas I was able to visit fellow Puebloan Trent Johnson, owner of Greeley Hat Works, and pick up my custom-made hats. Trent makes sure Miss Rodeo Colorado doesn’t get headaches with his quality headwear.

As 2009 comes to an end and my reign is about to officially begin, I would like to say thank you to all of you who have helped me thus far. I look forward to representing you this coming year and hope to see you down the road!

Happy New Year!