Lately it seems like I’m jet-setting or long-haulin’ great distances to reach my destinations but this past weekend was a change of pace. Old Settler’s Day Rodeo of Checotah, Oklahoma is a mere 15 minutes from my front step to the arena entrance and I welcomed the quick trip!
This weekend has had quite the build-up because Tom and Amy Duvall’s daughter, Hayden was competing in the Checotah Round-Up Club Sweetheart pageant. While we’ve been preparing for our weekend for two weeks, our events didn’t begin until Thursday afternoon with horsemanship practice for the girls and a relaxing pizza party at Pizza Hut. The girls had the chance to meet with other competitors and enjoy some judge-free fun before Friday hit and the pageant truly began.
Friday morning brought rain, thunder, lightening and wind to our area of McIntosh County as we hurried to get ready for the Queen’s Luncheon held that afternoon. It was quite a change to share the bathroom while hot rolling my hair with Hayden busily getting dolled-up herself! (Maybe that’s where all our fight pictures began – see June photo album!) Amy, Hayden, Nathan, myself, and Amy’s mom, Rosetta all piled into the car and headed to town before the storm hit too hard. We may have outrun the rain but there is no beating the humidity! I’m learning quickly what that can do to queen hair! We all enjoyed a delicious meal and the presentation of the outgoing queen, Lacey Glover as well as a quick hello from myself and awards and door prizes throughout the function.
It wasn’t long before it was time to rush home and change for the first performance of the Old Settler’s Day Rodeo. Doing my best to salvage my wilting hair and redoing my melted make-up was quite the task but we were loaded up and headed out looking as fresh as daisies! Pulling into the Checotah Round-Up Club Arena was a welcoming sight of trailers and spectators awaiting the big show. Saddled up on Peanut Butter, Tom’s hazing horse (and no, he didn’t name him!), the queen contestants and I warmed up and geared up for the grand entry. A big thanks to Tom for the use of his horses as well as Kevin and Gina Hampton for allowing me to use Dunny to carry the American flag during the opening ceremonies. The contestants and I didn’t slow down after dismounting our horses. From throwing out t-shirts and signing autographs to helping the clown act and enjoying a sno-cone or two, I kept myself moving (mainly to get a little breeze going to cool down!). As the rodeo came to a close for the night, the Duvall’s and I headed home to wind down from the day and begin a new hectic schedule for Saturday.
Old Settler’s Day festivities includes fun activities for the family that are set up during a downtown street fair that began Saturday morning. Kids can enjoy turtle races, street dancing, face painting, tractor pulls and they even have some games for the adults, like tobacco spitting and cow patty toss! Upon arriving, I was quickly thrown in the make-shift jail and was forced to wait it out until someone would pay my dollar bail. After bustin’ out, around the fair I went! From the tractor display and the antique car show to shopping at various venders and dancing with the visiting clog group, I had a great time! The event was a first of its kind for me this year and I truly enjoyed the people as well as the exciting activities. With parade time just around the corner, Tom saddled up Hayden’s horse, Ranger and we were off and going. The route was a short but featured very enthusiastic spectators that made sweating in the heat all worth while!
Once again, we ran home (a HUGE benefit of a near-by rodeo!) and changed for the final performance of the Old Settler’s Day Rodeo. This time saddled up on Tom’s bulldogging horse, Doc we were warmed up and ready as announcers Danny Newland and Garrett Yerigan began the show. Everything went smoothly through the various run-ins and flag laps – who knew a bulldogging horse could make such a great queen horse! Watch out Tom, I’m going to convert him over before you know it! With the announcement of the royalty for the Checotah Round-Up Club, I was thrilled to hear Hayden won 1st Runner-up and a very special volunteerism award for her terrific attitude throughout the pageant! Way to go cowgirl, I’m so proud of you!
The rodeo came to a close on the final night with great attendance and a pleased crowd. I was excited to be apart of this years Old Settler’s Day Rodeo and to meet all the fantastic people who bring it all together. Thank you to Frankie, Trish and Sweetie for their commitment to the queen pageant and their tremendous kindness toward this newcomer! It was great to meet you all and thank you for allowing me to make fun memories of my time in Checotah! Congratulations to all the royalty and contestants, awesome job girls!
As another quick side note – Before my weekend in Checotah, I headed south to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to pick up a beautiful new Ford F250 Super Duty from Seth Wadley Ford. A mere thank-you is not enough to balance their incredible generosity for sponsoring me through the remainder of my year as Miss Rodeo USA. I will have pictures of my beautiful red truck on the internet shortly as well as additional information on their much appreciated sponsorship.
The following day, I was on the road in my new ride headed to Duncan, Oklahoma for the Miss Oklahoma High School Rodeo pageant. Morgan Roberts, a good friend I met in Owasso a few weeks back was competing for the title. I’m thrilled to say that she won the crown and will be headed to nationals in July! Yay Morgan! Go get ‘em girl! Congrats!
NOTE: My photos of my weekend in Checotah are posted but I’m having some difficulties getting them to stay in order of events! Hang tight and I’ll keep trying! Thanks!
I sure enjoy reading your blogs. The pictures are so fun and exciting. I look forward to seeing you when you are back in Ellensburg, WA--You make a great Miss Rodeo USA and any rodeo should be proud to call you their own.
Posted by: Marlene | June 16, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Wow! the shirt looks better than I could have ever invisioned. It really looks sharp in the photos. I am so proud of you . Take care and lots of love.
Posted by: Jackie | June 16, 2009 at 08:42 PM
You look like you're having too much fun! We miss you in Ellensburg and I'm sure you miss the wind! :)
Posted by: Ashley Smith | June 24, 2009 at 10:35 PM