The Oregon Queen — All the news from July 2024!

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

I cannot believe the month of July is already over. It was my busiest month so far!

I started out strong with my Cowboy Christmas run. My first stop was Molalla for the Molalla Buckaroo! I was able to help throw swag to the crowd, help in the barrel truck and kids’ coin race, and compete in the donkey races. MTRO Hallie and I got second in the donkey races! My second stop was St. Paul for their Hall of Fame rodeo. It was such a blast to be able to do a run-in around those Christmas trees! Next on my list was the Eugene Pro Rodeo. Eugene always puts on a show, and it was so much fun to be able to watch the rodeo after my run-in and sign autographs. After Eugene, I headed back up to St. Paul for the Fourth of July! I started my morning off at the parade where I was honored to win first place. After the parade, I headed to the queens luncheon and then straight to two more rodeo performances! I ended the week at home where I was able to spend some quality time at the beach with my family.

The next weekend I headed to Elgin for the Xtreme Broncs performance. I had a blast signing autographs and watching the best of the best compete. As soon as the performance was over, I hopped in my jeep and drove four hours back to the Portland airport to catch a flight to Colorado Springs for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductions. The all nighter was absolutely worth it because there is nothing quite like seeing the Hall of Fame Inductions in person. Being able to hear the stories and feel the emotions of these legends is something I will never forget.

After two days at home, I hopped back on an airplane to head to Cheyenne for the Daddy of ‘em all! Cheyenne was on the top of my bucket list for out of state rodeos and it did not disappoint. My week included two brunches, a pancake breakfast, an iconic flyby on the Cheyenne track, meeting with sponsors, exploring downtown Cheyenne, and seeing some of my fellow state queens. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.

The final weekend of July took me to the opposite end of the state for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. The town of Joseph sure knows how to rodeo. I had a blast doing flybys, pushing cattle, helping with the mutton bustin, and signing autographs every night. During the day, the Jr./Teen Director Vixen Wecks showed some of the out-of-town queens the darling town of Joseph. 2020-21 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Ainsley and I make quite the go-carting pair. She only made me car sick once!

As the month of August begins, I cannot believe we will be crowning the 2025 Miss Rodeo Oregon. My heart is so full knowing she is going to have the opportunity to go on all these once in a lifetime adventures next year.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

Autograph signing in Molalla at the local feed store.

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie and I getting ready to throw swag at the Molalla Buckaroo.

Rocco and I during a flyby at St. Paul. This was my first time showcasing my new woolie chaps!

Some of the visiting royalty at the Eugene Pro Rodeo.

Hallie, Kayla, and I gearing up for the St. Paul parade!

2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan and I at St. Paul. Morgan graciously let me borrow some of her horses for the week.

Xtreme Broncs at the Elgin Stampede!

Miss Rodeo Nebraska JoSee and I at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductions.

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Callie and I at Cheyenne Frontier Days!

Some of the state queens and I at the Daddy of ‘em All.

MTRO Hallie and her mom Karen have been so gracious to me this year. They keep me fed and always give me a place to stay!

Some visiting royalty at Joseph taking the tram up the mountain. It was a little scary!

The Chief Joseph Days Court put on a beautiful queens luncheon and represented beautifully.

Parades are one of my favorite events as a rodeo queen and the Chief Joseph Days parade was packed full!

A sneak peek at one of my Art of Aperture photos I’ve received!

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher

With the end of July that means there is only one more summer rodeo for my time as Miss TeenRodeo Oregon! My July has been jam packed full of amazing memories!

I started off my month going straight into Cowboy Christmas! Night one you could find me in Molalla for the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo where I did run ins, barrel truck, throwing swag and even competed in the donkey races with Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby. I’m proud to say we took second place! Night two I was at St. Paul for opening night! I am very grateful for good friends who lend me horses when Roo is out of the running like the Brownells who let me borrow my second horse of the week. Night three brought me to Eugene for the Eugene Pro Rodeo where I got to ride yet another amazing horse and make even more unforgettable memories. For the Fourth of July I traveled back to St. Paul for the parade, luncheon, and two action packed performances. Cowboy Christmas brought me so many amazing memories and I am so grateful for my friends Alexis Ditchen, Brownell Family, Jasmine Capri, and Jessica Sayward for letting me borrow their four-legged friends!

The very next weekend I was off to Philomath for the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo for three nights of fantastic rodeo action! I was able to push cows, do run-ins, ride in the barrel truck, sign autographs and even compete in donkey races for the second time! Thank you, Queen Katie, for letting me tag along on your big week. I had so much fun!

For the final rodeo of July, I attended the 78th Annual Chief Joseph Days where I got to be in the famous serpentine, do run-ins, sign autographs, join a queen’s luncheon, and participate in a parade. Along with my queening duties, I got to hang out with my fellow sash sisters going to events that Destiny Wecks planned which included a tram ride up a mountain, hiking, mini golfing, go karting and shopping in downtown Joseph! Thank you to the Wecks family for hosting me and making the week unforgettable!

Bring on the last rodeo of summer! Can’t wait for all the fall rodeo action!

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

What a exciting month July has been for me.

It started off in Molalla where there was a unique start of the rodeo with so many wonderful groups like Baca doing a ride through with the local fire department celebrating a milestone for the community. On my next stop was Saint Paul where the parade was a must see by all the community members celebrating its own history, to a great queens luncheon, to some exciting air fly by to the largest grand entry of queens I have been to yet.

My next event was a week doing 4-H showing my horse at my hometown fair and rodeo in Columbia County. There were Friday and Saturday night performances where I got to help carry sponsor flags in between events and help in the barrel truck. The following weekend I was at Thunder Mountain where I got to help with the Rascal Rodeo in between slack and the evening performance. I truly got great joy helping the community members at this event as it is such a special opportunity to give back.

Thank you to everyone for such a great month of July.

Truly grateful,

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt

The Oregon Queen — All the News from June 2024!

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

Summer has officially hit, which means it must be June and the start of the summer run!

I started June with an adventure to Idaho for a photoshoot with the one and only Art of Aperture. I am so excited to get these photos back and share them with all of you. After my photoshoot, I headed to Union for the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show. We started the day with a queen’s luncheon, parade, and a performance! I had the pleasure of riding ‘Gus’ during my time in Union. After Union, I hit the road to make it to Sisters in time for the parade and the last three performances. I had the opportunity to help fly sponsors flags and push cows while in Sisters. Did I mention this all happened in the span of four days?! What a weekend!

My next stop was the Crooked River Roundup. I started the week off with an autograph signing with Queen Mary and a cattle drive through downtown Prineville! Miss Rodeo America, Emma, was in attendance, so it was extra special catching up with her and hearing about her travels. The rest of the week brought three rodeo performances, a queen luncheon, and a parade! This was my very first time attending the Crooked River Roundup and I was blown away by the committee’s kindness and hospitality I was shown.

My final stop in June was the Reno Rodeo! During the performances of the rodeo, my fellow state queens and I had the opportunity to help with the mutton busting and interview the round winners and champions. I had the opportunity to interview 4x world champion Hailey Kinsel and the #1 man in the bull riding, Creek Young! I am super thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn from the media interviews. In our free time, we visited Virginia City and had a little leather making class with a local Reno leather worker.

I am gearing up for Cowboy Christmas and a very busy July! Stay tuned for my July travels.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

Sisters Rodeo, Crooked River Round-Up, and a photoshoot! The first month of summer is in the books and I’m sad to see it go!

I started off my month at Sisters, Oregon for the one and only Sisters Rodeo. I started the weekend off on Friday by attending the queens luncheon held at the Ski Inn and Tap House and then I was off to my first performance of the weekend! On Saturday I rode in the parade and participated in two more run-ins ending the absolute blast of a rodeo! I had so much fun and I cannot thank the Sisters Rodeo board enough for making all of us feel so welcome and appreciated!

Then I went off to Prineville for the Crooked River Round-Up. I had the honor of carrying the Crooked River Roundup flag in a well-orchestrated serpentine and then I joined my fellow queens in a grand entry run in. Signing autographs in the stands brought a smile to my face because there were so many excited kiddos in the crowds, lots of future rodeo queens! The parade on Saturday was also such an amazing experience seeing the community come together to support this rodeo! It was an honor to meet and hang out with Miss Rodeo America Emma Cameron. I enjoyed her sense of humor and watching her professionally interact with everyone she came in contact with. Crooked River Roundup was a win!

To finish off my month I had the privilege of having a photoshoot with Amy Winsor Photography, and let’s just say the pictures do not disappoint! If you are looking for a photographer, Amy is the way to go! She is an absolute joy and such an amazing person you will not be disappointed!

Now we are headed into Cowboy Christmas! Will I see you at the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo, Eugene Pro Rodeo, or the one and only St. Paul Rodeo?

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

The month of June started off with a long drive down to Sisters for the queens luncheon and four rodeo performances where I was able to get JJ to sign the back of my chaps, and a fun parade. The grounds were very beautiful with the mountains in the background.

My next outing was the Kiwanis parade in my hometown where there was a pretty good turn-out for a rainy day.

My next event was Tillamook Rodeo for 2 performances and the parade. During the first night there I got the pleasure to help with a stick horse race and boy that was fun and the kids had a blast. While in Tillamook I got to stop by the factory and meet some new people and show a fellow sash sister the factory as she had never been there before.

Joyfully yours,

Kayla

The Oregon Queen — All the News from May 2024

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

The month of May took me all across the state of Oregon!

I started my month in Pendleton at the Pendleton Cattle Barons and Ranch Rodeo. I was able to greet guests upon entry, help take tickets during the ranch rodeo, and help out at the horse and dog sale. This weekend was so much fun because I got to spend it with MTRO Hallie and JMRO Kayla!

My second event of Oregon kept me close to home. The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo holds a special place in my heart because I used to be their queen! This year was extra special because Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Tori, flew in to see what Oregon rodeo was all about. Tori and I helped push cows all weekend at the rodeo, and helped at the Rascal Rodeo Saturday morning. After the dust settled on a very successful rodeo weekend, I took Tori up into the mountains. She had never been to the woods before! I am so thankful for this crown and the friendships I get to make while under it.

I spent my Memorial Weekend in Spray for their iconic NPRA rodeo! We started the weekend off at the parade, where hundreds of people line up to watch, rain or shine! Luckily, the rain held off this year! From the parade, we headed straight to the first performance, where we were met with fireworks during grand entry. My horse, Lady, handled them like a champ. After the first performance, all of the queens went to Queen Rowdy’s trailer for some s’mores! We ended the weekend with a packed performance #2. Both Hallie and Kayla were also in attendance at Spray, which always makes for a fun weekend.

I am already off and running as the summer run hits! I cannot wait to see where the Miss Rodeo Oregon crown takes me in the month of June.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

From Pendleton, Central Point, and up to Spray, my first month of rodeos with my furry friends has come to a close. Last month I had the honor of attending the Pendleton Cattle Barons, Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo and the one and only Spray Rodeo!

Starting off the month of May, I attended the Pendleton Cattle Barons. Kayla, Abby and I had an amazing time judging a yummy BBQ contest, walking around and meeting the vendors, watching the dog and horse auction, and watching the Ranch Rodeo and broncs. We also had the privilege of getting onto the Pendleton Round-Up grounds to take pictures with the talented Robert McLean!

The middle of the month I was off to Central Point for the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo. My horse Roo got to stay home for this one and I am very thankful I was able to borrow a horse from the Austins. When I first arrived, I was excited to be met at the arena by Zoe Brooks and we got to spend some time catching up! Then I attended two nights of action- packed rodeos doing run-ins, helping with the barrel truck, and the hysterical kids boot race! One of the best things about the weekend was volunteering at the Rascal Rodeo on Saturday. It made my whole weekend watching the smiling faces as we led the horses around.

The last event of the month I attended the one and only Spray Rodeo. While I was there I attended two afternoons of rodeo and got to do my first parade of the season. Instead of a queen luncheon Queen Rowdy decided to do a smores social which I had so much fun attending. Spray was definitely one for the books and an event I will never forget!

And with that I wrapped up the month of May! Make sure to stay tuned where Roo and I go next!
With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

My month of May started off in Pendleton at the Cattle Barons and Ranch Rodeo. We were there Friday until Sunday. The town of Pendleton is so rich in the old western charm and tradition that if you have never been, you will fall in love with the town and its friendly folks. On my first day we helped sell raffle tickets, hats and posters. There were so many amazing vendors and challenges like a timed leather carving contest that was scored off quality and time. In the evening, we got to help out at the rodeo by selling tickets for admission and throw swag to the crowd. Then we watched the most unique rodeo I’ve seen. They had so many different events than a traditional rodeo as this one was a ranch rodeo. On day two in Pendleton, we did more helping but got to be judges in the biggest BBQ contest I have ever seen but my favorite part of the whole trip was watching the great quality of the horses being auctioned off.

My second event was youth fair for my local 4-H group where I showed my younger training horse for the first time and it went well for us both.

My third stop was the legendary Spray Rodeo and boy howdy let me tell you that was a trip of a lifetime. We saw so much change in the countryside and a gorgeous sunset the first night. We did the parade with a total of at least 40 queens with some really cool floats. Saturday night’s rodeo was an exciting experience that I will never forget as it was my first rodeo on horseback and JJ Harrison came into the arena by zipline. Making new friends with the other titleholders was a blast. Both Saturday and Sunday’s rodeos were amazing and the contestants gave it their all out there.

My next stop is in Sisters so I look forward to seeing you soon.

Gratefully yours,

Kayla Hunt

JR Miss Rodeo Oregon 2024

Meet Sarah Fransen, Executive Board Member-at-Large!

Sarah Fransen is a long time volunteer, competitor, pageant judge and sponsor of the Oregon rodeo queen community. She currently serves as co-advisor to the 2024 Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo court. Sarah resides in Redmond with her husband, toddler and two dachshunds. Sarah works as a registered nurse at a surgery center in Bend. When she’s not working or chasing her son, you can find her watching baseball, rodeo or deep into a wide array of crafts.

The Oregon Queen — All the news from April 2024

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

The month of April was welcomed with Oregon’s first PRCA rodeo of the year, the High Desert Stampede! The HDS is one of the fastest growing PRCA rodeos and has a payout of over $250,000. I was honored to attend the High Desert Stampede where I was able to sign autographs, help fly sponsor flags, attend the Rascal Rodeo, and thank sponsors for their support!

My second event in April was the Miss Rodeo Oregon clinic. This was my first queens clinic and I learned so much. Being able to learn from Dr. Lisa Lucia, a past Miss Rodeo America, was a dream come true. I took so many valuable things away from that weekend and I cannot wait to apply them on the Miss Rodeo America stage!

I was able to stay home the last two weeks of April, but don’t worry, I still managed to stay busy! I coach a middle school girls soccer team, so whenever I have a weekend at home, I can be found coaching them. The sport of soccer taught me a lot about resiliency and hard work, so I am honored to mentor these girls through their soccer careers.

May is fast approaching and I am looking forward to all the adventures I have next!

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

Before every performance of the High Desert Stampede, all the queens gathered to sign autographs!

2018 Miss Rodeo Oregon Jessi Jackson was our go to contact all weekend at the HDS and made sure to get us in and out of the arena safely.

JMRO Kayla, MTRO Hallie, and I had a blast helping out at the Rascal Rodeo. We all made sure to pick out the best names for the stick horses!

While walking around the Ag show, we ran into Knipe Land, one of my sponsors. We are so thankful for their years of support!

During the MRO clinic, I was able to be Dr. Lisa’s model for makeup and hair!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie and I before performance #3 of the High Desert Stampede.

At the MRO clinic, we crowned our 2024 Miss Rodeo Alaska, Codi! I am so thankful to have another sash sister during this year.

The Miss Rodeo Oregon clinic had an incredible turnout. The future is bright in the rodeo world!

Miss Rodeo Washington Piper and I have grown very close this year. I am thankful for her friendship, and I admire her drive to educate everyone around her.

My soccer team and I on picture day. We are proudly named the ‘Soccer-Ella’s’ after my queening journey!

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

As April comes to a close, I am happy to say my first month of spring rodeo activities has been a success! Even though April may not have been very busy, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a blast! April was composed of my first rodeo and the Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic!

Starting off April strong I attended my first rodeo as Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon at The High Desert Stampede. The High Desert Stampede was a blast. I was able to attend two nights of this amazing action filled rodeo. I was given the privilege to ride into the arena sitting in the front seat of a carriage, and while signing autographs and attending my first Rascal Rodeo, I was given the gift of truly realizing the impact my crown has on the people around me, especially to the younger generation.

My first experience with The Rascal Rodeo was one I will always remember. The Rascal Rodeo is a rodeo that turns people’s disabilities into abilities. It is truly an amazing organization and I had so much fun teaching people to run barrels on stick horses with Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby!

In between Rascal Rodeo and the final performance. I was able to spend some time talking with the Oregon CattleWomen’s Association! Over the last two years these women have inspired me to look into becoming a cattle woman myself one day. It was a blessing to visit with them at their booth.

Wrapping up the month of April I was blessed to attend The Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic! I had a lot of fun and learned so much. The clinician this year was Lisa Lucia, Miss Rodeo America 2017. She taught us all so much about running patterns, carrying flags, queen runs, interview skills, how to properly put on makeup and curl hair, and of course the super fun model walk, which the laughs alone were well worth staying late for.

The clinic also gave me the opportunity to work with Kayla Vincent on pushing cows; not only do I look up to and admire Kayla, Roo and I have a soft spot for cows! Lois Forester and her team did such a good job putting this clinic together. I know I will be using everything I learned in my rodeo queen journey. Thank you Miss Rodeo Oregon Board for putting on such a fun-filled weekend, and giving me a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones.

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

The month of April has been a memorable one for me–lots of firsts.

My first stop was in Redmond for my first Rascal Rodeo where I met a bunch of amazing folks and made a new friend Jazzy. We had stick horse barrel racing and my favorite roping. If you ever get the chance to help, I would highly recommend it as it was very rewarding to see all the smiles.

Once we were done with the Rascal Rodeo, we got to check out the Agricultural event that was at the same time and place. It was really cool to see the old steam equipment running and all the local vendors were out passing out information and products. Later that night I got to sign autograph sheets at High Desert Stampede and my first request of a hat. This event was jam packed with royalty and vendors with great shopping but once the rodeo started was when it really got exciting! I saw some AMAZING rides and great animals. This rodeo was a little different than I have been to before. We got to come in and do a lap in a carriage instead of a run in. It was a highlight as it was my first time in a carriage with some amazing queens.

The next weekend I was in Madras for the Miss Rodeo Oregon Queens Clinic and since this was my 3rd year attending, it was so different from the past. We had great ladies who were not afraid to ask the tuff questions and study materials that are available. We worked on hair and makeup to modeling to impromptu questions and horsemanship with Dr.Lisa and fun games but there were quite a few new things too for moms and dads like how to courses on painting boots to dyeing pants to building flower packs to blinging outfits. I feel this year had more resources than in the past. A great highlight from clinic was Dana Wirth came and told us her story and sang some of the most beautiful opera country music I have ever heard. I personally made sure to add her music on my play list. Thank you to the volunteers who helped put on such a fun and amazing experience.

Educate Elevate and Inspire was the motto and it resonated from all who came.

Joyfully yours,

Kayla

The Oregon Queen — All the News from March, 2024

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

The month of March kept me in our great state of Oregon. My first event of the month took me to Canby for the coronation of the 2024 Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo Court. The support their court received that night was absolutely incredible. The Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo are close to our organization’s heart due to the years of support they have given the MRO program.

Next up was my own coronation. If you have never planned a coronation, it’s exactly like planning a wedding, plus getting auction items! I had an absolute blast at my coronation and I am blown away by the amount of people that traveled down to Southern Oregon to support me. I am so thankful for each and every person that made my coronation possible.

With a weekend at home this month, I even had time to show my horse at a local schooling show, before heading to the Southern OHSET Meet to judge the 2024 senior scholarships. I won this scholarship as a high school senior, so it was a great experience to be on the other side of things. I am so thankful for every opportunity like this to help with my preparation for America!

The month of April is looking full of new adventures! Stay tuned to see where I go next.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

The Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant — August 14-17, 2024

Applications for the titles of Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart, 2025 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon, 2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, and 2025 Miss Rodeo Oregon are now available by emailing missrodeooregonincfoundation@gmail.com. Age requirements are listed on the website and we have also published a “What to Expect” document that gives answers to the most frequently asked questions. Check out what our organization offers to contestants in return–dinners every night in the Canby Rodeo VIP tent, a hotel room for Junior and Teen families (3 nights), and the chance to be a part of an historic rodeo which is in its 13th year of hosting our Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024.

We are inviting everyone to the Miss Rodeo Oregon Fashion Show, to be held on Saturday, August 17 at The Grove Christian Camp in Canby. The Sweetheart Pageant will be held in conjunction with the Fashion Show!

We especially want to invite all royalty to come and participate in the Chap Parade! You will have an opportunity to model your chaps and tell the audience about some of the chap details and their maker. We have given royalty a special price at only $15!!

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

March was another exciting month!

March might not have been as busy as February but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t as fun! This month I had a blast going to the 2024 Miss NPRA coronation, 2024 Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo Court Coronation, 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Coronation, and the 2024 Cottage Grove Rodeo Court Coronation. I had an absolute blast at each and every one of these events, but the best part is, having the chance to recognize and celebrate the amazing ladies that have worked so hard for the crowns on their heads!

The first event of March was all the way in Washington for the 2024 Miss NPRA Jessica Sayward’s coronation! I had so much fun celebrating Jessica, meeting new faces and catching up with friends!

The next weekend I was closer to home for the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo Court Coronation celebrating Princess Madison Bailey and Queen Olivia Rees! Another beautiful coronation and I especially loved seeing a community band together to support these stunning ladies!

The next weekend I hopped over to Southern Oregon for the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson’s coronation! It might have been a long drive but it was definitely worth it! I would first like to congratulate Zoe on an amazing year! Can’t wait to see where life takes you! And of course I would like to send a HUGE congratulations to Abby! I’m excited to travel the state of Oregon with you and make unforgettable memories!

And the last event of March was the celebration of the 2024 Cottage Grove Rodeo Court Queen Allie Nuhring and Junior Miss Lynlee Jo Perini! This was such a fun event with amazing people and good food! Can’t wait to get to know these two more down the rodeo road!

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

Meet New Board Member, Cindy Granger!

Cindy Granger is excited to be a part of the Miss Rodeo Oregon board and helping to empower our wonderful young ladies of Royalty.

Cindy Granger and her husband reside in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Their family is completed by their daughter Brittney, her husband, and two amazing grandchildren RaeLynn & Granger. RaeLynn had the fun experience of being a Sweetheart last year and is looking forward to participating again this year.

Cindy’s royalty experience comes from her daughter being a Princess & Queen on the Milton-Freewater Pioneer Posse, Princess of the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, and a Princess on the Pendleton Round-Up Court. When Brittney was finished with her Royalty career Cindy was still having too much fun and was asked to be a co-advisor for the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days. She continued from 2011 through 2023 as an advisor. Believing in the future of our Royalty programs and loving to help young ladies be the best they can be, Cindy has been part of the group putting on the “Now You Have the Crown Clinic” to help advisors, parents, and titleholders be prepared for their year ahead. Missing the royalty world when Cindy was asked to be the Treasurer for the MROIF, something told her she had to say yes!!

Outside of Royalty, Cindy loves to stay busy doing anything with her family! Soccer, t-ball, basketball, barrel racing, playing in the mountains, and traveling!!

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

Hello everyone!

My month of March started off with a fun filled night in Vancouver for Miss NPRA’s coronation. It was great getting to see everyone get to come together in support of each other all while having fun with the Little Miss NPRA’s as we danced and talked about horses. Congratulations Jessica. It will be fun getting to know you better this year.

My second stop was to the Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo grounds for Canby’s coronation and man it was a great time getting to see some familiar faces from last year and this year’s new title holders as well. There was definitely great support shown by the community for the ladies.

My third stop was by far the farthest south I have gotten to travel for the Miss Rodeo Oregon coronation of Abby Torgerson and that was a lot of fun getting to see Zoe and thank her in person for her hat donation. The stories told during the slide show was great and inspiring to see for me. The fun games played in the beaded necklaces was definitely a highlight to see how much others knew about the sport of rodeo. But to be in the hometown rodeo grounds where Wade Leslie rode the first and only 100 point bull ride was awesome.

Sincerely yours,

Kayla Hunt, JR Miss Rodeo Oregon

The Oregon Queen — News from February 2024

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

There wasn’t any slowing down the month of February!

My month of February began in South Dakota with a visit to Landstrom’s Jewelry, ice cream in downtown Rapid City, a wind cave tour, and four Rodeo Rapid City performances. It was such a neat experience being able to see the behind the scenes of the Sutton Rodeo’s production!

My next adventure took me to sunny Florida! My host parents, the Ketchums, made me feel at home all week long. During this trip, we had nine school visits, four sponsor visits, a special rodeo, and four rodeo performances! But, we did make sure to fit in a beach day, some shopping downtown, a hog hunt, and an airboat ride! The warm weather had me looking forward to summer rodeo evenings here in Oregon.

To finish off the month of February, I headed up north to celebrate our Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, Hallie, at her coronation. It was an incredible evening celebrating MTRO ‘23 Morgan’s year and Hallie’s upcoming year. This was my first event here in Oregon, so it was exciting to meet my fellow sash sisters!

February took me all the way across the country! Where will the month of March take me? Stay tuned, and don’t forget to purchase tickets to my coronation on March 16th! I would love to see you there.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

Second month under crown did not disappoint!

February was packed full of beautiful coronations. I had so much fun supporting your 2024 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt, 2024 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and Philomath Frolic and Rodeo Queen Katie Kilcullen at their conjoined coronation. It was followed by the coronation of your 2024 St. Paul court Queen Emilia Coleman, Princess Morgan Cuff, and Princess Erin Anderson. Last but not least my own coronation. I am so grateful I got to join these amazing girls on their big days! I can’t wait to travel with them this 2024 season! I have already made so many memories in just a short amount of time with the crown and I can’t wait for more to come!

First event of February was Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt’s coronation! I would first like to congratulate Reegan on a fabulous year! It was so amazing to get to know you and I can’t wait to see where this life takes you! I would also like to congratulate Kayla on her title! I’m looking forward to sharing the 2024 season with you! Kayla’s coronation was a blast! I got to hang out with new and old friends and make tons of memories dancing with my fellow sash sisters to Cupid Shuffle!

Second event in February was the conjoined coronation of Naomi Bailey, your 2024 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen and Katie Kilcullen the 2024 Philomath Frolic and Rodeo Queen! With this coronation came great food, new faces, and fun line dancing!

Third event in February was the St. Paul coronation! It is always such a blessing to see the community band together to support and celebrate these ladies! Excited what the season has to offer these four girls!

Last weekend in February came up fast as I celebrated at my own coronation. It’s an honor to wear the same crown as the strong young ladies that came before me. Morgan did a fantastic job with this title and left me with some big shoes to fill! She is an amazing woman and I am going to miss seeing her face every weekend! I would like to thank everyone who helped support me through my coronation, before and after. You all mean so much to me! Before the coronation Abby, Kayla and I got to sneak in a quick photo shoot with Gabe Foster Photo (who also was the photographer at my coronation) and none of the pictures disappointed! I would also like to thank all the visiting royalty who came which made my night just that much sweeter!

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

April 12 to 14 in Madras, Oregon!

We’re the Oregon rodeo queen clinic affiliated with Miss Rodeo America!

Our first clinic was held in 2003 and we have grown bigger and better every year. We offer a Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart Clinic because we look to the littles for our future. We offer specialized instruction for state queens preparing to compete at Miss Rodeo America. We offer both a clinic manual for registrants and a manual for parents/advisors. New last year was Horsemanship for state queens and individual sessions with the head clinician. This year, we added Tips and Tricks for parents, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. If we can dream it up, we will make it happen!

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

Wow what a month February has been.

On February 3rd was my coronation. It was the greatest day of my life so far. We had a good turn-out of friends and family and community members show up but boy howdy the visiting royalty definitely came in full force. We had some games and dancing. I received my now favorite saddle that night that made me cry seeing it for the first time. It’s a special piece I will treasure forever.

On to my next event. 10th of February was the Philomath Frolic coronation and that was lots of fun. We got taught a new line dance at the end of the night then had a long drive home. I think my favorite part of this event was the Mr. Rodeo game they had. I ran into Hallie there and it was great getting to be with her and her mom making memories of our journeys together.

My next event was Hallie’s coronation in Mt Angel. It was a beautiful event and the first time we got all of us Oregon title holders in the same place so it was a must to do pictures and show off our chaps to each other. I found that each of our chaps have our own favorite parts of Oregon on them and some of our favorite animals. Speaking of favorite animals, Abby got me a travel buddy that just so happens to be one of my favorite animals that I named Dwayne.

I have some great things and places to go planned for next month so stay tuned for some pictures.

Sincerely,

Kayla Hunt

Meet Vixen Radford-Wecks, Junior/Teen Advisor!

Vixen Radford-Wecks calls Joseph Oregon home on her ranch with her husband where they raised their 2 beautiful children who are now young adults. She’s raised and trained Foundation Quarter horses for over 30 years and is extremely excited to be moving into the next chapters of the ranch with her daughter stepping up to join in training, giving lessons and doing clinics along with helping raise foals from their senior sire Sonny’s Bar Chex daughters and their new stallion Dun with Chrome, a ranch raised AQHA buckskin stallion.

Vixen grew up in rodeo as competitor and a representative serving as a queen of her local PRCA rodeo. She now serves as a director of Mountain High Broncs and Bulls and coaches the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls drill team.

When Vixen isn’t busy with those commitments, she enjoys spending time with her family riding horses, camping, hunting and 4 wheeling or she is traveling with her daughter Destiny Wecks down the rodeo paths as she has held several rodeo titles in the past from Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, Chief Joseph Days queen and currently Sisters Rodeo queen.

The Oregon Queen — All the News through January 2024

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

It may only be the month of January, but I have already traveled over 5,500 miles! I’ve traveled to two new states and have seen so many new things.

I kicked my year off at the Challenge of Champions Tour Finale in Central Point. I had the opportunity to sign autographs and watch our Oregon cowboy, Colton Dougherty, win the year end title.

My first out of state trip took me to Colorado for the Cowboy Downhill and Denver National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. Although the weather made a three-hour trip a nine-hour trip, we made it to Steamboat for the annual Cowboy Downhill. This event includes a slalom ski course, a jump, saddling a horse, and roping a person. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so thankful I got to experience it.

After the downhill, I headed to Denver for the rodeo. My fellow sash sisters and I kicked off the week at the State Capitol. We had the opportunity to talk with state senators about rural communities and the changes they are trying to implement within the state of Colorado. I was able to participate in three rodeo performances throughout the week. During the performances, I helped fly sponsor flags and helped the local kids with their mutton bustin’ debuts! One of my favorite moments from Denver was helping at the exceptional rodeo. This event allows children of all abilities to come experience rodeo first hand.

My second out of state trip took me to South Dakota for Rodeo Rapid City. The Sutton family sure knows how to make a rodeo queen feel like royalty! I kicked off my week at the Xtreme Broncs where we watched some of the best cowboys ride. The next day brought the 20x High School Xtreme Showcase Performance. It was so exciting to see the next generation and all the talent they possess. Later in the week we had a free day to go see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Having the opportunity to continue learning about our nation’s history through these legendary landmarks is such a valuable experience. Stay tuned for the February newsletter to hear about the rest of my trip!

This month has flown by and I have lots of exciting events coming up. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets to my coronation on March 16th! I would love to have you all there.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher

This Month I had the honor of pinning on my official Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon sash!

While I didn’t get to do a lot this month, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Columbia Fair and Rodeo Court Coronation. I got to see old friends and meet new ones that I can’t wait to travel the 2024 season with. I enjoyed helping show auction items and desserts. It is such a great honor to help support my sash sisters and help them get down the road and meet their goals.

Along with attending the Columbia Fair and Rodeo Coronation; I have also been busy getting ready for my coronation. I would love to see you all there! Even though my first month under the crown was a short one there is so much more to
come so stay tuned!

With love your,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

Hey everyone hope you had a great January! I have been super busy getting all the ice damages fixed up with my family from that blast of cold weather to getting final details done for my coronation on the 3rd done.

The first coronation in January for me was Columbia County’s and it was great getting to meet the new title holders that came along with getting to see Haley. We both had fun helping auction off items together. I have been so excited to see my chaps arrive this month and they are breathtaking in my opinion. I cried as my mom had a surprise for me added to them of my late mare’s tail hair added into them. I can’t wait to show you all them this year.

Hope to see you all on the 3rd at my coronation for a fun night.

Sincerely

Kayla Hunt

The Oregon Queen — A New Year — 2024 with New Titleholders!

2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson!

Although my year as the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon is just beginning, I’ve already been off and running! After a three-day long pageant in conjunction with the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo in August, I was crowned as the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon. After being crowned, I had my first official photoshoot with Jeff Wong, a long-time sponsor and supporter of the MRO Foundation.

In the months following August, I worked on planning my coronation dinner and auction. My coronation will be held on March 16th at the Jackson County Expo in Central Point. Doors will open at 5pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. This will be my main fundraiser for the year and what will help get me down the rodeo road in 2024! I want to invite all of you to attend. Tickets can be purchased on the Miss Rodeo Oregon website.

I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada the beginning of December to cheer on Zoë Brooks at the Miss Rodeo America pageant. I had the opportunity to meet my fellow Ladies in Waiting and get to know them all a little bit better. I met many sponsors and even got fitted for my custom Greeley hat!

I am so excited for my year to begin and cannot wait to represent our great state of Oregon and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Gratefully,

Abby Torgerson, 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon

2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher!

Wow, I never thought January would get here! I am so excited to be exchanging my Lady-In-Waiting sash for an official Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon one! A dream come true!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Hallie Haslebacher and I am the 15-year-old daughter of Karen and Casey Haslebacher. I am the youngest sibling to 3 brothers and a sister-in-law. I am a freshman at Salem Academy Christan Schools.

Along with riding my horse, I enjoy my 4-H club, hanging out with friends and family, games nights, hikes, camping and basketball. I currently have 4 dogs, but we are looking to add another to the family as a present for my 15th birthday. My horse Roo is my best friend and partner in crime. We love to do everything together but sadly she cannot come to school or basketball with me.

I haven’t done much in my time as Lady-In-Waiting, as I was finishing off an exciting year as the 2023 Northwest Youth Rodeo Association Queen. However, I had a blast with the few things I was able to do as Lady-In-Waiting! I attended the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon horsemanship pageant and watch Abby shine! I was also able to attend the NPRA dinner and the finals rodeo, and the Miss Rodeo Oregon pajama party! So far the best part of my time with MRO has been the people I have meet and interacted with. The MRO board has been amazing to work with, I feel confident I will have all the support and mentorship I will need for the coming year. I am excited not only to represent the sport of rodeo but also the Miss Rodeo Oregon Foundation.

As I get ready to take on this once in a lifetime opportunity, I would like to highlight our beautiful 2023 Jr Miss Reegan Bills and 2023 Teen Morgan Brownell. They have taught me so much and helped me every step of the way. I couldn’t be more grateful to have you both as such amazing friends and mentors. I would also like to send out a very special thank you to my family, the Bills family, the Brownell family, and Alexis Goughnour for all your support, help, and love as I went after my dream. I would not be on this adventure without you all.

I would like to invite you all to my coronation on February 24th 2024 at Vanderbeck Valley Farm in Mt. Angel. Tickets are $20 per person, visiting royalty is $15, and kids 5 and under are free. We will be having a silent auction, a live auction, dessert dash, and a 50/50 heads or tails game. Tickets are available on the Miss Rodeo Oregon website.

I can’t wait for all the amazing adventures and the people I will meet this year!

Love,
2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon
Hallie Haslebacher

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt!

Hi! I’m Kayla Hunt, your 2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon.

Since the pageant I have been finishing my softball season and training a new horse for my 4H season and future pageants. In between all the horse lessons, I have gotten to go to the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant as your lady in waiting and help wherever I was needed. It was a lot of fun watching them on stage and off. In between events I got to explore all the fun shows and animals at their fair. A short time afterwards I got to go to the NPRA finals where I had a blast meeting and greeting so many wonderful folks. It was an amazing rodeo to watch and help out at.

My next stop was in Tillamook for the coronation where I got to help show off the auction items to help fundraise for their year. While I was in Tillamook, I also got to join the Columbia County Court in a quick visit to the creamery making new memories and friends.

My second event in November was the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association awards ceremony and coronation where I saw so many of my friends and the 2024 Teen Miss Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher. Man, that was a exciting month. My first stop in December was the Toy N Joy event where I ran into Santa and my friends the Columbia County Court where we sold raffle tickets to help struggling families get the supplies they needed to have a good Christmas.

In the spirit of Christmas and helping one another, our community has a Christmas parade competition between each other called the 7-mile Challenge that is a two-day event where they collect food for the local food bank. It was 32° out both nights and was so much fun seeing the community come together for a great purpose.

Well, I need to sign off for now to finish preparing for my coronation event on February 3rd at the Columbia County Fair Grounds in St. Helens. You should come and enjoy with your loved ones if you can!

Until next time.

Sincerely,

Kayla Hunt

2024 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon

Thank you, 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon Zoe Brooks!

All of the MROIF Executive Board was present in Las Vegas to support MRO Zoe at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. There is always a sense of anticipation and curiosity about how the week will progress. But the truth is that we don’t measure our Miss Rodeo Oregon by the decision of the four MRA judges.

Our measure is more personal because we have had many, many months to appreciate how well Zoe approached the job of 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon. We can state unequivocally that she performed to the highest standards in her professionalism, making all appearances and fulfilling all expectations (and more). She was tireless in her travel in and out of Oregon and placed her title above personal considerations.

It is also a measure of her success that she is adored and respected by her fellow 2023 titleholders–MTRO Morgan and JMRO Reegan. A healthy team relationship doesn’t automatically develop but is nurtured and encouraged to flourish.

Thank you, Zoe, for all that you brought to the title of 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon and always know that you are held in the highest regard by the Executive Board of Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation.

Sponsor Shoutout

We are grateful for MROIF sponsors who generously lend their resources and talents to the success of our titleholders.

Donna Riva of Western Reflections Originals sponsored the leather suit which Zoe wore during her personal interviews. Donna also fashioned an Oregon vest which Zoe has donated to the perpetual wardrobe for future titleholders.

Coming on board in 2023 was Denise Stringfellow of Stringfellow Tailored Leatherwork. She sponsors the chaps Miss Rodeo Oregon wears during her year and at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Pendleton Woolen Mills donated the Pilot Rock blanket and a Weekender bag for the Bucks for Bags Scholarship Auction at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Along with some Pendleton whisky, the winning bid for the package was around $1200! The Scholarship Auction generated $43,000. The following day, $115,000 was awarded at the MRA Pageant with all contestants receiving a scholarship.

The Oregon Queen — All the News of August, 2023

2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon Zoe Brooks!

While August may have been a bit slower than July, I still stayed busy in and out of the rodeo arenas!

We started off the month by welcoming a new member to the family, Skipp! Skipp is a French bulldog/Boston terrier mix. He might be a little guy, but he has a big personality! After getting the puppy settled, I geared up for a very special occasion. I got to watch one of my very best friends, Kendra, get officially pinned into her dream job. It was so special to be able to be home and watch Kendra accomplish one of her biggest goals! I am always so proud to tell people “My best friend is a firefighter!”

The 2nd weekend of August took me all the way up to Omak, Washington for the famous Omak Stampede! The Omak Stampede has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and I am so happy that I finally made the trip north. I got to experience the world-famous Suicide Race, 2 PRCA rodeo performances, a parade, a queens luncheon and even be a small part of a Powwow where I got to assist with the crowning of the 2024 Encampment Court! I want to thank Miss Rodeo Washington for inviting me to the Omak Stampede and her family for treating me like their own. I will never forget my time in Omak!

After my long drive home from Omak, I had less than 24 hrs to load up the trailer and head back up to Canby for the Canby Rodeo and, of course, the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. Despite the insanely hot weather, I had the time of my life! With 5 days of great rodeo action, 3 days of a fabulous MRO pageant, it was a week I will never forget. I want to thank the Canby Rodeo Board, The Miss Rodeo Oregon Board and all involved who made the Canby Rodeo week and MRO pageant so special! Congratulations to Abby Torgerson for winning the title of Miss Rodeo Oregon 2024! A fun story about Abby and I is that I actually got the honor to crown her once before! I was the 2022 Miss NPRA and she was the 2023 Miss NPRA. I know that Abby will make us all proud next year and I can’t wait to watch her shine.

To wrap up the last full month of summer, I submitted my official application to compete for Miss Rodeo America in December! I cannot believe that in less than 100 days I will be heading down to Vegas with my family. Until next month!

With Thanks,

Zoe Brooks, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2023

2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan Brownell!

My month of August didn’t consist of too much but don’t let that fool you, where I did go, I was busy!

I kicked off the month by going to the KeizerFEST parade in Keizer alongside the St. Paul Rodeo court. Kid got to make another outing this year and did so good! It was so much fun to see the streets of Keizer filled with so many amazing people!

The following week you could find me Wednesday through Saturday for five action packed nights of rodeo at the Canby Rodeo! What fun it was to be able to help all week long with pushing cows, running sponsor flags and throwing prizes to the crowd along with my queen run in. Along with the Canby Rodeo we had the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant where I got to help with/be at Orientation, Horsemanship, Mock TV Interviews and Fashion Show where we got to show off our Tin and Paisley outfits!

Congratulations to Abby Torgerson on being crowned our 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon, I am so excited to see where life takes you!

Watch out for next month to see me go on an out of state trip along with staying a little more local!

With love and until next month,

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Morgan Brownell

2023 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan Bills!

As July ended and August began, my year started to slow down a little. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t go to some awesome rodeos!

I started my month at the Benton Countr Fair and Rodeo. The highlight of that weekend was watching the cow hide racing. I would definitely like to try that next year!

However, the big thing I had in August was the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo. I spent five days enjoying hot laps and rodeo fun. It was a privilege to be allowed to do rodeo run ins at their PRCA rodeo, when typically you need to be 18 to be allowed to be there. During the five days of action-packed rodeo, I had the privilege to meet a lot of world champions and NFR qualifiers. Some big people on that list were Hailey Kinsel, Jackie Crawford and Stetson Wright.

The other big happening that week was the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. Pageant started off with the Orientation, where we met the judges. Thank you Gayle Plackemeier, Kent Sturman and Shane Laib for judging the MRO Pageant! Friday morning started off with the Horsemanship section of Pageant. I got to participate in the serpentine, grand entry and rail work parts. MRO Contestant Abby Torgerson, Miss Rodeo Oregon Zoe Brooks and Miss Rodeo Alaska Katelynn House all did a fabulous job! After Horsemanship, I went to the Royalty ice-cream social hosted by the Canby Rodeo Court after which we went to Swan Island Dahlias for pictures with our favorite photographer, Jeff Wong. I had a lot of fun posing to match the flowers’ names and colors. I had the most fun with the flower named Giddy up.

After pictures was the Canby Rodeo and then off to the pajama party that included the current title holders, pageant contestants and our 2024 JMRO and MTRO ladies in waiting. At the pajama party everyone was split into two groups (Mom and I were on different teams) and played games like Pictionary. My favorite part though was watching what mom’s team did for their 30 second commercial. It was funny and everyone had the perfect part for them! However, my favorite part of the whole Pageant had to be the Fashion Show. It was extra special because I did 8 years of ballet, so another chance to dance on stage was amazing. After two rehearsals, I was ready to go.

After the Fashion Show I quickly got down to the back rooms to change into my speech dress. It was impressive how amazing Katelynn, Abby and Zoe did on speeches. They only had 10 minutes to write a speech on a certain topic, memorize it, and give their speech to the audience. After each person gave their speech, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan and I gave them their impromptu questions. It was interesting how different their answers were to the same question. After impromptu was the auction, then off to the rodeo.

It was an honor to watch Abby get crowned the 2024 Miss Rodeo Oregon. Congratulations Abby, I am so excited to see what you accomplish!

Sincerely,

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan Bills

Tin & Paisley Boutique, sponsor of the Fashion Show.

Scarlett Burr was given the honorary title of Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart; the award was presented by Tanya Marie Utberg, Jr/Teen Pageant Director.

Miss Rodeo Alaska Katelynn House and her second pair of Stringfellow Chaps.

Who doesn’t love a free tee shirt?

Bold move, Zoe!

Mutual appreciation.

Zoe’s namesake!

Miss Pageant Director Tanya and National Director Kayla taking care of business.

They used up all their autograph sheets over three days.

The Oregon Queen — All the news of July, 2023

2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon Zoe Brooks!

They say time flies when you are having fun and boy does that ring true for the month of July! It feels like it was just yesterday I started my month with the much-anticipated Cowboy Christmas week!

The beginning of my month took me to Molalla, Oregon to kick off my Cowboy Christmas run! I was so fortunate to participate in the Molalla Rascal Rodeo and the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo. I want to give a special thank you to Britney Norby, a past rodeo queen, for letting me use her trusty steed, Huckleberry, for the performance. From Molalla, I headed south for the remainder of my week for the Eugene Pro Rodeo!

The Eugene Pro Rodeo really rolled out the red carpet for me! As soon as I got there I was welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. I want to thank the Eugene Pro Rodeo Court and their families for their wonderful hospitality. They treated us Visiting Queens like true Royalty! During my time in Eugene, I got to ride the coolest little mare named Stella! She made my job look easy all week. Stella is proudly owned by Matt Hogan. Thank you, Matt, for letting me use Stella!

On my downtime in Eugene, the EPR court showed me about their hometown. We made a special trip to Voodoo Donuts. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life and I have only made it to the famous donut shop twice! I am so grateful to have spent my 4th of July at the Eugene Pro Rodeo!

Bright and early after Eugene, I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas to get my headshots done with Las Vegas Images for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. I can’t wait to share them with you next month!

After my 20 hours in Vegas, I landed back in Eugene and went straight to Elgin for the Elgin Stampede! With 30 minutes to spare, I made it to the Thursday evening PRCA rodeo performance. I can’t thank Rowdy Israel and her Mom, Nicole, enough for having their horse Ricky saddled and ready to go for the performance. Rowdy and her mom were such amazing hosts. They made my time in Elgin so much fun! I have to thank the Wecks family for bringing their Living Quarters down to Elgin for me to stay in during the weekend. Rodeo family is so important and I am so grateful for mine.

The 2nd full weekend of July took me to Colorado Springs for the much-anticipated Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductions and ceremony! It was such a fun experience to be standing in a room filled with such well accomplished individuals. It was extra special to watch our very own Butch Knowles be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame! From Colorado Springs, I traveled to the Daddy of ‘em all, the Cheyenne Frontier Days!

I could talk about Cheyenne Frontier Days for hours! The hospitality, kindness and traditions are like none other. I started off my time in Cheyenne with a Queens Luncheon and then we had a parade, a Cowgirls of the West luncheon, the famous tours of the whole Frontier Days grounds, and the iconic track flybys. I will never forget my time in Cheyenne and it was truly one of the greatest weeks I have had this year. Not only was my time at the Frontier days so memorable, I’d like to think I had the best host home! Rick and Michelle treated my roommate, Miss Rodeo Kentucky, and I like we were their own. They also had the cutest little corgi dog named Harper. My favorite part of Cheyenne was being down being the bucking chutes watching the rodeo!

Once I was back home to Oregon, I had 24 hours to load and head north to the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo! This is a rodeo I have been looking forward to all year. Not only did I get to be a part of three iconic PRCA rodeo performances, a parade and a queens luncheon, I also got to go mini golfing and ride Go Carts with MTRO Morgan. I also went tubing with the Canby Rodeo Queen Alexis, and I got to explore the beautiful town of Joesph, Oregon with 2022 MTRO Destiny.

I had so much fun in Joseph, Oregon and I owe it to being surrounded by my rodeo family. My host family, and horse supplier was the wonderful Wecks family! The Wecks family has supplied horses to MRO at Chief Joseph Days for a very long time and I am so grateful to have been able to borrow three of her wonderful horses. I also have to thank Ainsley Goughnour, the 2020-2021 MTRO, for letting me borrow Leo for the final performance. My time in Joseph went by so fast but I am already headed to my next rodeo. I can’t wait to share my travels with you for the month of August!

With Thanks,
Zoe Brooks
Miss Rodeo Oregon 2023

2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan Brownell!

We kicked off July with the St. Paul Rodeo with the Hall of Fame Inductions on Thursday where my great grandpa Frank Kirsch Sr., a longtime member and director, got inducted! I had such an amazing time being able to be a part of such a special night with my family.

The six performances of the St. Paul Rodeo were ones to be grateful for! Spending my time with past St. Paul Rodeo Royalty that I have had the chance to spend time with when they were on court, letting the 2022 St. Paul Princess Macy ride Custer to carry flags during two performances, and of course I can’t forget being able to be in the same arena as my dad as he is one of the six to present a military flag during the 4th of July performances! It felt so good to be able to listen to Justin Mckee announce my name while in Grand Entry but also talk about my rich family history in the St. Paul Rodeo. My dad is currently a director and Frank Kirsch Sr., my Great Grandpa, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I first attended the St. Paul Rodeo at just two months old and haven’t missed a rodeo since! So, until next year St. Paul!

Then we were off to St. Helens for the Jr/Teen Pageant! We kicked off Friday morning with Horsemanship where you could find Custer and I setting the pattern and carrying the American flag for our mock Grand Entry! After Horsemanship, we made our way over to Interviews and Written Test. At 7 o’clock you could find all the rodeo queens at the rodeo where Custer and I ran a sponsor flag, did a run-in, then pushed cows for the rest of the night. After some rest, we had another early morning just this time we were headed to the riverfront for Mock TV Interviews where all of the girls did amazing.

Followed by Mock TV Interviews we made our way back to the fairgrounds for speeches. Every one of the girls had such amazing speeches you couldn’t choose a favorite. To end our night, we made our way back to the rodeo to do the same as the night before, but we also got to crown our new title holders! Congratulations to Kayla Hunt, your 2024 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon and Hallie Haselbacher, your 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon.

Just a couple days after pageant, Custer and I loaded back up and made the long trip to Joseph for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. I got to spend time with Zoe playing mini golf and race go karts! After that we got to participate in three action-packed performances doing the Grand Entry serpentine and being one of the few girls to do a run in! Saturday, we participated in the Chief Joseph Days parade where Custer and I took first for individual rodeo queen. Thank you so much to the Wecks family for letting Custer stay at your house all week and for allowing us to use your truck and trailer to get back and forth between your house and the rodeo grounds! All you do for rodeo queens is like no others!

Until next month,

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Morgan Brownell

2023 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan Bills!

The month of July was a blur of bright colors and rodeos.

My 4th of July Gauntlet started out in Mollala, Oregon with the Rascal Rodeo where I got to teach people how to do stick horse barrel racing! Later that day I got to do a hot lap at the Mollala Buckeroo Rodeo. My favorite part about that appearance was meeting the Bikers Against Child Abuse. I think it is amazing how they help kids who may not be as fortunate as most.

The next two nights I spent at the Eugene Pro Rodeo! Definitely my favorite of the Gauntlet because of how they honor the state title holders! While most royalty did a lap in and out, MRO Zoe and I got to stay in the area with the Eugene court. I also got to work cows in a rodeo for the first time. Thank you Eugene Pro Rodeo Court for that amazing experience.

After the second Eugene performance Mom, Dad and I made our way to the St Paul rodeo for the 4th of July! All that day I got to do the parade, luncheon, and two rodeo performances in front of a sold-out crowd. Bonus, I got a couple of the Wright boys to sign my chaps! After St Paul I was so tired I slept till noon!

After that was NWYRA in Canyonville! I had some decent barrel racing and pole bending times. The reason it was such a huge honor to carry the flag of the Association is because I have been a part of it for 8 years. I also had a lot of fun playing spoons with the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association Court and their families! It is a honor to have their queen, Hallie Haslebacher as a good friend.

Then for my one weekend off I helped my family put up a lot of fence, which was much less fun than rodeos. Then I was off to the 2024 Jr/ Teen/ Sweetheart Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant! Pageant started off Thursday night at my camp for the welcome party! For the party we ate dinner and played spoons, where I may or may not have had a major belly flop trying to get a spoon. The next day the Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon contestants Kieran, Fallyn, and Kayla and Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon contestant Hallie had Horsemanship, Written Test and Personal Interviews. That night we all had a run in at the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo. For the rodeo I also got to work cows, throw swag and pack flags!

The next day was Mock Media Interviews and Speech. That night was the crowning of 2024 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Hunt and 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Hallie Haslebacher! Congratulations ladies on your wonderful new titles! Kayla tried for JMRO the same year I did and let me tell you, the personal growth she made is outstanding!

Then shortly after Pageant I had the NWYRA rodeo in Sisters, Oregon! Thank you so much Sisters Rodeo Association for letting us use your wonderful arena for the first time and hopefully many more years to come! One thing that stood out the most was my pole run on Friday night. My first time through the weave, I knocked down a pole. And on the way back, instead of just mowing it over like my horse usually does, Rocket jumped it. I was so surprised I missed a couple weaves, resulting in a no time. But instead of sulking about it, on the to the gate I was laughing my so hard my back hurt. Later that night I played card games with Hallie and went to bed.

The next day I had pole bending, where I knocked down a pole. (And no Rocket was not a Pegasus that tine). That night I watched a movie with two of my best friends, Breanne and Cheyenne Arnzen. Let me take you back to 2015 when I first met them. I was taking care of my horse at a NWYRA rodeo and managed to fall backwards into his water bucket. My five year old self fit just right in that bucket, so I had to borrow some jeans. I have friends with the Arnzen twins ever since. Let’s now zoom back to the present. The day after movie night I had the second grand entry of the weekend. Then after that the twins 12th birthday party! That pretty much sums up my wonderful month!

Thankfully yours,

Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan Bills

Thank you, Columbia County Fair & Rodeo!

We were welcomed with open arms to the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo this past weekend for the Junior/Miss and Sweetheart Pageant. We were wowed by their lush grounds for horse trailers and camping, helpful and kind personnel, the perfect open-air stage for speeches and fashion show, a wonderful rodeo arena for our titleholders and contestants to showcase their horsemanship, and well-maintained grounds.

Nicole Rice and Alice Monroe went above and beyond to work out the myriad of details necessary for a smooth production of our pageant. We cannot thank them enough for their gracious and kind attitudes and for the effectiveness of their efforts.

Thank you to everyone who played a part–large or small–in continuing the legacy!