The Oregon Queen Newsletter — 2025 Has Arrived!

The Oregon Queen Newsletter — 2025 Has Arrived!

January 12, 2025 Off By Lois Forester

2025 Miss Rodeo Oregon Mary Olney!

Hello, Oregon rodeo family!

My name is Mary Olney, and I am honored to introduce myself as the 2025 Miss Rodeo Oregon. Representing our great state and the professional sport of rodeo is a dream come true. Thank you for kindly welcoming me into this role. I am incredibly excited for the road that lies ahead.

This year, I look forward to traveling across Oregon and beyond, meeting the incredible people who make the sport of rodeo such a strong and enduring tradition. Whether it’s in the arena, on the road, or in the stands, I can’t wait to connect with rodeo enthusiasts, fans, and fellow competitors.

As a Lady-in-Waiting, I had the privilege of cheering on Abby as she competed at the Miss Rodeo America pageant. She did a fantastic job and represented Oregon with such grace and poise. Another cherished memory was the Lady-in-Waiting photo shoot. It was a magical day spent with Katie and Fallyn, who each bring such unique gifts to their titles. I’m honored to work alongside them this year, and I know we’ll make some incredible memories together.

Lately, my focus has been on preparing for the year ahead. I’ve been working on collecting sponsors for 2025 and organizing my coronation fundraiser, which is set for March 1st at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in the Middle Sister building. Tickets are on sale now for $25 presale or $30 at the door—I’d love for you to join me for this exciting event! Additionally, I’ve been putting together a prospective calendar and budget to ensure that 2025 will be nothing short of amazing.

In order to give you a glimpse into my life and who I am, I’ve included some photos that showcase some of my special moments. I’m so excited to share this journey with all of you, and I look forward to a fantastic year filled with memories, new friendships, and a shared love for the sport of rodeo.

Here’s to an unforgettable year!!
Warm regards,
Mary Olney
Miss Rodeo Oregon 2025

This is a photo of me Jingle dancing at the Sisters Rodeo. My brother Joshua, and my friends Kaley, Ridge and Bonnie Blasdell also danced to one of our favorite songs Live on the Cowboy Channel. The following year, the Happy Canyon Princesses also joined in on the fun! This was an unforgettable experience, and such a fun way to share our Native American culture with the rodeo community.  PC:  Jerry Baldock

This is a photo that was captured of me helping with repairs on the rodeo arena at a volunteer work party. I spent about 4 years working in fabrication in order to provide for my horses and me. My main specialties were Stainless Steel and Aluminum Tig welding.  PC:  SRA Member Marcus P.

This is one of my favorite pictures ever of my heart horse Dixie and me. Dixie has the biggest heart in a horse that I’ve ever encountered. She has taken me on the most incredible ride. I will forever be indebted to her for all she has done for me since we met in 2019. She is retired now, but as sassy as ever. Together we have served as the 2019 Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo Princess, the 2020-2022 Sisters Rodeo Queen, the 2023 St. Paul Rodeo Queen, and the 2024 Crooked River Roundup Queen. She will always be Miss Rodeo Oregon to me.  PC:  Silver Bear Photography

This is a photo of my partner in crime for 2025 “KOA” and me. Koa belongs to my sweet friend and owner of Har-Bar Farms, Amanda DeDona. I would not have this incredible opportunity if it weren’t for these two. They have both taught me so much and I’m so lucky to have them in my life. Koa and I have recently taken up breakaway lessons together!  PC:  Grandma Catherine W.

This is photo of me at a women's ranch bronc riding clinic. Growing up with bronc riding, bull riding brothers, I’ve had my share of rough stock- sheep, calves, steers, cows, and my latest addition ranch broncs! Fun Fact: The 2023 Sisters Rodeo Queen Sadie Bateman also rode at this particular clinic! I left with a colorful eye makeup job. (: PC:  Sonia Heath

2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Katie Kilcullen!

Still can't believe this happened!

The crowning moment!

With my dad, Chris Kilcullen

Art of Aperture photoshoot

Being interviewed on 93.3 about my new title!

2025 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Fallyn Plume!

Happy New Year! My name is Fallyn Plume and I am so excited to be your 2025 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon!

I am a 12-year-old 7th grader from Pendleton, Oregon. I am so excited to share this eventful year with my 16-year-old palomino quarter horse, Dixie. She was a gift from my grandparents in December 2022 and is the sweetest horse I could ever ask for. She is amazing with big crowds and loves the attention. She often gets complimented on her gorgeous thick mane and has a “princess attitude”. She previously belonged to a 2023 Round-up Princess who rode her in several parades and flag carrying events. She also roped and barrel raced on her in local rodeos and jackpots. Since I’ve owned her, I’ve barrel raced on her at Pendleton Mustangers and Milton Freewater Pioneer Posse, rode in parades at Chief Joseph Days and the Pendleton Round-Up as well as in the arena during the Pendleton Round-Up with the Native American riders. I can’t wait for this journey that is ahead for both of us.

Just a couple months ago, my grandfather gifted me with a beautiful grey gelding named Whiskey. He is just 4 years old and has a very gentle manner. He was a race horse in his early years where I was able to watch him race in Phoenix, AZ. He will be my future barrel racing horse but you may see him on the rodeo trail with me this summer!

Other fun facts about me is that I am a softball and basketball player. If I were to choose, basketball is my #1 favorite sport. There’s something about the fast pace and contact that I love about this sport. I play AAU for the 8 th grade Pendleton Bucks team. I also play for softball for the 14u Oregon East travel team and my favorite position to play is short stop. I really enjoy both of these sports and couldn’t ask for better teammates and coaches.

Some of the things I am most looking forward to this year are getting to know the Miss and Teen, Mary and Katie, much better. I look up to them so much and I feel very lucky to spend this year learning the ropes with them.  I am looking forward to experiencing Oregon rodeos that I've never been to before. I am looking most forward to Chief Joseph Days, which is definitely my favorite Oregon rodeo so far.

Finally, I’d like to take a minute to invite you all to my coronation on February 15th at the Historic Hamley’s Slickfork Saloon in Pendleton, Oregon. It will be a fun evening of music, dancing, auction and visiting and I hope to see you all there!

 

Saddling up with my mini Aussie “Chief”.

 

My mom caught this golden hour pic after a summer night at the Pioneer Posse summer series.

 

Riding Dixie in my regalia and trappings during the rodeo at the 2024 Pendleton Round Up.

 

Riding my new gelding Whiskey after he just arrived from Alberta.

My favorite photo from pageant during the Horsemanship flag run.

I placed 3rd at the 2024 Jr American Indian Beauty Pageant out of over 100 amazing young ladies.

 

2024 Jr American Beauty Pageant at the Pendleton Round Up with my sisters and cousins representing in family heirlooms.

Thanksgiving 2024 with my 3 sisters - Avery, Hayden, Symone.

My sister, Avery Quaempts’, first public appearance as a 2025 Happy Canyon Princess.

 

Attending my sister's Happy Canyon Introduction Party with my uncle Donald Sampson, Chief of the Walla Walla Tribe

The beaded medallion I’m wearing in Walla Walla represents my late great grandfather Chief Peo Peo Mox Mox which means “yellow bird”.

2025 Miss Rodeo America Pageant Recap!

It's difficult to summarize the events, the emotions, and the happenings of a nine-day national pageant, particularly when most of the "action" is behind the scenes and amateur photography is largely not permitted!  But what we can convey is the sense of pride in our Oregon contestant, the lovely Miss Rodeo Oregon Abby Torgerson, who gave us every reason to be proud.  The preparations she had made to compete were evident in her solid answers and her skilled presentations.  More importantly, she had given her "all" during 2024 in the many, many appearances around the state and across the country.  We are eternally grateful, Abby!!

The first judged event was Introductions, held in the South Point Showroom.

Abby wore a gorgeous teal Horsemanship outfit which was fashioned by Kristi Q.

It's not a clear shot but this is the Horsemanship committee who make it all happen in the Priebert Arena at South Point. Kayla Vincent is one of its members.

Wednesday of pageant week was for speeches. With only 10 minutes to prepare a 90-second speech, Abby nailed it. She spoke about the challenge of an injury that derailed a promising soccer career but how it led to her passion for rodeo,

Abby's custom Stringfellow chaps, sponsored by Denise Stringfellow. Denise was in attendance at the Chap Luncheon where we had a chance to visit.

It was the MRA Executive Board's idea to keep up contestant spirits! Pretty sure they were successful!

Upstairs at South Point in "Pageant Central", all the contestants had a digital frame to display photographs that normally would have been contained in a scrapbook. This was the first year this was attempted! States formerly decorated a "state table" but this, too, was eliminated. The funds which MROIF normally gives as a scrapbook cover award were instead used to help sponsor a contestant meal.

2024 MTRO Hallie Haslebacher and 2025 MRO Mary Olney both reported from South Point!

Board members in attendance this year--Lois Forester, Kayla Vincent, and Tanya Cloutier. Missing from the photo is Vixen Radford-Wecks.

The Ladies-in-Waiting!

Behind the scenes!

Hugely creative Fashion Show this year with adventures occurring across two stages in the room.

These ladies are the choreographers for the Fashion Show and this year they introduced Moses to a surprised audience. We are not sure how Kiki is going to top this one!

Abby captured backstage in her western trend/fashion forward outfit.

Beautiful detail work and the only outfit of its kind on the stage!

 

On Saturday--the final judged day--a large group of elementary students were brought in to interact with the contestants who were given the task of pulling together a rodeo presentation for them. When the children weren't with the contestants, they rotated through a series of experiences with the Ladies in Waiting.

All the kids were brought to South Point on a big yellow school bus!  This is just one of about 4 groups of children.

As far as we know, MRA Emma was the only one lucky enough to get a ride on Moses.

It's a new tradition that we include the MRO wardrobe worn at MRA in our Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic manual.  

Welcome to a new sponsor!

We are so honored to have the company founded by DJ Glenn Hadduck, "Sound Foundation Media Group", as our newest sponsor.  DJ Glenn performed the DJ honors at many MRO coronations, the last one for 2024 JMRO Kayla Hunt in 2024.  We anticipated him being the DJ at the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant in Canby, but he passed away shortly before the event.  He was such a private man that most of us had no knowledge of his illness.

The man who was his business partner, Michael Lauer, is continuing DJ Glenn's legacy.  His sponsorship includes our coronations and the annual pageant.  Thank you, DJ Michael!!

New Year, New Board!

Kayla Vincent, National Director

Lois Forester, President

Taylor Ann Walgamott, Vice President

Jennifer Tickner, Secretary

Cindy Granger, Treasurer

Stephanie Hedin, Junior/Teen Director

Sarah Fransen, Member at Large

Again and again, Thank you to our generous sponsors!