The Oregon Queen — November/December 2019
December 16, 2019 Off By Lois Forester
Mission Accomplished!
Take three titleholders, all from Eastern Oregon, and send the three to all corners of Oregon (and, in the case of Miss Rodeo Oregon, far beyond) and watch what happens! At every event they attended, it was apparent they were having a great time and were truly each other's friend. They represented with gusto, class, and in their own style which is all we could have hoped for. They made a difference!
There is hardly a way to adequately express our gratitude for Taylor Ann, Meredith, and Rowdy's representation of Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation and their dedication to the sport of rodeo. It was a memorable year with exciting appearances, an abundance of travel, and personal growth. Miss Rodeo Oregon titleholders continue to set the bar high!!
Taylor Ann represented Oregon with a beautiful smile and brought notice to Oregon's famed Pendleton Round Up and Pendleton Woolen Mills. Many of her outfits featured splashes of Pendleton fabric, instantly recognizable by the public. Taylor Ann always had a hug at the ready for the many little girls who want to grow up to be a rodeo queen. We wish Taylor Ann well as she completes her senior year of studies at Eastern Oregon University and as she makes application to law school.
Meredith represented Oregon and her title well as she traveled to Oregon rodeos and brought awareness to Oregon classrooms of the importance of agriculture in Oregon's economy. Her infectious smile, gregarious nature, and bright blue eyes have warmed the hearts of many along the way. We hope to see Meredith attending the Air Force Academy in the future, a longtime goal of hers!
Rowdy and her mother Nicole traveled many back roads in the state of Oregon in their trusty motor home affectionately named "Virginia", making their way to many Oregon rodeos from home base in Dayville. They kept odd hours as they traveled from one event to another, doubling up a few on the same weekends. Some of us have a new appreciation for cacti as Rowdy used them in her chaps and many articles of clothing, giving her reign a special signature. Rowdy traveled to Las Vegas to support Taylor Ann at Miss Rodeo America and to visit the Junior National Finals Rodeo.
We have appreciated all the photographs taken throughout the year, some by parents/relatives/friends but many by professional photographers who captured some of the most spectacular images of rodeo queens possible. Thank you to all. The following are a few of our favorites.
Those Chaps!!
Taylor Ann designed some magnificent chaps! They were produced by Holly Jones of Walla Walla and reflected Taylor Ann's distinctive Oregon style with her favorite hide and twisted fringe.
Las Vegas is the cherry on top!
To quote Lynn Haynes (National Director for Oregon), "Our first priority is someone who represents Oregon rodeos well. If they have fun at the MRA pageant, that's the cherry on top!"
Taylor Ann was in preparation all year for the Miss Rodeo America pageant. She focused on a wardrobe which was uniquely Oregonian with many Pendleton fabrics as their centerpiece. Her fans and supporters were able to get a glimpse of her clothing at her Good Luck Party in Milton-Freewater, but most were unveiled during the competition. Because of very strict rules regarding the photography or videography of contestants, the only option to see many outfits are by accessing them through Sherry Smith Photography. We hope to feature them in one of the next newsletters!
Several board members were in attendance at pageant events: Julie Singer, President; Lynn Haynes, National Director for Oregon; Lois Forester, 2nd VP; Raylah Holm, Treasurer; and Carol Shull Zimmerman, Secretary. Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks did regular updates via Facebook. Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2019 Rowdy Israel was able to attend the Fashion Show and Justin Boot Parade, also taking in some of the Junior National Finals Rodeo. Scott and Kelly Skramstad were there to cheer on Taylor Ann as well. Other Oregon members who attended were Barb Carr, Diana Wirth, Nicole Israel, Lisa Henricks, and Glenda Franich. It was our collective privilege to applaud Taylor Ann whenever and wherever we could!!
We are indebted to sponsors!
Sponsors, small or large, you are the lifeblood of our organization and titleholders. We thank you so much for your contributions and hope you find your involvement with Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation, Miss Rodeo Oregon, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, and Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon meaningful and rewarding!
Membership Dues!
It's that time of the year again! Time to update your membership in Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation. Send your payment via PayPal by going to the website and then to the Members tab. If you would prefer to mail your payment, see the instructions on the Members page.