Rose Parade and Circuit Finals

My year as Miss Rodeo California started off as a big dream.  Leaving San Dimas after the Western Days rodeo, I was glad that I had a horse trailer to take home all of my wonderful gifts; our sponsors are amazing.  Thank you so much to Toyota of Glendora for my wonderful truck, as well as Circle J trailers from making sure Wally and I get to our destinations in style.  Arriving home after the pageant I had some time to rest and prepare to attend the 2007 Miss Rodeo America pageant held prior to the WNFR in December.  While in Las Vegas I had the opportunity to meet a lot of the ladies in waiting for their 2007 title.  How much fun all of us girls are going to have this year, they were great!  One night during the pageant they had a bowling night for us, and let me tell you, that was a sight.  I think my team should have had the bumpers out the entire time!  When the pageant was over I had to hurry home to prepare for the Rose Parade, held in Pasadena. 

Not only did I have the opportunity to ride with the Broken Horn Ropers in the Parade, I also was a guest at the Gene Autry Museum (pictured with the Calvalry Riders) and Equi-fest; all events leading up to the coveted parade. 

Listening to Brittany’s experience in the pouring rain had me so nervous that we were going to be rained on as well; I was checking the forecast everyday!  Thankfully, it was beautiful California sunshine.  I have never been to a parade so beautiful, and so appreciative of their entries.  I cannot tell you how many officials thanked our group for being a part of their special day.  It was quite a whirlwind making our first turn down the parade route and seeing an entire grandstand filled with cameras and media personnel, but it didn’t stop there.  They estimated there were 1.2 million people watching the parade live that morning from the streets of Pasadena!  Three hours later, the parade was over and my dad and I were headed back home.  I had one weekend off and then I was back on the road to the circuit finals held in Norco.

Arriving in Norco, I met up with Martin Kiff the Circuit director for California.  We went over a few things that he wanted to make sure I was a part of, but most importantly I was to have fun!  I had been to the circuit finals the year prior representing Salinas, but I am afraid it was unbelievably colder this year.  It was freezing!  Thank you so much to all the visiting queens that stuck out in the cold weather with me, and of course the fans!

Coming home from the circuit finals I received a phone call from Ellen Klienbeck regarding making an appearance to the West LA Veteran’s hospital on Valentine’s day, I can hardly wait. In speaking to the coordinator at the hospital I will be among elite celebrities as well as Miss California. What a day this will be!

I will depart from LA the day after my visit to the West LA Veteran’s hospital and meet up with Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Ashlee Stallings in San Antonio, Texas. We will head to the prestigious San Antonio rodeo and plan on some great shopping!

My year truly has started off as a dream and I know throughout the year I will continue to meet amazing people and spread my passion for our state and the professional sport of rodeo.