Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess 2011 Farewell

Today is the final day of our reign as we crown our new Miss Rodeo Airdrie and Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess. We have two lovely ladies vying for the titles and I wish them both the best of luck.

I have shared the past year with a fantastic partner, Gillian Shields. She has been inspiring, supportive, and fun. The friendship we have generated is outstanding. I will always be able to consider Gillian a close friend.

My year has been filled with many great experiences. I have also created a stronger relationship with the vibrant community of Airdrie. I have always appreciated Airdrie, as it is my hometown. However, my reign has brought me closer to this beautiful city and I am so grateful. The community has been extremely supportive and generous. It makes me proud to be from such an amazing place. I have had the best time of my life representing this fantastic community.

There have been many memorable events that we have attended. Our year started off on the day after we were crowned as we headed north to attend the Ponoka Stampede. We also rode in the 99^th edition of the Calgary Stampede Parade and attended the Rodeo. Gillian and I were thrilled to attend the Airdrie Air Show. During our year we met many people at pancake breakfasts, rodeos, and parades. We have attended plenty of community events and fundraisers. We even got to help roof the Habitat for Humanity house in Airdrie.

We have had the opportunity to travel to Edmonton for the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Convention. We were also sponsored by Jim Nevada and Roper Stetson/Karman Inc. to go to Denver, Colorado for the National Western Rodeo and Stock Show.  We visited the Pro Rodeo Hall of fame which was an amazing experience.

I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to our many sponsors. They include Roper Stetson/Karman inc., Watches N’ More Promotional Products, Goldworks, Lia Sophia, CK Havens, Airdrie Insurance, Airdrie Autobody, Perry Farms, Here’s the Scoop, Becker Buckles, Trudy Holte, Ride N’ Drive Horse Supplies, Cream Body & Bath, Side Street, Kactus Designs, and CovyMoore.com. They have all been very generous. Thank you for keeping us fed, stylishly outfitted, and gorgeous. You have made this year possible.

I would also like to thank my workplaces over the year for their encouragement. I started my reign while working at Cardel Homes. This fantastic group of staff was influential in my crowning. I then moved on to work at SAIT Polytechnic. They have been incredible and supportive of my time commitments.

My family and friends have also been very supportive. Thanks to my Mom, Margaret, my Dad, Don, and my Brother, Matthew for believing in me and helping me down the road. Thank you to Covy, who became very close to me as I travelled down the rodeo trail. This year has also brought many new friends in the form of Rodeo royalty, community members, and sponsors. Last but not least I want to thank Leanne Grenier and the rest of the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association. They are such a hardworking group of talented people who put their heart and soul into producing this rodeo.

This September I will compete for Calgary Stampede Royalty. Good luck to Gillian on your quest for Miss Rodeo Canada, I am cheering for you!

My year as your princess may be complete but I’ll still be dedicated to this rodeo for many years to come.

Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess 2011

Rebecca McKay