Jordanne Blair - Miss Rodeo Iowa 2010

Sensational San Antonio

February flew in and I flew off to my second big trip of the year, San Antonio, Tx. I landed Thursday afternoon in near 80 degree weather, in my sweatshirt and jeans, and quickly was in need of air conditioning...not something I'm used to in February in Iowa! I was picked up by my "host mom," Julie, and we drove to her house where Miss Rodeo Illinois, Rebecca, was already getting ready for the Xtreme Bulls that night. I had about an hour to fix my hair and change and we were off to the AT&T Center. We got to watch the Xtreme Bulls performance, followed by autographs with the top twelve cowboys who made it back to the finals that night and Avery Gonzales, Miss Rodeo Texas.

Rebecca and I spent Friday morning and afternoon touring San Antonio, experiencing the river walk, the Alamo, as well as doing some shopping too. It never fails, wherever I go, I always seem to run into people from Iowa. It is great to be able to meet and talk to people from home who are usually happy to see a fellow Iowan while they are traveling! That evening, we posed for photographs at the Star Experience, watched the opening performance of the 60th San Antonio Rodeo, the four-time PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year. After the performance, autographs were signed alongside the event champions of the night, followed by that night's entertainer, Gary Allan.

I left Saturday morning for the flight back to Iowa. After a 3 hour layover in Minneapolis, where is was only 30 degrees and dropping, I finally got on my plane for the short flight back to Des Moines, where it was over 50 degrees! I rushed to get ready for Shelby Chapman, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009's coronation. I enjoyed a tasty dinner and cake, helped with her auction, and danced the night away to the music of the Rowdy Cowboy Band. Congratulations to Shelby on a successful coronation, I am definitely looking forward to our year of traveling together.

Until next time, Happy Trails!

Lindsey

Jumpstart on the Year

Well my year definitely started fast. On Saturday, January 10th I had my Coronation in Harlan, IA where I received the official crown of Miss Rodeo Iowa, enjoyed some great food, had a little fun with friends and family, and of course raised some money for my upcoming year. I would like to thank everyone who braved the snow and cold to come support me and to all who helped prepare for the big day.

Just four short days later, I was on my way to my first official appearance as Miss Rodeo Iowa in Denver, Co. In the short time between, I began a new semester of school and celebrated a birthday as well. Rebecca Kloker, Miss Rodeo Illinois, and I left Iowa early Wednesday morning at subzero temperatures with a 30 mph wind and made the long trip to Colorado in the back seat of Don and Shirley Staver's F-150. They were gracious enough to let us stay with their niece and nephew who happen to live only 15 minutes from the Denver Market and the Stock Show. Russ and Laurie were a very gracious and fun host family.Thank you so much to the Stavers and Russ and Laurie for being such wonderful hosts and chaperones!

At the Market, we did a LOT of walking, I was sure my legs were going to fall off by the end of the trip! The four of us spent some quality time wandering (sometimes lost!) the halls of Market, but it was some of the best shopping and very worthwhile.Rebeccca and I spent all day Saturday, the 17th, at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo. Several other state queens were there as well, so we got the chance to get to know them all a little better. They kept us all busy with carrying flags and helping with the mutton busting at all three performances. We had a short break between each performance, enough time to get a corndog and sign autographs before getting back to work.

We left Denver at nearly 60 degrees, back to Iowa where it was maybe 15...BRR, but it was good to be back home. Now I have a couple of weeks to catch back up on my schoolwork, and sleep, before I head to San Antonio, TX February 5th.

Until next time, Happy Trails!

Lindsey

Coronation Celebration to Honor Lindsey Ahrenholtz, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009

You're invited to attend the annual Miss Rodeo Iowa Coronation Celebration to celebrate the crowning of Lindsey Ahrenholtz, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009.  The event will take place on Saturday, January 10 at Therkildsen Center in Downtown Harlan, IA.  A social time will begin at 5:30 pm when attendees will have a chance to begin bidding on the many silent auction items donated by area businesses.  Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm and the official crowning of Lindsey will take place at 6:45 pm.  Following the crowning a live auction will begin.  The evening will end with dance.  Funds raised from the event will help Lindsey offset the costs of her reign.

If you would like to attend or would like to make a financial contribution to the event please contact Paula Jameson, National Director, at 515-250-8001.

Well done, Aleigh

Congratulations to Aleigh Beahm, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2008, on a fabulous reign.  During her her year she traveled throughout the state and to Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Florida and Arizona promoting Iowa's Western heritage.  During the recent Miss Rodeo America Pageant held in Las Vegas, NV Aleigh was the recipient of one of four randomly drawn $1,000 educational scholarships.  We wish Aleigh the best of success as she begins a new chapter in life.

~ The Miss Rodeo Iowa Board of Directors

It's that time of year again - The Las Vegas Send-off Fashion Show

Join Aleigh on Sunday October 19 from 2 pm - 4 pm at St. Patrick's Parish Hall in Dunlap to see the wardrobe she'll be wearing in Las Vegas for the 2009 Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  Aleigh will be joined by Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2008 Rachel Burton, Miss Rodeo Iowa Lady-in-Waiting Lindsey Ahrenholtz, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa Lady-in-Waiting Shelby Chapman and other Iowa Rodeo Royalty.  There's no need to RSVP but you can do so if you'd like to mripageant@yahoo.com.  A free-will donation will be taken at the door.  If you're unable to make it to Aleigh's event and would like to support her, please send your contribution to:

Miss Rodeo Iowa, Inc
PO Box 13
Minburn, IA 50167
(Please make checks out to Miss Rodeo Iowa)

Miss Rodeo Iowa is now on Facebook!  Look for our group the next time you log in!

 

Miss Rodeo Iowa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009 Results

 

Lindsey Ahrenholtz - Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009, Horsemanship, Photogenics and Larry Roberts Rodeo Spirit Award

 

Rachel Bergren - 1st Runner-up, Bob Britton Speech Award, High Test Score

   

Shelby Chapman - Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009, Horsemanship

 

Kara Telfer - 1st Runner-up, Bob Britton Speech Award, Photogenics, Larry Roberts Rodeo Spirit Award

A photo album will be developed early next week filled with pageant photos.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for helping make the 2009 Pageants a success.  We appreciate the support of the Tri-State Rodeo Committee and the community of Fort Madison and we are all looking forward to returning next year.

A Busy But Fun Summer

July kept me on the road almost constantly and away from a computer, but now I am back and would love to share with everyone what I’ve been up to all this time.

 

June 26-28th I went across the state to Edgewood,IA.  It was nice to see a familiar rodeo company as I had just seen the Moorheads of 3-Hills rodeo in Bellevue, IA he week before. They have great stock and it was a pleasure to work with them again. I would like to thank Mr. John Romig for graciously allowing me to keep my horse, Reba, in his nice barn which is just a couple blocks from the rodeo arena. I would also like to thank my host family Jim & Kathy Funke for their wonderful hospitality during my stay in Edgewood. Elise was the queen coordinator for Edgewoodand she was so much help to as we did summer school and nursing home visits. Thank you Elise for being so nice and helpful during my stay. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Rodney Hayes, The Texas Kid! He is such a great person. He takes in children from underprivileged homes and teaches them responsibility and self appreciation as he incorporates them into his rodeo entertainment acts. He has a trick bull that is awesome and he let me ride it! It moves so smoothly and it seems like you are rolling along with him. I really enjoyed Edgewoodand will be sure to make it back to this great rodeo.

My next trip was to Leon, IA on July 3rd and 4th. I had a great time as I watched the contestants vying for my previous title as Miss Leon Rodeo 2007. I was proud to hand the crown over to Rachel Bergren as she did a really good job during the competition and I look forward to seeing her throughout her reign. Mr. James Sears was the stock contractor for this rodeo and I had a great time working with him.

I was then off to a rodeo in Exira on July 5th to fill in for Rachel Burton, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa, as she was very ill and was unable to make it. She is doing great now and I hope she doesn’t get sick like that again! The Exira rodeo was a nice refreshment as it was a very relaxed rodeo and I had a great time working with the personnel there. I met up with an old friend who I have worked with for several years, Mr. Rex Strayer the announcer. I had the wonderful honor of presenting the American Flag for our American National Anthem and also the honor of presenting the closing ceremony which was a tribute to our American Soldier. It was great to see Paula Jameson as she can always put a smile on face. The Grand River Rodeo Company is always a pleasure to work with and it was great to see them as I would be working with them the next week in Woodbine.

 

The next week I found myself in my hometown of Woodbine, IA on July 10-12th and the place I got my start in the Rodeo Queen world! It was so nice to have a rodeo so close to home as I really didn’t have too go far at all. I had a great time visiting with all of my hometown sponsors and I greatly appreciate all of their support. Kid’s night was on Thursday, followed by the rodeo performances on Friday and Saturday. There was also a parade on Saturday followed by our annual saddle club potluck. I had the honor of carrying the American Flag for the closing ceremony, which was a tribute to our American Troops. I enjoyed seeing Mr. Rex Strayer and to work with the Grand River personnel again. Above all, it was great to be home for a much needed break. (well, it was kind of a break anyway J)

 

The next one down the road...Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Daddy of ‘em All!!! I have been looking forward to this one for a long time, and it was even more than I had expected. My Mom and I left on Friday, July 18th so we could get out there early and spend some time with my Grandpa, whom I hadn’t seen in 8 years. It was great to see him again and I was so glad that my Mom was able to go with me so we could spend some time together. I was in Cheyennefrom July 19th through 23rd. I stayed with Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Stacy Jo Johnson at Ester Moore’s house. Ester is one of the queen directors along with Mrs. Arlene Kensinger. Stacy and I had a great time as we ran all over the place picking up the other queen’s at their host homes and making it to our appearances. We had a jam packed schedule, but we always had a great time with everything we were doing. We got to go to the Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts concert which was awesome! We got to go right up to the edge of the stage and we had stage on 3 sides of us! So, I guess you could say we were in the center of all the action. We got to watch 2 nights of the PBR, and I had a great time as bull riding is one of my favorite rodeo events. To top everything off, we got to ride Harry Vold’s incredibly fast horses as we ran the length of the racetrack straightaway! It was such an indescribable, exhilarating experience as you feel as if your heart is going to jump out of your chest!! Needless to say, it was an experience of a lifetime and I would do it again in a  heartbeat!

No time to slow down as Mom and I made our way back into Iowa the evening of the 23rd and left early the next morning to make it for the Miss Rodeo Lenox pageant and Rodeo. We were in Lenox from July 24th through the 26th. Congratulations to Courtney Stark for earning the Crown. A big thank you to Heather Beck, Lenox Queen Coordinator and my Mary Kay Sponsor, for her support throughout my year. I had a great time in Lenox. The stock contractor was Rite ‘N Gear Rodeo Co. and it was great working with them.

 

July 29th  through August 2nd, I found myself in the wonderful town of Sidney, IA for their 5-day rodeo and was welcomed with open arms. I would like to thank Mark and Melissa Travis for their wonderful hospitality as they welcomed me into their home for the week. I would also like to thank Angie, Sarah, and Rosie, the queen coordinators, for helping me enjoy my stay in Sidneyand for giving me the wonderful opportunity to judge the pageant. It was a great experience and I would like to say a big congratulations to Morgan Marshall for earning the title of Miss Sidney Iowa Rodeo 2008! Morgan and I had a great time during the rodeo and I wish her the best of luck in her future quest for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2010 title. The stock contractor was Cervi Championship Rodeo and I had a great time working with them along with rodeo announcer Roger Mooney. I had a great time clearing cattle from the arena and making my queen’s run in Sidney’s huge rodeo arena. I had a great time during my stay in Sidneyand I will definitely be coming back! I look forward to working with Cervi’s in Ft.Madison this coming September.

The theme for the 2008 Iowa State Fair was "U Gotta Love It!" and boy did I!  The weather was perfect and you wouldn't believe the array of foods you can find on a stick.  On the first Friday afternoon Rachel Burton and I signed autographs at the Iowa Horse Council booth.  We then got ready for the Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen contest.  Thank you, Rachel, for letting me ride Tank to carry the American Flag during the National Anthem.  He was a lot of fun and I know the crowd loved his prancing antics.  Rachel did a great job in the Sr. Cowgirl Queen division representing Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa.  There were many familar faces there including Amanda Eason, MRI '07, who was one of the judges.  After the Cowgirl Queen contest finished Rachel and I checked our our steers as we were both lucky enough to be selected as 'celebrities' for the Annual Governor's Charity Steer Show.  My steer was a bit on the naught side, but Rachel had a great day and was awarded the Showmanship award.  If you'd like to see us at the State Fair you can go to the Iowa Public Television websiteand look for the vido clips of the Cowgirl Queen and Steer Show.

The following week I packed my bags for the Miss Rodeo America Premier Rodeo Queen Clinic in Fort Collins, CO.  My roommate for the weekend was Tara Trask, Miss Rodeo South Dakota.  I really enjoyed my time in CO and thank Tara and Mrs. Wilk for their hospitality.

It's hard to believe Labor Day is nearly here and It's once again time for the Miss Rodeo Iowa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa pageants.  Rachel will be at the Dayton Rodeo this weekend while I attend numerous pre-rodeo events beginning with a 6:00 am pancake breakfast this Saturday morning and continuing the the next eight days.  It just so happens I end my Fort Madison appearances with ANOTHER 6:00 am pancake breakfast!

 

Now it’s time to hit the books since Rachel and I are back in classes. After Fort Madison I’ll be making more appearances and finishing my preparations for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  I’m also looking for a date to showcase my MRA wardrobe, so please check back to see when and where.  Also, best of luck to Lindsey Ahrenholtz, Rachel Bergren, Tia Campbell, Shelby Chapman, Mackenzie Corrigan and Kara Telfer as they compete for our state titles in Fort Madison.

 

So, until we meet again,

Happy Trails!

Aleigh

 

Miss Rodeo Iowa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa Pageants Coming Up

The Miss Rodeo Iowa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009 Pageants are just around the corner.  Click here to go to the Miss Rodeo Iowa website, then click on the "2009 Pageant News" link to open an Adobe Acrobat document.  You'll meet the 2009 Miss and Teen contestants and learn more about Miss Rodeo Iowa, Inc.

Jam Packed June

Wow!  Another month has come and gone and now it's Cowboy Christmas time.  I can't believe my reign is half-over, it feels like I've just begun. 

Right after my last entry I left for northwest Iowa and the Cherokee, Iowa ProRodeo.  My side kick Rachel Burton, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2008,  joined me for this appearance.  I had the wonderful opportunity to be a judge for the Miss Rodeo Cherokee Pageant.  Congratulations to Jessica for being crowned Miss Rodeo Cherokee 2008.  All of the contestants did a great job and I hope they'll come back next year.  Megan Wiemold, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2004, organized a great exceptional rodeo.  It's always a lot of fun interacting with all of the participants as they ride horses, roped 'steers', rode bulls, tied goats and tried their hand at a little barrel racing.  While in Cherokee I got to see one of my favorite sponsors, Mr. Wayne Woolridge.  I really appreciate his continued support of the Miss Rodeo Iowa program and look forward to seeing him again later in the year.

Sue at Bits and Pieces welcomed the queens to her store for the annual picnic.  She, too, has been a long time supporter of the Miss Rodeo Iowa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa pageants and her support is also appreciated.

The crew of the Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company put on an outstanding show.  The stock was exceptional and I got to meet the one and only Tommy Turvey!  What a great show he puts on.  His Roman Riding is phenomenal and his posing as a dressage master while his horse 'acts up' is great entertainment. 

Thank you to Claudia Comstock, the coordinator for the Miss Rodeo Cherokee pageant, the Cherokee Rodeo Board and the community of Cherokee for their hospitality.  I had a great time and will definitely be come back for a visit even when I'm not queen.

On June 7 I attended a Western Heritage Museum opening in Kiron, Iowa.  "A Place to Remember" is just what it says.  It is a wonderful place to see if you're ever in the area.  The museum was crated by the Coltrain family who have graciously sponsored the graphics on my horse trailer.  The day was full of entertainment as people enjoyed viewing the museum's offerings including western paintings, and antique tractors and vehicles.  visitors tried their hand at throwing tomahawks, watched amazing jumping mules and browsed a large tent full of quilts, country gifts, and items from all over Iowa.  I shared a table in the tent with tow Iowa gentleman.  One was the author of a coffee table book filled with pictures of Iowa Barn quilts and the other is the owner of an Internet business which sells all kinds of gift baskets filled with Iowa made items.  We enjoyed getting to know each other throughout the day.  One of the highlights of my visit was driving a beautiful team of Percherons and I also to to try my hand at jumping some of the talented mules.  I had a great time, and I'd like to thank the Coltrain family again for their support and hospitality.

Right after the museum opening I headed over to my National Director's house for some business, then it was off to the Iowa High School Rodeo Finals and queen pageant in Fort Madison, IA.  I made my way around the flood-waters found throughout Iowa and made it in time to begin judging the queen pageant.  While in Fort Madison I enjoyed the hospitality of the "Metcalf Motel".  Jeff and Kelly Metcalf are the parents of Kimber Metcalf Dall (Miss Rodeo Iowa 2003) and graciously opened up their beautiful home to Kimber and I while we were in Fort Madison.  Kimber and her sister Keegan coordinate the high school pageant and do a great job of keeping it going smoothly.  Four very qualified contestants were vying for the title of Miss Iowa High School Rodeo and they all did a great job!.  Congratulations to Nevada Turner for taking home the title and I wish her the best of luck as she prepares for and competes at the National High School Rodeo Finals coming up in July in Farmington, NM. 

After a weekend at home (on the far western side of Iowa) I headed to the northeast to beautiful Bellevue, Iowa which sits along the bluffs overlooking the muddy Mississippi.  Luckily I was high and dry as most of Bellevue is elevated enough to stay out of harms way of the flooding that was still ravaging our state.  I would like to say a BIG thank you to Stacy and the members of the Bellevue Horsemen's Club for their wonderful hospitality and support of my year as Miss Rodeo Iowa.  My schedule was packed with visits to sponsors, nursing homes and daycare centers.  It's always great to visit with young and old alike.  While in Bellevue I stayed in a beautiful new Featherlite trailer provided by Roeders Brothersof Bellevue.  It came complete with air conditioning, which is a wonderful thing in Iowa! 

Three Hills Rodeo puts on the show in Bellevue and I had a great time working with them. They have excellent stock and their rodeos run so smooth.  Reba and I sure got a good workout running sponsor flags!   While in Bellevue, my visit was sponsored by the local medical center.  I'd like to thank them and everyone else who made my first visit to clear across the state so much fun.

Instead of driving all of the way home to the Missouri River, I relaxed at Doug and Kimber (Metcalf) Dall's house.  They have been so gracious to me, welcoming me into their home, feeding me and making me feel right at home.  Doug and Kimber have two great dogs, Cowboy and Flo, and a whole herd of horses.  While at their place I got to try my hand at some roping.  Let's just say "I need some practice.", but I had a great time, and learned a lot!

After the R&R I headed Edgewood and the Edgewood PRCA Rodeo.  It was like coming home as Three Hills also has the stock in Edgewood.  Thanks to Elise Bergen and the Edgewood Chamber of Commerce for the invite and hospitality.

June was a busy time for me as I literally criss-crossed the state.  For anyone who thinks Iowa is flat and just full of corn fields I challenge you to get off the interstates and drive along some of our scenic byways.  You never know what you might come across.  My July schedule now takes me to rodeos and pageants in Leon and Lenox, my hometown rodeo in Woodbine plus to the Daddy of 'Em All - CHEYENNE!  I can't wait to see my fellow queens in Wyoming and to see my grandfather who lives in Cheyenne.  Until I can get back to a computer...

Happy trails!

~ Aleigh

 

What an Adventure

School is finished and my summer has begun.  After finishing finals I headed home and began my travels in earnest.  Before I left for Arizona, I went to visit the Dow City, IA third grade classes. I had so much fun as it was a great class to visit and interact with, they asked about a thousand questions.  They couldn't believe that their teacher, Mrs. Soma, used to be my track coach when I was in Jr. High. We had fun talking about rodeo, my horses and what I do as Miss Rodeo Iowa.  We even set up a barrel pattern with three volunteers and had three racers run the pattern as the rest of the class counted out their times. They had so much fun with it that we had to get more volunteers and do it again. Thank you, Mrs. Soma for inviting me to come visit your class. I had a great time!

It was then time to pack my bags and go West.  I went to the Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant in Payson to support Katie Hill, Miss Rodeo Arizona 2007, as she passed on her title to the new Miss Rodeo Arizona. Congratulations Casey, I know you will do a great job representing your state and I can't wait to see you down the rodeo road and in Las Vegas. It was great to get to see all of my fellow rodeo queen friends again and we made the most of our time as we were kept very busy. It was so great to see Katie again as I had not seen her since my Florida trip. She made our stay in Arizona very fun and kept us well entertained.  We had a great time in Arizona as we were introduced during the rodeo performances as visiting state royalty. We were kept plenty busy with autograph signings and dance practices. At first, I wasn't so sure about having to dance in front of everyone at the Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant, but it turned out to be a lot of fun!

 We also got to take an amazing plane ride over the Payson area! My pilot Jerry was so nice and he even let me fly the pane myself! It was a lot of fun, but I think I'll stick to riding my horse and leave flying planes to the experts. We had great host homes to stay with while in Arizona and if you think Arizona is just a desert, boy are you missing out. I shared a host home with Lindy Ellis Miss Rodeo North Dakota. Our hosts were Fred and Dianne and their two mini Aussies. They were such nice people and invited us to come back and stay with them anytime. The view off their back porch was so beautiful as they live on the edge of the state forest right on a golf course. Every morning at breakfast, we watched deer come out of the forest and cross onto the green. Thank you so much Fred and Dianne for helping to make our stay in Payson so relaxing and enjoyable.

After the rodeo and coronation were over, we went to Flagstaff and stayed with some of Katie's friends. They had such a beautiful home.  We went four wheeling, had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows, had a BBQ, and jumped on a trampoline like we were little kids again. It was such a relaxing place and we enjoyed every minute of it. The next day we drove to Williams as Katie had planned an amazing trip to the Grand Canyon for us. We watched an old west shoot out and rode a train to the Grand Canyon. We had first class seats and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The Grand Canyon was AMAZING! I never thought a big hole in the ground would be so beautiful and breathtaking. We walked a two mile stretch taking in the view and then  had dinner. The train ride back was quite an experience as we were robbed by bandits! I don't know how it happened because we had just seen the sheriff take them down earlier that day, but they were back. They ran their horses alongside the train and shot at us and stopped the train. They got on and came through all of the passenger cars robbing everyone along the way! (And posing to allow us to take their pictures!) What an awesome trip Arizona turned out to be! Thank you so much Katie for sharing your amazing state with us! I had so much fun and made so many unforgettable memories. I'll soon have a new blog photo album to share the rest of my Arizona adventure with you, so please check back.

It's now time to start my Iowa adventures as I'm off to Cherokee, IA for the annual Cherokee Pro-Rodeo.  I'm looking forward to seeing Miss Rodeo Iowa Board Members Connie and Megan Weimold, and I'll be joined by Rachel Burton, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa.  It's a month of long drives as later in June I'll be at the Iowa High School Rodeo Finals in Fort Madison and then off to the far eastern corner of Iowa to attend the Bellevue Pro-Rodeo.  Until then, happy trails!