The crowning of Miss Rodeo Montana and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana was the culmination of a week full of excitement during the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals in Great Falls. The Finale was crowning Audrey Sholty as 2008 Miss Rodeo Montana and Jennifer Marshall as the 2008 Miss Teen Rodeo Montana. The six contestants vying for the titles started at the contestant registration meeting on Wednesday evening. Dining on pizza and beverages supplied by Pizza Hut of Great Falls, introductions were made, horsemanship horses were drawn for by the contestants, Miss Rodeo Montana Pageant jackets were passed out, the contestants checked into their rooms and the horsemanship test with Miss Rodeo Montana Megan Hardy and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana Lorissa Harris proctoring, then the ladies retired for the evening.
Thursday brought the Ladies to the Cattleman’s Cut Restaurant for the get acquainted luncheon and introduction of the judges Mr. Gil Roberts, Ms. Amy Robbins and Mrs. Bobbi Levine. Following the brunch was the popular horsemanship competition, interviews, the Chamber of Commerce Mixer and rehearsals.
Friday the ladies awed an audience at the Miss Rodeo Montana/Miss Teen Rodeo Montana speech competition following a luncheon at the Hampton Inn and, of course, more interviews. The viewers were kept entertained by Megan and Lorissa and watched intently their Silent Auction items hoping to be highest bidder. After a dinner at the 3D Restaurant, the ladies were off to the first night of the Pro Rodeo Finals.
Saturday brought the highly acclaimed Pro Rodeo Fashion Show. Executive Board Member Kate Ruland and emcee Kyle Shobe were our Rodeo Fashion Show announcers introducing a plethora of visiting royalty as well as the contestants and Megan and Lorissa to the theme of Montana Rodeo. The ladies were also hostesses for the Kiddee Rodeo, read contracts and attended the second round of the rodeo.
Sunday was the anticipated Coronation with Pro Rodeo Announcer Will Rasmussen serving as our Master of Ceremonies. Many of our distinguished sponsors were on hand to receive recognition plaques and accolades; lucky sponsors “Jimmy” the Hat Man and Dr. Billquist were also escorts for the ladies with one last question presented to them for the last judged event. To relieve the tension in the air, author and storyteller Skip Halmes entertained… and lighten the mood he did! A big congratulations to all of the contestants for their hard work throughout the week, we believe we have the very best contestants here in Montana and once again you proved it!
We pack a lot of excitement, emotion, and entertainment into just four days, and we owe a heap of gratitude to all of our generous sponsors, from meal sponsors, to award sponsors, room sponsors, vehicle sponsor, to all of the volunteers that assist us throughout the week… we couldn’t do it without you! All of us involved with the pageant truly believe that rodeo pageants not only provide opportunities but build character, self-esteem, and poise in a young woman’s life. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year’s pageanta success!
Laura
