San Antonio

It was the first of February and again I found myself bright eyed and bushy tailed at the airport before sunrise. This time I was headed to Texas for the 60th annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo! I had always heard such great things about this rodeo and was very excited to be heading there to be part of the action!
I landed at the very large San Antonio airport where there was a lot of construction taking place. I must have looked lost because a very nice airport worker grabbed my bags and led me to the pick up area. I think my rhinestones, crown, and Miss Rodeo Arkansas sash may have given me away also. I had a nice short chat with the helpful man about all the great places to visit in San Antonio and then my new hostess arrived.
My hostess for the weekend was Julie Kallison. She drove me to her beautiful home that was just a quick trip from the airport. There we met with Miss Rodeo Illinois Rebecca Kloker. We all had a chance to get acquainted while we got ready for the rodeo performance that night.
As we pulled up to the grounds, I could not believe my eyes! I now understand why they say, “Every thing is bigger in Texas.” There were shops and tents set up as far as the eyes could see. Miss Rodeo Texas Avery Gonzales met us at the gates and we were off to explore. She showed us all the good shopping spots and then we headed to the Star Experience tent. Here we took picture with people who were headed to the rodeo. Every one was really excited to be there. . . including me!
It was a great round of rodeo that night. I even had the opportunity to cheer for Justin Koon, one of our very own talented Arkansas cowboys. After the rodeo we headed to the autograph tables. I was seated by Oklahoma cowboy Spud Duvall. I teased him a little because his pictures were prettier than mine, but I think us queens still signed more autographs! Once we were done signing, we headed back in to watch the entertainment for that night. Did some one say ALAN JACKSON! Miss Rodeo Illinois and I had a great time at the concert. It was one of the best I had ever seen.
One thing I have really started looking forward to at every rodeo I visit is Cowboy Church. This Sunday was extra special for us rodeo queens. Miss Rodeo Texas and I were both introduced and given front row seats for this session. I was so glad I had a front row seat because World Champion Tie Down Roper Stran Smith was the teacher for this lesson! Heath Ford and Bobby Welsh were also on the list of speakers that morning. What a great opportunity to see our PRCA cowboys giving such a special part of themselves. It was truly a great way to start off a Sunday.
After church we headed to the hospitality room for a quick snack before the afternoon performance. I have found that there is always some thing or some body interesting in the hospitality room and you should always keep your eyes open when you head in there. Among the cowboys the filled the room were Kaycee Fields and bull fighter Clay Collins, but that wasn’t the best part. Miss Tough Enough To Wear Pink ** Tacey Raulerson ** was there. We all had a chance to meet her and take some pictures together. She is such a cute little girl and I know that she will certainly be a heart breaker when she gets older. Tacey has so much courage and a wonderful family behind her, I’m sure we will all see this young lady accomplish great things in her life.
Next we were off to take part in a program called Roping Dreams. We had a chance to take pictures, sign autographs, and talked with all the children. They were all so amazing and had over come so much. I was so glad that we had been invited to take part in this. Rodeo clown Leon Coffee and the San Antonio Spurs Coyote were also there to meet with the children.
Then we had one more quick stop before the rodeo. 4-H and FFA students that were going to be part of the Calf Scramble that afternoon met with us. We chatted with them and wished them good luck before they headed off to compete. I thought it was really neat to see how much the San Antonio Rodeo was involved with their local programs and youth.
Once again we witnessed another amazing round of PRCA rodeo. Then it was off to the autograph tables. It was a good thing it was my last night there because I was almost out of pictures. I signed over 300 autographs while in San Antonio! I even signed one for “Flat Stanley.” We also had our picture taken together. I thought that was a lot of fun and I hope that the children that receive it will like it as much as I did. After all that hard work we had worked up quite an appetite. So we all headed to dinner.
Marjory Murphy, the Miss Rodeo Texas director, treated us to an amazing meal. I was very excited to be able to meet her, I had always heard such great things about this legendary lady. She shared with us some great stories and we all talked the night away. One of my favorite parts about being Miss Rodeo Arkansas is all the wonderful people I meet along the way.
The next morning I was packed and ready to head home, but my wonderful hostess Julie was not going to let me leave without seeing the famous San Antonio River Walk. I didn’t have much time, but I still was able to see it all. Julie even stopped the car and let me jump out for a quick picture in front of the Alamo! I grabbed a nearby unsuspecting security guard and had him snap the picture. The whole ordeal took less than two minutes. I think some things in life are better left unplanned.
I arrived at the airport and much to my surprise the same man who had help me out a couple days prior was there again to help me. I made it through security and after a four hour lay over in Dallas I finally made it home with my many memories and souvenirs.
I would like to say thank you to all the people who made my stay in San Antonio a memorable one. Julie Allison, thank you for making us girls feel so at home. To Marjory Murphy, thank you for treating us to an amazing meal and for taking the time to meet with us. It was truly a pleasure to meet you. To Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss Rodeo Illinois thank you for all the fun. You girls know how to shop.!
One thing I would like to do is. . . say a big “THANK YOU” to Dilynn Dodd, the 2008 Miss Rodeo Arkansas. You have made my year so much easier. I don’t know where I would be with out all your help! Everywhere I go or anyone I meet in my travels, has nothing but praise for Dilynn. Arkansas should be very proud of her and the way she represented our state. I feel very lucky to follow in her foot steps and to call her my friend. Thank you every one who had made this year possible!
Crowns may get broken, buckles may tarnish. . . But friendships lasts a lifetime.
Micki Musick
2009 Miss Rodeo Arkansas