An eventful Arkansas summer!

Wow! The summer months certainly did go by quick. It seemed like I was hardly ever at home. . . only a couple days at a time between my trips! The experiences and adventures I took part in were more than worth it though.


The road lead me first to what I consider to be my hometown rodeo! The Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith! What an honor it was for me to represent at this rodeo as not only Miss Rodeo Arkansas, but as 2008-2009 Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days as well! It was a week full of family, friends, and fun. I was pleased to also be joined by Michelle Blake Miss Rodeo Oklahoma!

The Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days Pageant kept our days busy and our nights were filled with amazing rodeo performances. Great cowboys like PRCA World Champion Bull rider J.W. Harris kept us all on the edge of our seats. Plus you can always count on the "Duke of the Chutes" Mr. Harry Vold to provide superb animal athletes! John Payne "the One Arm Bandit" kept the audiences cheering for more each night as well.













The rodeo went by fast and before I knew it we were crowning the new Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days. . . . Stephanie Kappel. The week was over before I knew it and I was sad to see the audiences leave the Harper stadium on the last night. I wish it could have lasted another 7 days.

My next stop was Springdale for the Rodeo Of The Ozarks! I couldn't help but be excited to be attending one of the top five outdoor rodeos of the year. With 5 time stock contractor of the year Stace Smith I knew it would be an amazing event.

Once again I helped with the Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks pageant. Four very talented young women were vieing for the title. I couldn't pick a favorite, so I cheered for all four! Pajama parties, concerts after the rodeos (The Bellamy Brothers were my favorite!!!) , and modeling stylish western outfits at Cavendars Western Store were just a few of the highlights during the week. Although I'm sure that none of us will forget A-1 the bull. During the special kids rodeo a few of the girls decided to get their picture taken on A-1 just as all of the kids had. One queen contestant quickly turned into three piled on his back. Long story short. . . A-1 must not have liked rodeo queens much because he sat right down on his hind end. Each of the girls fell off one by one in slow motion. The looks on each on of their faces was absolutely priceless. All the helpers and children got quiet a good laugh.







Since Rodeo Of the Ozarks is held during the 4th of July weekend also known as Cowboy Christmas it was action packed. The cowboys and cowgirls were working extra hard for their money that weekend. It was exciting to be in the arena with such amazing talents like PRCA bullfighter Clay Collins, pick-up man Jason Bottoms, two time announcer of the year Boyd Polhamus. I was also honored to have my picture taken with my favorite PRCA cowboy Billy Etbauer!! Specialty act " Wild Thing " Tim Lepard and his Team Ghost riders ("aka" talented dog riding monkeys) were also nice enough to stop for a photo with me!

I was giving a very special honor during this rodeo. At the 4th of July performance I led the Grand Entry with Old Glory. I then posted our country's flag as the National Anthem played. Sitting in the center of the arena with the American flag on the 4th of July while thousands sang along. . . . . . . . words cannot describe that feelings that I felt. That is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.













Down the road I went once again! From one end of the state to the other. . . . . . the Crossett PRCA Rodeo was my next destination. Here I met one of the nicest announcers of the sport of rodeo, Mr. Scott Grover.("aka" named by the locals as Scrot by accident and it stuck!) He made as many public appearances as we queens did. He was great to work with during radio interviews, luncheons, and at the rodeo as well.

I spent my week in Crossett with an extra big smile on my face. All because of one of my favorite legendary funny men Lecile Harris. During one of our luncheons we had the opportunity to hear him speak about his life. Even without his make-up and props he can still make a room roar with laughter. What a pleasure it was to experience a week full of his talent.


Earlier in the year I had attended a PRCA rodeo in Forrest City. I had thought for certain that was the muddiest I would ever be in my life ........ I was very wrong! The first night of the rodeo there was going to be no grand entry. They had no one to post the colors or to lead the grand entry due to the very flooded arena conditions. This sounded like the perfect job for me! So after sweet talking a few people and convincing them that I did know what I was getting into, I started off the rodeo with Old Glory flying! As I exited the arena I couldn't help but look at my white hat, chaps, and Wranglers. . . . . . they were caked in mud! Thanks Amber, Miss Teen Rodeo Arkansas for being cowgirl enough to follow my lead :) We made a good team!!




Each night we helped stock contractor Charley Lowry push cattle and carry sponsor flags. Then after each performance, my horse Dotty and I would get hosed down.........literally! Thanks to the rodeo committee for giving us a trailer spot next to the water faucet! Each nightI would return to my room and start scrubbing the mud off my banner, hat, chaps, and clothes once more! Just a small price to pay to be part of such an amazing sport!



My path has lead me to gain so many wonderful memories and new found friends. I would like once again say thank you to all of the Rodeo Committees for all of their hard work. Each one of you made me feel welcome in your towns and at your rodeos. Thank you to Pat Hutter for making the Miss Rodeo Ozarks Pageant such a success! Thank you to all my friends at Rodeo Of The Ozarks. . . Dodd Family, Tyler, Jill, and Melinda. . . . . you made my trip a great one. To Lynn Spain for letting me take part in The Old Fort Days Pageant once again. Thank you to the Old Fort Days Rodeo Committee it was a pleasure to represent you. I loved getting to know each and every one of you. To Celeste White of Creative Leather & Tack for letting me visit with every one in your tent each night after the rodeo.( you will always be my favorite Celestey, I love my chaps!!!) A big thank you to all the visiting royalty and all the pageant contestants, I had a great time with all of you.


" Life is not a destination. . . but the road that you travel to get there."


Micki Musick

Miss Rodeo Arkansas