With the deadline for Cochrane Rodeo Royalty contestants fast approaching, the contest remains without applicants, leaving the committee to look to alternatives to keep the program alive.
“At this point we still have no contestants and in order to make it a competition, we need at least three competitors,” said Tim Haight, senior Lions Club member, who added that former royalty may be called upon to split up events this year if there is no option for a new queen.
Cochrane saw its first Rodeo Royalty queen and princess bestowed with their respective crowns at the 2010 Cochrane Labour Day Lions Rodeo. Since then, two girls between the ages of 18 to 25 have been elected each year. They serve to represent Cochrane’s western heritage and the Lions Club by attending various rodeos and community celebrations province wide.
The time commitment is considerable, with royalty attending more than 60 events annually, but the glory, perks and experience is thought to be invaluable.
Former royalty queen Candice Lee went on to become the Centennial Stampede Queen (2012); Kelsey Reinboldt-Lynch (2011/12) went on to become Miss Airdrie Rodeo 2013; and two former royalty members have gone on to run for Miss Rodeo Canada.
Due to a lack of interest in the program this year, the committee will only be seeking to fulfil one position – the royalty queen – to relieve current queen Nicole Bauer of her duties and be crowned on the final day of the rodeo (the Monday); current princess is Corinne Blair.
Shannon Black was the 2012 rodeo princess, who continued on to be a Calgary Stampede princess.
“The experiences and skills I gained from my year as the 2012 princess are truly invaluable,” said Black, who works in marketing and volunteers for the Calgary Stampede Next Generation Committee.
“I had countless opportunities to better my public speaking skills. I met so many people from all walks of life and was able to act as a representative for the Lions Club and the community of Cochrane … these skills have aided me professionally and I believe have helped shape me to become who I am today.”
Haight stressed that the applicants need not be from Cochrane, but must have their own horse and means to transport their steed to events.
To learn more or to apply visit cochranelionsroyalty.com or call Susan Black at 403-830-1726; the tentative deadline is Aug. 25.
