Alexis Forseille, the 2012/13 Williams Lake Stampede Queen, is counting down the days now until she makes her run for Miss Rodeo Canada.
“Things have been very busy with only 20 days to the start of the pageant,” Alexis says. “I was in Airdrie, Alberta for a Miss Rodeo Canada Fundraiser at the Roper Warehouse on September 26 and since then everything seems to be ramping up for the competition.”
To prepare for the pageant Alexis, 20, has been taking lessons with Tammy Keith-McNally at Horse Basics and Beyond and has also had the opportunity to ride horses she hasn’t met before with Lori Rankin at Eagleview Equestrian Centre.
“I’ve also been busy memorizing my speech, practicing impromptu questions, refreshing my horsemanship knowledge, studying rodeo knowledge and practicing modelling for the fashion show!” Alexis says.
She says the pageant itself is going to be quick as it is scheduled to happen over five days between November 3 and 7.
Alexis will be heading over to Edmonton on Oct. 31.
“I have volunteered for the Black Tie Bingo on Nov. 1, a fundraising dinner and auction hosted at Northlands Expo Centre for the cowboy benevolent fund,” Alexis says. “Although it is not mandatory for the competition, I’ll be able to meet many people right before the pageant starts. And then it all begins!”
Monday, Nov. 3 the horsemanship competition runs at Northlands-Rexall Place.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is the written exam and personal interview.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 is the speech competition.
Thursday, Nov. 6 contestants participate in a public appearance day in Edmonton.
Friday, Nov. 7 is the Ladies of Canadian Professional Rodeo Fashion Show and Lunch followed by the crowning of the 2015 Miss Rodeo Canada at the Friday night rodeo performance.
“I am looking forward to every portion of the contest with my favourites being the personal interview, speech and fashion show,” Alexis says.
Alexis has many sponsors to help her with the costs of participating in the contest.
“Lake Excavating Ltd. is my lead sponsor and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have provided me with over the past four years,” Alexis says. Adding to her helpers list are R. Micheal Tarcon Inc., United Carpet, Total Ice, Woodland Jewellers Ltd., and Prosperity Ridge Shopping Centre who she says have all been generous sponsors.
“I can’t thank them all enough,” Alexis says.
Raised on her grandfather’s hobby ranch, Alexis has spent the two years since she served as the Williams Lake Stampede Queen in 2012/13 studying science at the Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Alexis has an enduring love for rodeo, and enjoys promoting the sport and the region’s western heritage through her leadership and volunteer roles and travel to other communities.
She took her first horseback ride at the age of nine months and has completed the third level of the Western Equestrian Preparation Program. She enjoys participating in gymkhanas and colt starting clinics.
For the past few years Alexis has volunteered for the Williams Lake Stampeders, the Williams lake SPCA, the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo, Williams Lake Stampede and at TRU in Kamloops for various science activity days.
“I try to volunteer within the community wherever help is needed and whenever I can attend!” Alexis says, who has also worked at Lake Excavation for the past four summers.