The 2011 Williams Lake Stampede Queen contestants have been attending private classes and public events over the past few months as part of their ongoing training.
Early on in the contest Miss Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association Bobi Bracewell, Miss Cariboo Spurs Apparel and Tack Alexia Colton, and Miss Macon Construction Davana Mahon, visited the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
They were given a guided tour by museum manager Pat Skoblanuik and Anna Dell, former Stampede Royalty and B.C. Ambassador.
Skoblanuik and Dell shared their knowledge about the Williams Lake area and the Williams Lake Stampede.
Some of the information learned will be part of the contestants’ written exam later in June.
During the past few months the contestants have participated in a wide variety of community events — the community nutrition walk, Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Eagle View Equestrian Centre’s Horsin’ Around in the Cariboo, a reception dinner at Carmen’s Restaurant for Miss Rodeo Canada, Kezia Morrison and Miss Rodeo Canada Princess, Kirsten Braumandl, the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo and various other community events.
Prior the dinner the contestants participated in an etiquette seminar with Morrison, Braumandl and Dell in which they were coached on everything from table etiquette to beauty tips.
Attending public events provides the contestants with opportunities to become comfortable in the public eye and in public speaking to go with the formal speech craft lessons they have taken with Audrey Eckert and with the Toastmasters Club.
The public was invited to come and watch as the contestants participated in their speech craft finals on April 20 in city hall council chambers.
The contestants were given two impromptu questions each and presented a formal speech of their choice.
Bobi chose the topic: “My friend, my life, my horses.” Alexia chose the topic: “Wild horses of Brittany Triangle.” Davana chose the topic: “That movement called 4-H.”
In early April the contestants introduced themselves to city council and received their banners from Mayor Kerry Cook and tiaras from Stampede president Fred Thomas.
They have had their formal portraits taken with Craig Smith of Aboutface Photography and received new Carhartt jackets from sponsor Bobs Shoes and Repairs and Susan Colgate.
Sandy and Jo-Anne at Adorn & Beauty Naturally are teaching the contestants the art of makeup application and skin care and sharing advice on how to look great for their many upcoming appearances.
The contestants are taking training in horsemanship with Janice Sapp and will be judged on horsemanship in the Stampede Grounds on Wednesday, June 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to come and watch.
The Stampede Queen coronation takes place at the Elks Hall on June 25 at which time reigning Stampede Queen Savannah Davies-Laviolette and Stampede Princess Nicole Roberts will crown their successors.
If you have a function you would like the current royalty or 2011 contestants to attend, contact the WL Stampede Committee at wl.stampede.queen@gmail.com.
Information submitted by the 2011 Williams Lake Stampede Queen contestants.