Happy New Year everyone!
Wow, half way through our reign and it seems like just yesterday we were newly crowned and at Stampede.
November and December were some eventful, but easy-going months.
At the beginning of November, Savannah Davies-Laviolette and I, as well as our two chaperones, went over to Edmonton, Alberta.
We went with Willie Crosina’s bus tour but left early in our own vehicle so that we were able to attend some of the Miss Rodeo Canada competition.
It was such a pleasure to watch our 2008 Stampede Queen Britnie McKnight and our 2009 Stampede Queen Kirsten Braumandl compete for the Miss Rodeo Canada title and they both did a phenomenal job. And, of course, the cherry on top of it all was seeing our very own Kirsten Braumandl win the Miss Rodeo Canada Princess title.
Having a chance to attend the Canadian Finals Rodeo was an amazing experience, never mind being able to see all six performances.
Every day was something just a little different, and we got to see all sorts of different acts at intermission.
We handed out autographed Stampede postcards to kids and people of all ages and we even got autographs from some of the athletes.
It really was a great opportunity.
During the end of November I was able to attend the Hospice table set up in the Boitanio Mall and it was quite fun.
I met a few different people who worked at the table with me and saw so many people hang ornaments on the tree for people that they wanted to remember.
I also attended the Spirit Square and rode in a wagon for the parade, had my picture taken with the sled dogs and mingled with the crowd.
I was amazed at how many people showed up and were committed to it, even though it was cold.
In December, we attended a few events. First, we attended the Yuletide Dinner and assisted in handing out plates of food and cleaning up, as well as visiting with the people attending and signing autographs for them.
Then, I attended the Hospice Memory Tree Celebration. I handed out programs and was able to enjoy the celebration as well as the lighting of the tree.
It was truly a touching event.
Savannah and I then attended the Canadian Country Christmas at the Gibraltar Room. We took tickets at the door and worked the merchandise table. It was lots of fun listening to the music, and the performers were all very talented.
To finish the year off, we attended the Child Development Centre/Overlander Christmas Wish Buffet.
Staples Business Depot donated toys for us to leave under the tree along with all the toys donated. People coming for breakfast brought armfuls and box-fulls of toys for underprivileged children. I was amazed at the support from the community.
We had breakfast and helped set tables and clear them as well as talk to the many people coming and going.
I hope that everyone had great holidays and I wish you all the best in the new year!
The 2011 Stampede Queen competition applications are now out.
You can pick up your applications at City Hall, Bob’s Shoe Repairs, Willie’s Western Wear, Gladies Fashions, Cariboo Spurs Tack and Apparel, and the Williams Lake Tourist Discovery Centre.
If you are interested, please pick one up. We love to see new contestants and would enjoy having you as a part of the program.