Denim, fringes and the bling of rhinestone studs are definitely making a huge fashion comeback this spring, not only on the rodeo circuit but in mainstream and high fashion trends.
Some of that fashion forward western styling was featured in the 2016 Stampede Queen Contest fashion show held Friday evening, June 24 at Lake City Secondary School’s Williams Lake campus.
Fashions were supplied by Cariboo Spurs Apparel and Tack and by Brigette Peel who made many of the gowns and fancy shirts worn by the models.
The show featured fashions for all occasions from formal dances to Canada Day celebrations, Tough Enough to Wear Pink Stampede days, and casual outings on the riding trail or around a campfire.
Between dress changes the audience was treated to a game of black-out bingo, cupcake decorating and a purse or bag scavenger hunt for items such as a pen, bobbypins, a quarter from the 90s and more.
The evening combined the fashion show with the impromptu questions and formal speeches on the topic of the contestants’ choice.
All three contestants chose serious topics with lengthy discussions on each topic.
Cheyenne Shoults, Miss Mueller Electric (Div.II) Ltd. talked about the hurt that labels can have on people and rising above that sort of discrimination.
Tanisleigh Evans, Miss Eldorado Log Hauling Ltd. talked about gang violence in the community and how it hurts young people and families.
Dana Rook, Miss West Fraser Mills talked about the Canadian military history and her family involvement in the service.
Joining the Stampede Queen contestants modelling in the show were Terris Billyboy, the 2012 Stampede Princess; Kaylee Billyboy, the 2014 B.C. High School Rodeo Princess; and 2015/16 Stampede Queen Cheyleigh Sand.
Cheyleigh, along with 2012 Stampede Queen Alexis Forseille and 2013 Stampede Princess Karina Sukert hosted the event.
The Stampede Queen contest wound up with the coronation dinner and dance Saturday evening, June 25 at the Pioneer Complex, where Cheyenne Shoults became the 2016/17 Stampede Queen.
Cheyenne galloped away with most of the awards: public speaking; personal interview; written exam on knowledge of rodeo and Williams Lake; fashion show; horsemanship theory and practical riding exams.
Dana won the award for personality, poise and maturity.
Retiring Stampede Queen Cheyleigh was presented with a $1,000 Williams Lake Stampede Association Scholarship.
Cheyleigh and each of the contestants were also presented with a framed 2016 Stampede poster.
The contestants also all went home with matching pairs of horseshoe shaped gold and diamond studded earrings and a total of $650 in scholarship funds each, thanks to contributions from numerous major sponsors.
Cheyleigh and all three of the contestants will be participating in the grand entry ceremonies to open the Stampede rodeos this week and weekend.
Rodeos are lined up for 6:45 p.m. Thursday; 12:45 p.m. Friday (Family Day, kids under age 12 free); 6:45 p.m. Friday (Wear Red Day to Support the Armed Forces); 1:45 p.m. Saturday; and Sunday at 12:45 p.m. (Tough Enough to Wear Pink day).