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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 8, 2011)
community february8 2011 Happy Trails: A Report From the Rodeo Road By Mackenzie Carr Miss Rodeo Oregon 2011 Hello, everyone! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Mackenzie Carr. I am the daughter of Barb and Alan Carr and have lived in Ver- nonia for sixteen years. I was a 2008 graduate and Valedictorian of Vernonia High School, as well as a nine-year member of Co- lumbia County Horse 4-H. Continuing my involvement with the Co- lumbia County Fair and Rodeo, I served as one of the 2007 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Princesses and Queen in 2008. In 2009, I went on to represent the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association as their Miss NPRA. In July 2010, I was found vying for the pres- tigious title of Miss Rodeo Oregon. In addition to winning the title, I earned the awards of Appearance, Speech, Knowledge, Horsemanship, Personality, and Photogenic. As Miss Rodeo Oregon 2011, I will be traveling over 30,000 miles throughout Oregon, the United States, and Canada promoting the great state of Oregon and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associa- tion. I began my reign as Miss Rodeo Oregon on January 1 st , 2011. My first event was Miss Rodeo Washington Amanda Emerson’s coronation on January 8 th . My National Director, aka my boss, and I made the 8-hour trek to Omak, Washington for the celebration. Not only was it a fun-filled road trip, the evening was full of many laughs as well. Amanda had a great turn- out, and to see the community support behind her was amazing. The following week, I had the privilege of at- tending the WESA Market and the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, January 13 th through the 17 th . This was one of the few trips that my mom was allowed to tag along on. We attended the Market with one of my generous sponsors, Joanne Sunnarborg of Desperado in Bend, Oregon. To say the least, it was overwhelming to see the number of vendors in the Mar- ket. There had to be thousands of companies-- every- thing from western clothing, belts, boots, and hats to saddles, ropes, and home décor. I spent three days at the Market and still did not see it all. I did, however, meet some really great people who graciously spon- 7 sored me. Thank you to Wrangler, Dan Post Boots, Bailey Hats, and Justin Boots. I cannot wait to wear your merchandise with pride. The rest of my time in Denver was spent at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. I attended three rodeo performances on Saturday and two on Sunday. I had the privilege of riding some of Binion Cervi’s horses. These are the same horses that are used during the Wrangler National Finals to pack the flags during the rodeo. All five of the horses he provided were black with white saddles and headstalls; the dras- tic contrast looked so sharp in the arena. Thank you again to the Cervi Rodeo Company and all of the horse handlers for providing and helping with the horses. My coronation fundraiser will be held on March 5 th at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, Oregon. Details are on the Miss Rodeo Oregon Web- site at www.missrodeooregon.com. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to purchase a ticket. I would love to pack the room full of people from my hometown! Well, I am currently sitting in the airport on my way to San Antonio, Texas. I will then fly to Rapid City, South Dakota, for the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo. When I get home, I will have more stories to come. Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Court Coronation Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Also Crowned Once again Columbia County was home to a joint rodeo royalty coronation. The 2011 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Court held joint coronation ceremonies with the 2011 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon . The 2011 Court consists of Queen Emily Simpson of St. Helens, Princess Kelsey Lanphear of Deer Island, and Princess Emily Nodland of St. Helens . The 2011 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon is Haley Jones of St. Helens. The ceremonies took place at the Columbia County Pavilion on Saturday, January 22. The evening’s events included dinner, silent and live auctions, and coronation ceremonies. A special, fun highlight of the evening was a “Mr. Columbia County Pageant.” There was also a special display honoring past Columbia County royalty of the last 20 years, highlighting those that have gone onto represent other rodeos and organization as royalty. In the past eight years, Columbia County has been home to three Miss Rodeo Oregons, three Miss Northwest Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA), three Miss Teen Rodeo Oregons, and three Junior Miss Rodeo Oregons, as well as representing rodeos such as St. Paul Rodeo, Molalla Buckeroo, Crooked River Roundup, Salem Rodeo, Santiam Canyon Stampede, Tillamook Rodeo, Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo, Benton County Fair & Rodeo, and Umpqua Valley Roundup. The Columbia County Fairboard is accepting applications for the position of Fair and Rodeo Court Coordinator. If interested, please contact the fair office. Photos provided Studios by Creekside Emily Simpson is crowned 2011 Columbia County Rodeo Queen by 2010 Queen, Leilani Schmidt. 2011 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon, Haley Jones, is crowned by 2010 JMRO, Savanaha Ball. Both young ladies are from St. Helens. SAVE THE DATE! What: Miss Rodeo Oregon 2011 Coronation Fundraiser Where: Spirit Mountain Casino - Grand Ronde, Oregon When: March 5 th - Doors Open 5pm, Dinner Served 6pm Now Available at Sentry Market Made with fresh ingredients in Vernonia Not just a salad dressing Delicious as a dip for wings & vegies Try it on chicken or steak An experience you should not miss! Cost: $35 in Advance, $40 at the Door Royalty Receives a $5 Discount For Tickets Contact: Lynn Haynes, National Director: 503-502-6319 skottysmom@msn.com Discount MRO Room Block Available at The Lodge at Spirit Mountain Casino. BOOK EARLY ROOMS LIMITED.
