My next Miss Rodeo Iowa adventure took me back to Nebraska again. It was time for the Justin Boot Championships. The top 12 cowboys and cowgirls in each event would be there fighting for the title of champion. I was having some company on this trip as I have on other trips. I was so excited for Paige Oveson, Miss Rodeo Minnesota and Brooke Owen, Miss Rodeo Illinois to be coming with me.
We all met in Ames and got on the road. We arrived in Omaha Thursday evening just in time to help with stick horse races before the first performance. We had a great time helping with the mutton bustin’ during the performance and being able to watch an amazing rodeo with the top of the top cowboys and cowgirls. I was especially excited to watch Wade Sundell from Boxholm, Iowa ride. He did a great job and ended up getting second in that go. After the rodeo the queens and all of the rodeo contestants were available to sign autographs; it was amazing to see so many of the top competitors be there for their fans.
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| The horse Trigger |
Once we all signed a lot of autographs we headed over to the hotel across the street for the buckle presentation. They had a great turn out to watch the top cowboys and cowgirl for the night receive their buckle. Once all the excitement was over (and we got a late night snack in us) we headed to our host home. We were staying just a little bit away from the arena and it was a beautiful home with a great family! On Friday morning we were back at the arena bright and early to help with a special rodeo. A lot of the contestants showed up to help a child experience all the wonderful parts of a rodeo. They had different animals available to pet, horses to ride, bucking machines, roping dummies and even rodeo clowns. There was such a great turn out and we all finished off the event with a wonderful lunch. There were inspirational speakers at the lunch and I left there with a new view and passion about life.
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| Me and Paige by a sleeping gorilla at the zoo |
To see so many people follow their dreams is very uplifting. That night at the rodeo was another good one. We helped again with the mutton bustin’ and were able to watch the rodeo. That night Wade had an alright right; the flank strap had fallen over the hip of the horse so he was given a re-ride. Now his re-ride, that was something else! He did great and ended up winning that go round! It was really great seeing him up on that stage (and his little brother) being so proud and happy! He had a great Iowa following as well that made me be proud to be Miss Rodeo Iowa. On Saturday morning we had a short walking parade down the streets near the arena. It was really cool to be in a parade through Omaha like that. After the parade we had the rest of the day free so we took advantage of going to the Omaha Zoo! I hadn’t been there since I was in 6th grade so it was very fun to go back and have a relaxing day. At the rodeo that night was the top 8 cowboys in each event. Wade did amazing in that go receiving an 89 point ride!
During intermission we helped with mutton bustin’ again and went back to our seats to watch the final go of the top 4 cowboys and cowgirls. It was a great rodeo and made it even better to be able to watch Wade get a 90 point ride!!! The crowd went wild and I was so proud to be an Iowan!
That night at the buckle presentation we were all so excited to have Wade receive the championship! He was so happy all he could do was giggle! It was a great night to be from Iowa. We finished the night by chatted with the contestants and fans. It was a great time in Omaha and I was so happy I was able to experience it. Sunday morning we headed back, tired and ready to get back into Las Vegas preparation mood. The pageant will be here before you know it!
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| Wade Sundell and his brother |
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