Miss Rodeo America Pageant held in conjunction with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Las Vegas – The Miss Rodeo America Pageant took place Nov. 27 – Dec. 4 at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals (WNFR) Rodeo Dec. 1-10. Contestants across 28 states competed for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America 2023. 

Contestants competed in the categories of horsemanship, appearance, personality, speech and written test. Several contestants representing the Mountain States placed in the top 10. 

Schedule 

The contestants competed in a variety of events during the week-long pageant. The contestant judges included Tana Brinkman, Brenda Pickett, Stran Smith and Stan Weaver. 

On Nov. 27, contestants checked in and took their written test. They had official contestant introductions, moved into the South Point and finished the day with a fashion show rehearsal. 

On Nov. 28, pageant activities included personality interviews, fashion show rehearsal and a Get Acquainted Party, where contestants showcased their decorated Wrangler outfits and answered an impromptu question. 

On Nov. 29, contestants started the day with horsemanship by riding two draw horses. They completed a pattern chosen by the judges, a freestyle pattern and a queens run. Contestants had horsemanship interviews and fashion show rehearsal throughout the day and ended with a WNFR welcome reception.  

The day started with contestant speeches on Nov. 30, followed by horsemanship interviews, fashion show rehearsals and an awards banquet. 

Horsemanship interviews and fashion show rehearsals continued on Dec. 1. Contestants participated in a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) luncheon where they answered an impromptu question. Contestants then had fashion show rehearsal and attended the first round of the WNFR. 

On Dec. 2, contestants modeled several sponsored outfits in the fashion show as well as a trendy Western outfit of the contestant’s choice. The day rounded out with a contestant dinner and coronation rehearsal. 

The contestants continued with a coronation rehearsal on Dec. 3 and then attended the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Auction. 

Coronation concluded the week’s activities on Dec. 4.

Results 

The top 10 included Miss Rodeo Arizona Kennadee Riggs, Miss Rodeo Washington Lexy Hibbs, Miss Rodeo New Mexico Jamee Middagh, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Adrianne Schaunaman, Miss Rodeo Kentucky Morgan Askins, Miss Rodeo Colorado Ashley Baller, Miss Rodeo Nebraska Bailey Lehr, Miss Rodeo Louisiana Sydney Albritton, Miss Rodeo North Dakota Elise Burwell and Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin. 

The top five, listed fifth through first respectively included, Louisiana, Washington, Colorado, South Dakota and Arizona. 

Riggs won the categories of horsemanship, personality, appearance and the title of Miss Rodeo America 2023. Schaunaman won the speech and photogenics category.  

Other award winners included the Montana Silversmith Wear The West Your Way Award to Miss Rodeo Florida Makayla Baker, the Written Test Award to Hibbs, the Roxann Harris Memorial Competitive Spirit Scholarship to Riggs, the Traction Financial Award to Baller, the Sherry Lynn Mitchell Smith Memorial Scholarship to Miss Rodeo Minnesota Sophia Hillman, the 50 Pink Horses Challenge to Miss Rodeo Montana Briann Grimshaw, the Bex Beauty Award to Schaunaman, the Desiree Larson Memorial Achievement Award to Miss Rodeo California Jackie Scarry and Miss Congeniality to Miss Rodeo Hawaii Noel Tancayo. 

Awards were given for scrapbook winners as well. First through fourth place winners for the digital scrapbook, respectively, were Scarry, Miss Rodeo Arkansas Molly Musick, Middagh and Baller. The traditional scrapbook winners included Hibbs, Miss Rodeo Idaho Taylor Hymas, Askins and Lehr, first through fourth, respectively. The best scrapbook cover was awarded to Scarry. 

The Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation awarded every contestant who did not place in the top 10 a $1,500 scholarship. In total, over $100,000 in scholarships was awarded. 

Riggs will continue her travels in 2023 representing Miss Rodeo America Inc. and the PRCA. 

Results of the WNFR will be published in a future edition of the Roundup after the conclusion of round 10 on Dec. 10. 

Brittany Gunn is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.