Miss Rodeo Wyoming crowned
Bailee Mackey, the Evanston Cowboy Days Queen, was crowned 2024 Miss Rodeo Wyoming on Aug. 18 at the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) rodeo.
Mackey is the second Evanston Cowboy Days Queen to hold the Miss Rodeo Wyoming title. She is the daughter of Payton and Marlene Mackey, a fifth-generation rancher attending Utah State University, pursuing a degree in equine science and management, while receiving a minor in agricultural business.
Mackey enjoys riding horses on her family’s ranch, working cattle, riding snowmobiles in the cold, dirt bikes in the summer and tweaking motors in her spare time, along with competing in the Intermountain Reining Horse Association, coaching the Utah State University’s Equestrian Team, as well as improving the health of animals as a certified PEMF Magnawave practitioner.
The pageant
The contestants were judged in various categories by a panel of three qualified judges including Deborah Dilley, Mike Lorash and Codi Miller. Personality, appearance and horsemanship scores are weighed equally in the selection of Miss Rodeo Wyoming.
Mackey is planning a coronation in Evanston later this fall after traveling to Las Vegas to support Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2023 Reata Cook at the Miss Rodeo America 2024 pageant.
She will secure sponsors and confirm her first few appearances as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2024 once she officially begins her reign on Jan. 1, 2024.
Mackey will be awarded a scholarship upon completing her reign.
Additionally, first runner-up Miss Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous Rodeo Queen Dusty Miller will receive a $500 scholarship from the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Foundation.
The association
The Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association (MRWA) was founded in 1977 to support, promote and guide ladies who reign as Miss Rodeo Wyoming.
The MRWA assists Miss Rodeo Wyoming in organizing a coronation benefit held in their hometown and helps the newly crowned queen raise funds for her reigning year.
The association also helps with miscellaneous fundraisers, sponsorship donations fund, travel, wardrobe and expenses for Miss Rodeo Wyoming.
According to MRWA National Director Crystal Myers, Miss Rodeo Wyoming symbolizes the youth of the state who wish to further promote agriculture and the sport of professional rodeo. And, in doing so, promote the great Western way of life while consistently modeling and demonstrating quality characteristics as she travels extensively across the state of Wyoming as well as across the U.S.
Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
