Rodeo Appearances

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One of the most exciting aspects of holding a rodeo queen title is being introduced on horseback, especially at your hometown rodeo.  The energy of being behind the scenes, the anticipation, the speed, the pride.  It all equals 20 seconds or so of pure rodeo queen adrenaline rush.

A titleholder should never just show up at a rodeo and assume she'll be allowed in the arena to make a queen's run.  It's imperative to make contact prior to an event, preferably seven or more days in advance, with the rodeo committee.  If a rodeo has a rodeo queen pageant you should contact the pageant coordinator.  No queen coordinator wants to be surprised by an unannounced visiting queen, it's in bad form to do so and will not make a very good impression. If there is no queen program then the rodeo committee president would be your starting point, or make contact with the stock contractor.  

If you get the go ahead to attend then you will want to make sure you have all of the details for the event.  These details can include, but are not limited to:
  • Will you need to arrange for your own mount or will the committee be able to supply a horse for you?
  • Are there other activities you'll be involved with?  Autograph signings, visits to schools, etc.
  • Is a special parking pass needed?  Where is the parking located?  If you're bringing your own horse and staying overnight, is stalling available?
  • If this is more than a one performance rodeo and you need lodging, are there hotels nearby?  Host families?  Trailer plug-ins?
  • Will you be expected to carry sponsor flags or clear the arena of cattle?
  • If a queen pageant is being held are there associated events such as a fashion show in which you can participate in?  If so, how are you expected to dress - dress or arena outfit?
  • What time does the performance begin?  Are there pre-rodeo activities that you'll need to be at?
Upon arriving at the rodeo grounds check in with your contact to let them know you've arrived.  Ask where you can locate the announcer and give the announcer your intro sheet (no smaller than a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper).   The intro card should be typed and not scrawled on a napkin in crayon.  It should be formatted with an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman in a 12 - 16 point size.  Keep your intro short, name, title and hometown are all that are really needed, but you may add your school and grade (college major if attending college), your parents names and a short invite to attend the rodeo you are representing (Suzy invites you to attend the Hot Springs rodeo July 29 - 30).  Don't expect a rodeo announcer to read a 600 word bio about you, save that for your autograph sheets.  It is also acceptable to have a small photo of yourself in crown and banner on your intro sheet so the announcer can recognize you.  There are some rodeos which will require this information before you appear so they can ready the introductions for the announcer.

Arriving early for an event will eliminate stress to you and those in charge.  If you are to be saddled and ready to go at 6:30 then be saddled and ready to go at 6:20.  Few rodeo announcers will wait for a queen to arrive and it's not unheard of for queens to be passed over because they were late.

Not every rodeo provides a queen's run for every queen that wants one.  For instance, the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa introduces visiting royalty other than Miss Rodeo Iowa, Miss Rodeo Illinois and Miss Rodeo Missouri during a pre-rodeo show, and those queen runs are reserved for queens representing PRCA rodeos.  Miss Rodeo Iowa, Miss Rodeo Illinois and Miss Rodeo Missouri are introduced during the grand entry and opening ceremonies.

Graciousness and good manners go a long way in making your reign a memorable and successful year. Do your best to communicate promptly with rodeo committees and you will set a positive tone not only for your appearance but for the queens who follow in your footsteps.