Arleta’s February Update
First off, I must apologize; I am a little late on giving you all an update on what I have been up to these last couple months! January was a super fun month for me as I was able to attend the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, CO, where I had the opportunity to represent Canada in the opening ceremony. Along with Miss Rodeo Colorado and Miss Rodeo North Dakota, I got to carry their National Western Stock Show Flag. I was also honoured to run sponsor flags during the intermission.
I also attended the Denver International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market (WESA). It was amazing to be able to assist at the Roper & Stetson booth. I got some time to walk around, and I did spend more money than I had planned but I found some wonderful jewelry, belts, and a hat that I just had to have!
The Airdrie Pro Rodeo Royalty also had an opportunity to attend the WESA Market; I had a wonderful time showing them around the market and having breakfast with them. It was great to hear about how their year has been going so far.
I would like to thank Roper and Stetson for everything they have done for the Miss Rodeo Canada program: Miss Pat Thompson & Mr. John Cavey for hosting us at their VIP booth at the rodeo and Jodie Martin, the Denver Queen Coordinator, for providing me with an opportunity to represent Canada in the arena. All in all, a trip I will remember forever. I was able to fly down to Texas after my Denver stay to attend the Young Pro Training camp where I sat in on lots of sessions and got to do some team roping. I attended this camp as just Arleta Bowhay and had a wonderful time along with my brother and mother. Then, I had to jump on a plane to be back in time to attend the Alberta Feeders Convention in Red Deer, AB where I was able to help with the annual STARS fundraiser. I was amazed at the support from different associations and the huge amount of money we raised for STARS. And with that, my January wraps up and into February we go.
February was a pretty slow month for me. I have been able to just hang out at home during the week, helping do different things around the farm as well as have some free time before rodeo season starts – when I won’t get much free time at all! Weekends were a lot busier. The first weekend of February I attended the Alberta Agriculture Association Society in Edmonton, AB where I brought Agriculture Minister Evan Berger out in the opening ceremonies. I also got to meet and visit with different MLAs from across Alberta. I had some time to hang out and visit with the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Queen and Princess as they were also attending the event. The following day, I was at the Country Road RV show in Olds, AB where I got to hand out balloons to kids and help sell hot dogs for clients that were looking at RVs. This is my third year helping at the RV show, so it was nice to be able to see old faces and have some wonderful conversations.
The Second weekend I attended the Sundre Trapper’s Banquet and Fundraiser in Sundre, AB. Along with the Sundre Pro Rodeo Queen and Princess and the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Queen and Princess, I helped sell raffle tickets.
Third weekend I was able to take part in Sundre’s Winter Fest at the Sundre Museum, where I greeted people as they came in the door and I also worked a couple different fundraiser stations. I got to work this event with Miss Rodeo Sundre – Bronwen Bowhay who just so happens to be my little sister so it was a lot of fun!
And the fourth weekend I had off from queening but was honoured to be able to judge the Mountain View District 4-H area in public speaking. I had an interview with Western Horse Review which was a lot of fun. And that wraps up my month of February and we are moving along into March!
God Bless
Arleta Bowhay
Miss Rodeo Canada 2012