Miss Rodeo Wainwight - Harleigh Zack
Harleigh was raised on a ranch west of Kitscoty, Alberta. Like other farm kids, she grew up immersed in the western lifestyle. Harleigh was heavily involved in 4H, rodeo, and competitive dance. These activities taught her many life skills including teamwork, leadership, and public speaking which she believes have translated into all aspects of her life and have built the foundation for the person that she is today.
After high school, Harleigh moved to Edmonton to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from MacEwan University. She graduated with Distinction with a major in Accounting and a minor in Human Resources, and is now working towards obtaining her Chartered Professional Accountant designation while working full time in public practice.
As the world paused and life slowed down amidst the Covid restrictions, she returned home and had the chance to discover who she was and what was truly important to her. Harleigh reconnected with her western roots and felt more at home than she had in the past 4 years. It was during this time that she aligned her values and revisited her dream of becoming a Rodeo Queen as it was the perfect way to inspire and promote community and the western culture through embodiment, education, and encouragement.
Harleigh believes that a life best lived is one full of service, and therefore is constantly seeking opportunities to give back to the community and different organizations. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, promoting health and fitness, and a good cup of coffee.
Her goal is to help individuals who come to a rodeo as simple spectators, leave as lifelong fans and hopes to accomplish this on a larger scale through achieving her goal of becoming Miss Rodeo Canada 2023.
Miss Ponoka Stampede - Mackenzie Skeels
Mackenzie Skeels grew up with her family at Anchor D Simmentals just outside of Rimbey, where she is the fourth generation on this farm. Her first cow was given to her and from there she has bought, traded and raised cattle expanding her herd to 35 head. Her leadership roles through her 12 years of 4-H and the Young Canadian Simmental Association (YCSA), began her journey of promoting the western way of life.
Some highlights for her are winning five national aggregate titles with the National YCSA and competing in the American Junior Simmental Association shows in 2016 and 2018 as the representative from Canada. Furthermore, competing in regional level public speaking with 4-H and being selected to attend the 2018 4-H Canadian Citizenship Congress in Ottawa at Parliament. Skeels also had the honor of being crowned the 2017 Rimbey Rodeo Queen, 2019/2020 Sundre Rodeo Queen and Miss Ponoka Stampede 2022. Mackenzie is thankful for the experiences and knowledge each title has given her.
With her Media Studies and Professional Communications diploma, and current job with Direct Livestock Marketing Systems, Mackenzie is utilizing the skills she has developed to further her passion and involvement in the rodeo and agriculture industry. She plans on continuing to bridge the gap between urban and rural in various ways including educating people on where their food comes from, bringing people back to their western roots alongside connecting them to the original extreme sport.
Miss Strathmore Stampede - Martina Holtkamp
Martina Holtkamp is no stranger to agriculture and the rodeo community. The 25 year old was raised on a mixed farming operation just west of Rimbey, Alberta. Her love for agriculture led her to pursue an education at Olds College where she graduated with a diploma in Agriculture Management and a degree in Agribusiness. She further pursued a certificate in Business Marketing through Red Deer College. For the last 4 years, Martina has been employed full time at Farm Credit Canada where she works in the finance sector of agriculture. She is proud to work alongside farmers and support the industry that feeds the world.
In the rodeo arena is where Martina spends more than her fair share of time. She is an avid competitor in multiple events from barrel racing and pole bending to goat tying and ladies cow riding. She is a past president of the Olds College Rodeo Team, served 2 years on the board of executives of the Canadian College Rodeo Association and is currently the secretary of the Rimbey Agricultural Society. These roles have been rewarding and encouraging as she has had the opportunity to work with others just as passionate as her about advocating and building the sport.
As Miss Strathmore Stampede 2022, Martina is honored to represent such a sport that is thriving and dynamic while also maintaining western values and culture. Martina is proud to represent the Strathmore Stampede and have the opportunity to contribute to the rodeo community and keep our cowboy tradition of rodeo thriving. She hopes to earn the privilege of continuing these initiatives and promote our great sport, our Canadian competitors, animal athletes and supporting sponsors as Miss Rodeo Canada 2023.
