A Rainy Rodeo Run

June came in hot and never let up, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! From community parades and cowboy breakfasts to historic anniversaries and fashion-fueled media days, the past month was full of incredible memories and meaningful moments on the rodeo trail.

We kickstarted the month by wrapping up theLeduc Black Gold Rodeo, where I got to attend the final rodeo performance of the weekend, and enjoy everything this welcoming community had to offer.

Next, I headed to the heart of the city for a day with Edmonton’s Best Hotels at the 2025 Edmonton Tourism Awards. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect rodeo with tourism and highlight all the ways visitors can experience the western lifestyle right from the capital city. The hospitality was top-notch, and it was so special to get to congratulate the Canadian Finals Rodeo on earning the 2024 Destination of the Year award!

From there, I made my way north to Lea Park Rodeo for a milestone celebration , 70 years strong! This historic rodeo is packed with tradition, and it was heartwarming to see the community come together to honour its legacy. Events like this remind me just how deeply rooted rodeo is in the fabric of rural Alberta.

Between rodeos, I had the chance to stop atSmithbilt Hats for a very special event in collaboration with Double D Ranchwear. It was the perfect blend of fashion and function, two of my favourite things! Being part of a gathering that celebrated timeless western style was a total treat, and it was great to connect with others who appreciate the craftsmanship behind every felt hat and fringe jacket.

Then it was off to the Innisfail Pro Rodeo, where I got to add in something different to my duties in the arena, sideline interviewing! Getting to chat with athletes, organizers, and fans added a whole new perspective to my rodeo experience this weekend. We also marked a special anniversary at the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, celebrating 65 years of rodeo excellence. Milestone after milestone this month, what a gift to be part of these incredible events!

In between all the muddy boots and arena dirt, I carved out some time for a little self-care with afacial at KT Beauty in Airdrie. A refreshing reminder to rest and recharge in the middle of a packed rodeo schedule thanks to our wonderful skincare and makeup sponsor.  Thank you Katie!

No rodeo prep is complete without a visit toLammle’s Western Wear, and I made sure to stop in and get fitted with some new outfits for the jam-packed summer season ahead of me. From bold patterns to rodeo-ready classics, their team helped me get rodeo-season ready from head to toe.

June also brought me home for one of the most special stops of all, the Sundre Pro Rodeo. There’s just something about walking the same rodeo grounds you grew up around. I also had the chance to return to my former elementary school, where I got to visit with students, share stories, and maybe even inspire a future rodeo queen or two!

Originally, I was scheduled to head to High River, but with the extra rain we have had this season, the rodeo was cancelled for that weekend and I got the rare opportunity to be at each performance of the Sundre Pro Rodeo, which was a silver lining that made for one of the most meaningful weekends of the month.

Finally, June rounded out with a full-tilt kickoff to the Ponoka Stampede, one of Canada’s most iconic rodeos. I teed off the week with a media day golf game alongside Miss Ponoka Stampede, where we traded in our horses for golf carts (for a few hours, at least!) From there, I was so honoured to be a part of the 89th Ponoka Stampede all week long, taking in every moment of world-class rodeo and chuckwagon racing, media appearances, and community events. The energy at Ponoka is unlike anything else, and it truly set the tone for the busy July run to come.

So grateful for such a fun filled month but stay tuned, next stop: Calgary Stampede! 

June was full of grit, gratitude, and good times, and July is already off and running in the best way.

Looking forward to all that’s yet to come,

Miss Rodeo Canada 2025

Codi Wilson