April 2023 - Mackenzie Skeels

April was an exciting time for Canadian Professional Rodeo, as it started

with the first CPRA rodeo of the year at Medicine Hat Broncs and Honky Tonks indoor rodeo! During the three days I attended, I got to catch up with my Medicine Hat sash sisters and help with the ‘Princess for a Day’ program.

This month I had the opportunity to attend both the Grande Prairie Stompede, and

Calgary Stampede tarp auctions. Both events were extremely successful and can't wait to see

those wagons fly this summer! During my time in Calgary, I made a quick stop at Smithbilt Hats

to get my hat touched up, then off to Airdrie to visit the Canadian Professional Rodeo

Association office. It was wonderful to get to know the team behind the scenes and watch them

all in action. 

Later in the month I made my way back up north to Dawson Creek

Exhibition and Stampede Spring Rodeo. Had the honor of carrying the Canadian flag on Canadian soil for the first time as Miss Rodeo Canada. This is a memory that will last a lifetime. In addition to the rodeo in Dawson Creek, I got to spend a day at Longhorn Oilfield Services and meet some of their great team members. I am so honored that to be an ambassador for this incredible company this year and appreciate everything Dan and the Longhorn team do to enhance the Miss Rodeo Canada program. Lastly, while in Dawson Creek had the opportunity to

share the sport I love with multiple schools. One of the smaller rural schools even had every student write a letter to me which was so kind, I enjoyed reading every one of them.

After Dawson Creek I made my way to my hometown rodeo, Ponoka Stampede, for the Miss Ponoka Stampede Crowning. Proud to announce Kaylee Shantz will be 2023 Miss Ponoka Stampede. So excited to pass my Ponoka crown to Kaylee at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction in May, she will do a wonderful job representing Ponoka this year down the rodeo trail.  Last weekend of April I headed back down south for the Taber Spring Classic Rodeo. During my time in Taber, a few rodeo queens and I had the opportunity to go bowling, might not be the best bowler, but it was incredibly fun. The next day, Escape Salon and Spa did my hair for the rodeo, what a lovely experience. Also spent a morning in Lethbridge at Peavey Mart for customer appreciation day! Thank you to Peavey Mart for your amazing support to our program.

To finish off this month, I spent my last day of April in Red Deer, at the Red Deer Horse

Expo where I got to watch multiple trainers and shows. Spent my time mingling throughout the

trade show, and hung out in the Canadian Professional Rodeo booth. What a great month,

can’t wait to see what May brings.

With Gratitude, 

Mackenzie Skeels

Miss Rodeo Canada 2023