August 2023 - Mackenzie Skeels

August started off with me being in three different provinces in one week. Starting off my

travels, I flew to Regina to attend the Pile of Bones rodeo. Once I landed in Regina, I headed to

Lammle’s to pick out two outfits to help with a give-away during the rodeo performances. In

addition to the rodeo, I helped with an eating contest that was interesting to watch as the

competitors had to eat as many mini donuts as possible. Once I was finished in Regina, I made

my way back to the airport to catch my early flight back to Alberta just in time for the Strathmore

Stampede. The Running of the Bulls was certainly the highlight, along with help celebrate

Strathmore Stampede’s 20th anniversary. During my final day, the new Miss Strathmore

Stampede queen, Ellen Van Noordenburg, and I did some promotional videos for the rodeo as

well as spoke at the volunteer appreciation supper.

From there, I headed north to Mackenzie County for the 19th annual La Crete Field of

Dreams Rodeo. The name “Field of Dreams” was created because it was once just a crop of

golden canola standing on the dirt you see now. A dream became a reality, and the rodeo

grounds took its place. There were so many kids here in La Crete and it was amazing to be

welcomed into such a wonderful community for the weekend. From La Crete, my Innisfail

Chrysler truck “Stickers” and I jumped on the La Crete ferry to head to Dawson Creek in British

Columbia. Once in Dawson Creek, I assisted at the exceptional rodeo, and then headed to

Longhorn Oilfield Services to speak at their safety meeting. Miss Rodeo Wainwright, Harleigh

Zack, and I then rode in my truck for the Dawson Creek parade, and “Stickers” was a hit for all

of the little boys on the parade route. From there I participated in the Race Against Hunger, a

local community food drive where we raced the aisles of the Dawson Creek Coop and filled our

carts raising awareness and collecting food for Dawsons local food bank. At the Coop I met up

with this beautiful little girl, Camilla-Nora who met me at the Dawson Creek Indoor Rodeo. She

came and found me again to give me an adorable picture. Camilla-Nora wants to be Miss

Rodeo Canada just like me, and I wanted to start her on her rodeo queen journey by gifting her

one of my Montana Silversmiths pieces. She has incredible drive so be sure to watch for

Camilla-Nora, Miss Rodeo Canada 2040! During the rodeo I assist with my usual tasks of

carrying our nation's flag alongside chasing out stock and helping with the calf scramble. On

Sunday I headed to a pancake breakfast before making my way to Cowboy Church. 

Before making my way to Cranbrook I made a quick stop at Innisfail Chrysler to get an

oil change and to make sure “Stickers” was all ready to go for the rest of the month ahead.

During my time in Cranbrook I met Hazel, an adorable little girl with a dream. Hazel said that

she had never rode a horse before, and she dreamt of being able to ride a horse one day. I told

her that today was her lucky day, and I was able to show her an experience that sometimes, I

take for granted. Meeting Hazel was a reminder for me to cherish the small stuff and appreciate

everything in your life because sometimes others don't get the same opportunities as you. I am

so happy that I got to be a part of one of Hazel's new core memories. From Cranbrook I then made my way back to southern Alberta for the Lethbridge Pro Rodeo and Whoop-Up Days. Starting off my time here I lead the charge alongside Corb Lund at the parade downtown. Later that afternoon I was honored to be a guest judge for the Miss Siksikaitsitapii Princess pageant. I also participated in the Pow Wow grand entry, and then watched the Pow Wow alongside Alayiah (Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess). I then participated in a guided tour of the beautiful new Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre building, that just opened two weeks ago with the Whoop-Up Days being its first major event held in the building. 

On Sunday I made my way to Okotoks for the final day of rodeo action at the Okotoks

Pro Rodeo. Then headed back to British Columbia for the Armstrong IPE & Stampede along

with the SMS Equipment Pro Tour Finals. I had so much fun in Armstrong! It was incredible to

be a part of such an electric night rodeo. During my time there I helped with their 4-H judging

and auction, zucchini races, mini chuckwagons, and other community games. As this month

comes to a close, it is so incredible to reflect back on my year so far. 

With Gratitude, 

Mackenzie Skeels

Miss Rodeo Canada 2023