June 2023 - Mackenzie Skeels

Entering into one of my busiest months as Miss Rodeo Canada, June was a month

packed full of rodeo action. I started off my travels up north in Grande Prairie for the Grande Prairie Stompede. One of my favorite things about Grande Prairie was that I was able to help out with the classroom in the dirt program. Casey, Ricky, the other royalty and myself helped teach the kids how to rope, ride a bucking dummy, and the kids also got to see some rodeo action behind the chutes and even got to go on a wagon ride! I am so thankful for unique programs like these that help connect our youth to agriculture and the western way of life.

During my time up North I was reconnected with an incredible little girl named Naveh who I had the privilege of meeting last year as Miss Ponoka Stampede. Naveh’s story inspired me so much last year that I wanted to do something special for her. As Miss Rodeo Canada I get to work with incredible company’s like Montana Silversmith and was able to choose Naveh for one of my Montana Moments where I was able to give her one of my Montana Silversmiths necklaces.

From there I headed to Bashaw for the Camrose District 4-H club show and sale. It's always a pleasure to be a part of 4-H achievement days and get to cheer on the kids that worked so hard on their projects. After the 4-H show, I attended the Evacuation to Celebration event Drayton Valley put on, and I was excited to take part in all of the festivities the Drayton Valley event had to offer. From there, I attended Lea Park Rodeo, and was able to demonstrate my professional wild pony racing skills with my fellow sash sisters. I then made my way to the Gunners Bronc Battle where I watched some of Canada’s best saddle bronc riders.

Later on in my month I attended the Daines Pro Rodeo cowboys dinner before attending

the rodeo later on in the month. In Innisfail, I went to my first parade as Miss Rodeo Canada, and

then, Stickers, the truck and I made a stop at Innisfail Chrysler for a visit with the staff at the

dealership. Rain or shine the Daines Ranch Pro rodeo is always one I love attending.

On my way down to High River for the Guy Weadick Days rodeo I made a quick stop in Blackfalds for the Gord Bamford Foundation Golf Auction. I am so thankful I was able to attend this event once again! At High River I was able to strut some of my best retro attire and had the opportunity to wear The Creative Daughter riding skirt of mine. I even got to meet the beautiful Lenore McLean who rides in Flores La Due's saddle at 85 years old! I was also pleasantly surprised in High River to receive my custom Tod Slone saddle sponsored by C5 Rodeo. Thank you so much to Vern and the C5 team for all you do for me and the Miss Rodeo Canada Program.

Nearing the end of my month it was a pleasure to attend the 43rd annual Sundre Pro

Rodeo. This rodeo is one I hold close to my heart as a past Miss Rodeo Sundre in 2019, it is

always nice to attend Go Wild Go West at my home away from home. From there I headed

home to the Ponoka Stampede where it was such an honor to bring back the title of Miss Rodeo

Canada to the rodeo I represented last year, and the rodeo I grew up at that made me fall in

love with our incredible sport. From 13 performances including the evening chuckwagon

performances, 3 concerts and a PBR, the Ponoka Stampede was action packed day and night,

and no better place to spend my birthday! It was wonderful to catch up with sponsors like CVS

Controls, ATB and G&T Custom Farming. In addition, my dog Cheddar even got to take part in

the fun festivities at stampede by participating in the parade with me by co-piloting Jac as we

rode downtown Ponoka. Be sure to tune in next month as my travels continue, applications to

become the 2024 Miss Rodeo Canada are also now available through missrodeocanada.ca with

a deadline of July 31!

With Gratitude,

Mackenzie Skeels

Miss Rodeo Canada 2023