2009 ARCHIVES

PUEBLO, Colo. (July 27, 2009)— Miss Rodeo America, along with the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., is celebrating another milestone in the history of rodeo. Miss Rodeo America an American Tradition, is on exhibit at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as the organization prepares for the pageant where the 55th Miss Rodeo America will be crowned.

The exhibit is open to the public and features a collection of awards, clothing, boots and photos gathered from former Miss Rodeo America titleholders. A collage of photos of Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, greets visitors as they enter the exhibit. The ambiance of royalty is displayed as guests navigate through, “A Royal Timeline,” spanning the length of one wall.

On display is a Blue Bell original suit made for and worn by the fist Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott. The original Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold tiara made for Pat Koren, Miss Rodeo America 1965, is on display as well as a custom dress that resembles the tiara made for Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008. The collection is a tribute to every young lady that has represented her state as each has dedicated themselves to the promotion and continuation of Professional Rodeo.

“We value our relationship with the PRCA and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, it is an honor to be included as part of this premier rodeo organization and to be celebrated through this exhibit,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc., Executive Director said.

Miss Rodeo America Inc., is the organizing body of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, which is held in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The 2010 Miss Rodeo America pageant will be held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2009. Nearly 30 young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2010, where they will be judged on horsemanship, personality, appearance, rodeo knowledge and presentation. Tickets will be available after August 15th at www.missrodeoamerica.com

Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions.

Contact: DeAnna Power, Office Manager 719-948-9206

PUEBLO, Colo. (August 21, 2009) — Miss Rodeo America Inc. has entered into an agreement with Tandy Brands Accessories Inc., as the official belt sponsor of Miss Rodeo America. Tandy Brands acquired Chamber’s Belt Company on June 9.

“Miss Rodeo America Inc., is looking forward to establishing a new relationship with the employees at Tandy Brands,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc. Executive Director said.

Tandy Brands will continue the partnership Chamber’s Belt Company had with Miss Rodeo America Inc., since 2006. In addition to the purchase of Chamber’s Belts the VF Corporation and the Chamber’s Belt Company have agreed to transfer both the Wrangler Mass and Western/Specialty belt licenses from Chambers Belt Company to Tandy Brands.

"The Wrangler brand is an authentic lifestyle brand that is highly regarded by both consumers and retailers," Rod McGeachy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tandy Brands, said in an earlier interview. "The Wrangler Mass and Specialty licenses will be significant additions to our license portfolio and exemplify the high quality, top-echelon brands with which we want to partner.”

Tandy Brands will outfit Miss Rodeo America and pageant contestants with belts as well as contribute financially to the organization. Tandy Brands affiliation with Wrangler aligns with the partnership between Miss Rodeo America and Wrangler.

“Wrangler is a long time supporter of Miss Rodeo America and its nice to have her wear as many Wrangler products a possible including belts,” Wadhams said.

Contact: DeAnna Power, Office Manager 719-948-92

“The rodeo in Marbella was awesome to witness as well as be a part of. Talk about an excited crowd,” Ridley said.

Rodeos are being held in bull fighting arenas. Spain has welcomed the sport with sold-out crowds and an abundance of interest from local media. Since the beginning of the tour on, Sept. 18, most performances have had 8,000 to 15,000 first-time rodeo goers. Ridley will be a part of rodeos in seven cities across Spain. She is one of approximately 60 staff on tour. Cowboys and cowgirls from the United States were selected as contestants and crew, some coming in shifts while others remain oversees for the duration. Spanish-speaking Tara Spencer, Miss Rodeo Colorado 2006, is also traveling with the tour serving in many aspects including translating and promotional pieces with media.

“Not only were the contestants and crew selected on their ability to work a rodeo well, but we all know how to have fun,” Stock Contractor Bronc Rumford said in an earlier interview with ESPN blogger, Casper Bindixsen.

“I’m so glad as Miss Rodeo America I have the opportunity to share my passion for rodeo outside of the United States,” Ridley said. The tour is a collaborative effort of Kansas-based Rumford Rodeo, GP Spain and ESFM Entertainment. Preparations for the tour began nearly two years ago.

In March Ridley participated in a live videoconference from the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with future rodeo fans in Madrid, Spain, announcing details of the tour.

Remaining rodeos will be held in the following cities: Puerto de Santa María – Oct 10; Badahoz – Oct. 12; Logroño – Oct. 17; Pontevedra – Oct. 24-25. More information can be found at www.rodeoeuropetour.com and on the Rodeo Europe Tour Facebook page.

PUEBLO, Colo. (March 10, 2009)— The Miss Rodeo America organization has created the Hats Off to Rodeo Royalty awards program to celebrate rodeo queens who reign on the local and regional levels. These beautiful and accomplished young women work hard to promote the sport of rodeo.

“We’re happy to implement a program to recognize the young ladies that are continuing the traditions and values of our Western heritage,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc., executive director said. “By recognizing the excellence of our youth we hope to encourage the success of the next generation of horsewomen.”

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED: All nominees considered must be local or regional titleholders—nominations for state titleholders that will be competing or have competed at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant will not be accepted. Contestants must be between the ages of 10-20 who have shown outstanding performance and leadership skills in equine activities.

Please visit the Hats Off to Rodeo Royalty page to nominate a deserving young lady.

CATEGORIES: Two winners will be selected: one in each of two categories, 10-15 and 16-20.

PRIZES: Winners will receive a one-year membership with Miss Rodeo America Inc., and a subscription to Miss Rodeo America News, a Wrangler gift certificate and horse care product from Absorbine.

Winners will be recognized in Miss Rodeo America News, a quarterly publication.

Winners will also be included in a drawing to receive two tickets to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant 2010 coronation performance, taking place on Dec. 5, 2009 at The Orleans Hotel Showroom in Las Vegas.

Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions.

Maegan Ridley to Ride with Thunderbirds, Participate in Sam’s Town 300 Festivities

Las Vegas — Three months after being crowned Miss Rodeo America 2009 at The Orleans, Maegan Ridley is returning to Las Vegas to participate in pre-race festivities for this year’s Las Vegas NASCAR weekend, scheduled for February 28 to March 1 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Ridley, a 20-year-old college student from Alta Loma, California, will be on hand for the Sam’s Town 300, the third stop on NASCAR’s 2009 Nationwide Series. Ridley will meet drivers before the Feb. 28 race, take a ride in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stock car after the race, and drop the green flag during qualifying runs. She will also attend the Shelby 427, a Sprint Cup Series race, on March 1.

As a guest of Boyd Gaming, Ridley will attend events across the Valley in the days before the race. She is scheduled to take a flight with the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base at 9:45 a.m. on February 26. That same evening, Ridley will also make an appearance at the Speedway Children’s Charity Drivers Auction at Sam’s Town Las Vegas. The annual charity event gives racing fans the chance to bid on rides around the track with their favorite NASCAR drivers, as well as a wide variety of racing memorabilia. All proceeds benefit the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit organization assisting local children in educational, social, financial or medical need.

“Coming from rodeo, NASCAR will be a different kind of ride for me,” Ridley said. “But I’m sure it will be the ride of a lifetime!”

As Miss Rodeo America, Ridley is the public face of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, serving as the organization’s liaison to rodeo fans across the nation.

About Boyd Gaming: Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading diversified owner and operator of 16 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana. Boyd Gaming press releases are available at www.prnewswire.com. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com.

In 2009 the Franklin Rodeo is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. In addition to the festivities the rodeo will be hosting the Miss Rodeo Tennessee Pageant. Tennessee cowgirls ages 19-25 will be able to compete for the title, May 13-16.

The pageant will conclude with coronation on Saturday, May 16. Miss Rodeo America Inc., has accepted the appointment of Bill Fitzgerald member of The Noon Franklin Rotary Club and Franklin Rodeo Committee member as the National Director for Miss Rodeo Tennessee.

"We’re delighted to have Mr. Fitzgerald and the Rotary Club in Franklin on board with the Miss Rodeo Tennessee program," Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc. Executive Director said. "Their pageant committee is organized and ready to put on a first class event."

A committee consisting of Rotarians, former Miss Rodeo Tennessee titleholders and community members has been established to ensure the perpetuation of the organization. Pageant planning is underway. The committee is gathering sponsors and looking for contestants. Participants will be awarded multiple prizes and a scholarship will be given to the winner.

"Miss Rodeo America Inc., took many factors into consideration and strongly believes that moving the Miss Rodeo Tennessee Pageant to Franklin is a wise choice," Tracy Damrell, President of Miss Rodeo America Inc. said. "The committee has a strong organization and broad based support for their rodeo which will help the pageant succeed and will provide great opportunities for the young ladies who participate."

"The addition of the pageant will add a new element to our existing rodeo activities we’re looking forward to having an official spokesperson for the Franklin Rodeo as well as other PRCA rodeos in Tennessee," Fitzgerald said. The winner of the pageant will have the opportunity to compete at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas in late November through early December. She will be eligible to vie for more than $35,000 in scholarship awards and a variety of category prizes.

"We look forward to having Miss Rodeo Tennessee compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America," Damrell said.

For more information on the Miss Rodeo Tennessee Pageant visit www.franklinrodeo.com.

December 6, 2008 / LAS VEGAS — The results are in, the points tallied, and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned. The 2009 leading lady of professional rodeo is Maegan Ridley, of Alta Loma, Calif.