Having selected Judee (Fisher) Hagen of The Dalles as the first Miss Rodeo Oregon in 1957, the organization has continued over the years to be comprised of hardworking volunteers that help to ensure the success and expansion of the organization and its programs. Information about the program in its early years is scarce, but in recent years Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation has taken great strides in becoming a strong and successful youth-oriented organization that is able to provide a program for Oregon horsewomen and that encourages positive growth in strength of character and personality, healthy attitudes, self-fulfillment and self-respect.
As Oregon’s First Lady of Professional Rodeo, Miss Rodeo Oregon will attend rodeos sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and will appear at community events and parades throughout the state of Oregon and the United States. It is estimated that she will make over 60 appearances and travel over 20,000 miles throughout her year-long reign. Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation organizes and conducts an annual pageant to select the most qualified young Oregon horsewoman to promote the sport of professional rodeo and to represent the state of Oregon at the annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant in December.
Oregon towns and cities have played a vital role in helping the organization maintain its goals with their wonderful hospitality and generosity. Many of Oregon’s premier cities and towns have played host to the annual pageant such as Pendleton, Vale, La Grande, Sisters, Roseburg, Hillsboro, Prineville, St. Paul, and Canby. Providing our title holders with the tools they need to have a successful reign has always been important to the organization. Throughout the history of the organization, title holders have received awards such as saddles, trophy buckles, luggage and chaps.
In 2003, Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation awarded their first educational scholarship in the amount of $1000 to help our state queens with their future educational endeavors. In 2006, the pageant committee set a new record with 2007 Miss Rodeo Oregon receiving cash prizes and awards valued at over $9000. Today, that scholarship has been increased to $1500, with the 1st Runner up receiving $500. At the end of her year-long reign, Miss Rodeo Oregon travels to Las Vegas, NV to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America, a week-long competition with other state representatives.
In 1958, the first Miss Rodeo Oregon was crowned Miss Rodeo America but declined for personal reasons. Since then, we have had numerous top-10 and top-5 finishers and category award winners. In addition to winning top honors, Mackenzie Carr (2011 Miss Rodeo Oregon) became the first Oregon cowgirl to wear the crown of Miss Rodeo America in 2012.
History Complied by Stephanie Crop-Hedin, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2000; Edited by Nicole Schrock, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2013.
If you have any information about the history of Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant, Inc. that you would like to contribute please contact us.
