2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon Zoe Brooks!

When people tell you “Time flies while you are having fun”, they are not kidding. The months since the Miss Rodeo Oregon pageant have flown by!

For my first blog entry, I wanted to tell you a little bit more about myself. I am twenty-two years old from Eagle Point, Oregon! I have lived in Eagle Point my whole life and I am proud to be a part of my community. I grew up alongside my two brothers, Anavrin and Gavin. I graduated high school in 2018 from Crater Lake Charter Academy and I am pursuing a Nursing Degree from Rogue Community College. Currently, I work for Providence Medical Group as a Clinically Certified Medical Assistant in the Urgent Care Department. I hope to use the skills I learned while working as a CCMA as a nurse in the future.

When I was 8 years old, I started taking lessons with my wonderful Aunt Martha who taught me everything I now know. I started my riding journey in the show ring and then eventually moved into more gaming and team events. I was a four- year member of the Eagle Point High School Equestrian Team where I qualified for state each year. When I am not at work or at the barn, you can find me at home spending time with my family, playing with my dog Kahlua, or learning new recipes to cook.

While preparing for my year as Miss Rodeo Oregon 2023, I have spent lots of time connecting with my community and those around me. I am so excited to be holding my coronation dinner and fundraiser auction at my local fairgrounds, the Jackson County Expo! This is so special to me because this is the expo where I went to my very first rodeo, saw my very first rodeo queen and held my very first rodeo queen title! It is home to the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo! This rodeo is so special because it is the rodeo to hold the only 100-point bull ride!

Apart from coronation prep and planning for my year, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas! My grandparents and I made the 12-hour drive down to Las Vegas and boy, it did not disappoint! We spent lots of time in the South Point Hotel and Casino enjoying all things rodeo! We shopped until we dropped, enjoyed the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and had the most amazing foods. Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan and I attended a Rodeo Royalty Seminar that was put on by past Miss Rodeo Americas and State titleholders. I got to spend a lot of time with my fellow 2023 state titleholders. We got to sell raffle tickets and pageant program books before each event, attend a special ladies in waiting breakfast, and participate in a photoshoot on the strip with Sherry Smith Photography! I had such a good time getting to know all these ladies and I can’t wait to spend more time with them this year. It was a wonderful experience, and I can’t believe that in less than a year, I will be back in Vegas competing for Miss Rodeo America 2024.

This month I am looking forward to my first official appearances as Miss Rodeo Oregon 2023! I will be making my first out of state trip to Denver, Colorado for the National Western Stock Show. Make sure to follow along with my travels on the Miss Rodeo Oregon Facebook page and Instagram!
With Thanks,

Zoe Brooks
Miss Rodeo Oregon

2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Morgan Brownell!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already January! It feels like just yesterday I was crowned your 2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon and now here we are.

Before I go into too much detail about myself, I just want to say how good of a job Destiny did as your 2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon and she left me with some big shoes to fill!! Some may know me as your 2020/21 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon but for those of you who don’t know me, I’ll introduce myself! I’m the 16-year-old daughter of Keith and Debbie Brownell and I reside in Stayton, Oregon. I have 2 dogs (CJ and Clarabelle) and a cat named Alvin. I have 4 horses including my 2 horses Custer and Chester along with the horse I show and who belongs to my mom, Kid, and my dad’s rope horse Big Boy.

As Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Lady-in-Waiting I was able to go to the Miss Rodeo Oregon horsemanship competition and watch the contestants compete and see what they bring to the table when it comes to horsemanship. Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan and I helped to sell programs during the competition. In September I was able to attend the NorthWest Professional Rodeo Association finals held local to me in Salem. I was able to attend the back number dinner the night before finals started along with helping to hand out free items during the rodeo over the weekend. I was also able to go to the Tillamook County Rodeo Association Coronation and help to support the girls I will be traveling with for the next year! Congratulations to Queen Brooke Anderson and Jr Miss Brynnen Blazer–you two were so much fun to spend time with at tryouts and I can’t wait to spend the summer with you!

In December I was able to go to Viva Las Vegas to go support the 2022 Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon at the 2023 Miss Rodeo America Pageant and watch her place in the top 10 out of 28 girls! If that’s not amazing, I don’t know what is! While in Vegas I attended the Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship competition and the Miss Rodeo America Fashion show along with going to the Miss Rodeo America Queen seminar that I was able to learn so many amazing things from!

I hope to see everyone at my coronation on February 11th at the Oregon State Fair Grounds in the Cascade Hall for dinner, silent and live auctions, a dessert dash and a Mr. Rodeo Pageant! Doors open at 5, dinner is at 6, and tickets are $25 (with 5 and under free)!

Even though I didn’t do much as Lady-in-Waiting, be prepared to see me all throughout the state in 2023 as I prepare to travel and promote the greatest sport on dirt!!

With love,

2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Morgan Brownell

2023 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Reegan Bills!

Wish You’d Been There!

Congratulations to Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Avalon Irwin for her Top Ten accomplishment at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant!  There were several board members present, not only to cheer her on, but to assist on committees charged with putting on an amazing pageant and attend pageant meetings.  They included Julie Singer, Lynn Haynes, Tanya Cloutier, Tanya Marie Utberg, Glenda Franich, Diane Utberg, Carol Shull, and Lois Forester.  Kayla Vincent also attended as a future National Director (not yet approved by MRA).

We want to acknowledge the sponsorship of Donna Riva who created Avalon’s leather full-length coronation gown and her interview suit.  They were magnificent and memorable!  Pendleton Woolen Mills provided the fabric for Avalon’s Justin boot parade outfit.  They also provided the Weekender bag and Pendleton blanket for the Scholarship Auction.

2022 MRO titleholders were in Las Vegas to support Avalon–Destiny Wecks and Carrie Woods.  2023 titleholders who also came were Miss LIW Zoe Brooks and Teen LIW Morgan Brownell!

The Most Excellent Queen Clinic Coming Soon!

It’s gotten better every year!  Our announcement of the head clinician and supporting staff will be coming soon.  Online registration will begin February 1, 2023.

2022 Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin!

Many times in my life I have been encouraged to be present in each moment as it comes because you aren’t guaranteed another moment like that. It took some time and practice to really take that advice to heart, but I am so glad I did because it changed the trajectory of my life. This year has come and gone so fast, but I can honestly say that I worked hard to be present for every moment of it. I am so grateful for the experiences that this position has given me, and so grateful to all of you that have experienced this year along with me.
During the month of October, I might have been down for the count on the 50 horse challenge, but I was still able to participate in some of the month’s events. I was able to do an interview with our current Miss Rodeo America, Hailey Frederiksen. That interview will be posted on Miss Rodeo America’s social media in the weeks leading up to the pageant, so make sure you give them a follow.
In October I also had the opportunity to participate in the Columbia River Circuit Finals. It is always such an honor to get to ride in the arena during such a prestigious event. In my humble opinion the Columbia River Circuit is one of the best circuits around and I am so grateful to get to be a part of it. During the Circuit Finals the Columbia River Circuit Queen Pageant took place, I was incredibly grateful to be invited to attend those events. I also had the opportunity to participate in Rascal Rodeo where I got to visit with new and old friends who were in attendance. To top off an incredible weekend, the Miss Rodeo Oregon Board hosted a sendoff party for me. I was able to show off some of the wardrobe that will go to Vegas with me as well as share my preparations and experiences with my community. Thank you to everyone who came out to support me!
Currently I am spending most of my time preparing for the upcoming Miss Rodeo America Pageant and in the spare time I do find, I am preparing the high school equestrian team that I coach for their upcoming season.
Looking back on this year my hope and prayer is that by being present in each moment I was able to have a positive impact on the lives of those around me. God puts us in certain places at certain times for a reason. I am grateful He put me right here right now, my hope for you is that you can find joy in the place He put you.
Blessings,
Avalon Irwin
Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022
P.S. I would love to hear any encouragement you might have while I am at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant! You can email me at Mrapmedia@missrodeoamerica.com and put “Oregon” in the subject line or you can send roses by ordering them through this link:  https://www.missrodeoamerica.com/p/pageant/roses

2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Destiny Wecks!

Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Miss Rodeo Florida, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and I exploring the Deschutes National Forest.

Fun Fact! Did you know that the horse they used as the model for Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, lived here in Redmond Oregon?

Watch out for flying axes!!

The girls and I went axe throwing before we headed to Pendleton.

Always fun when you and Miss Rodeo America accidentally match!

2022 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Carrie Woods!

And just like that, it’s October! Last month was crazy busy for me! School started back up again, and so did volleyball and it kept me pretty busy.

Although I did still manage to go to some rodeos! I got to go to the Pendleton Round-Up where I was able to ride in a buggy along with MTRO Destiny in the Westward Ho Parade! It was so cool to be able to participate in one of the largest non-motorized parades! Soon after the parade, we headed to the convention center for the luncheon, then we got a group photo with all of the visiting royalty; there were so many!  Then I attended the afternoon performance along with all of the other state queens and other visiting royalty.

Then Saturday I got to go shopping at all of the awesome vendors, then watched the Happy Canyon show, but thunder and lightning started so we decided to just head back to our trailer. Then on Sunday we wrapped up our Pendleton trip and made the 5-hour drive home.

Then the next weekend we left home Friday, then attended the afternoon and evening performances where I got to push cows alongside Miss NPRA Zoe Brooks and Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon. On Saturday I attended the visiting royalty brunch with all of the other queens, then got ready for the afternoon performance and then later on the evening one. Then Sunday we had the afternoon performance for the rough stock rodeo, then got to help out by running sponsor flags along with the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo Princess Sophie Parrot and Jr. Miss Tillamook County Rodeo Piper Armstrong. Later that day we packed up the trailer and headed for home.

Asides from the rodeo I have been staying busy by playing volleyball, and of course riding!

Until next month!

Carrie Woods

2022 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon

2022 Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin!

While the month of August wasn’t as busy as June and July, it still held some very important events. The first week of the month was a special one for my family as we were hosting my sister and her bridal party before her wedding. The week was filled with daily and celebration as we introduced everyone to all that Central Oregon has to offer. At the end of the week there was a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Sunriver uniting my sister and her college sweetheart in the life
they have chosen to embark on together. I was honored to get to perform the job of Maid of Honor for my sister, a job I have been looking forward to having since we were children. It was wonderful to get to spend the week with my sister preparing for her big event. The thing I always enjoy the most is the people I meet. I was so grateful to get to deepen my relationships with her friends and add a new brother to the family.

After a week of wedding celebrations my family and I got a quick week off before it was time to head to Canby for the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. Being on the other side of the pageant this year was quite the experience of its own. I was so grateful to get to be such a big part of the Canby Rodeo, helping pack sponsor flags and push cattle in the arena. This rodeo will always have such a special place in my heart. The pageant this year was a blast; both contestants brought their A game and did a wonderful job. It was also very special to get to spend so much time with the judges this year. As I prepare for America they were right there to give me wisdom, answer questions, and share any stories of their experiences. All of which I was incredibly grateful for.

The last big event of the month of August was to finish my application for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. The application was due September 1st and I am proud to say that my entry was in early! It was really nice to spend the month reflecting on the person I am, not just as Miss Rodeo Oregon, but as Avalon. There are a lot of special experiences I have had in my lifetime that have made me the woman I am today and I am very excited to get to share those experiences with everyone. As I have traveled down the road I try to remind young women that we are so much more than the title we carry for a year. We are experiences, dreams and ambitions. Those are the things that qualify us to be the leaders we are and those are the things we need to remember about ourselves when faced with adversity. Because who we are at the core is far more important than any title or job we might have. I encourage you to write down some of those experiences you have had in your lifetime and post them somewhere that you can reference them when you need to be reminded of how awesome of a person you are.

Here are some of fun facts about me that you might not have known that made the pages of my Miss Rodeo America Application:
● I spent a summer in Altea, Spain doing community outreach through art as my college internship
● I am PADI scuba certified (Best PE class I ever took!)
● I love going horse camping (If you have not seen all the cool places to camp with your horse in Oregon, check out Kim McCarrel’s guide books!)
● I spent a semester of college training with the Airforce Officer’s Program

I hope that some of these experiences can inspire you and show you that you can be a successful horsewoman and enjoy other activities. Keep up with all of us on social media to see where the month of September leads us!
Blessings,
Avalon Irwin
Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022

Pendleton Queens’ Trip

Since 2010, when Ashley (Zeigler) Minaise was Miss Rodeo Oregon and thought up this idea, we have invited State Queens to Oregon for the Pendleton Round Up.  It’s tradition that the event is hosted by the reigning Miss Rodeo Oregon so, this year, these lovely ladies will converge in Central Oregon where Avalon Irwin has activities planned.  In 2010, the queens went to Newport Bay for dinner, visited Oregon Health & Sciences University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for visits with patients, and then traveled to Pendleton.

Stay tuned for photos and a special article about Pendleton 2022 Queens’ Trip in next month’s newsletter!

2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Destiny Wecks!

With kids going back to school and summer days are getting limited, rodeos haven’t slowed any and the rodeo athletes are just getting warmed up in their season!

2022 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Carrie Woods!

What a busy month! Although August wasn’t packed with rodeos, I still kept busy outside of the rodeo arena!

For the first few weeks of August, I was getting ready for my county fair. I was busy clipping my animals, getting my things ready to load in the trailer to take to the fair grounds and lots more. This year I took my market goat to show in 4-H Showmanship, Conformation, as well as to sell in the youth livestock auction. I also brought three other dairy heifers, one to sell, and the other two just to show. This year I ended up winning 4-H Intermediate Market Goat Showmanship, which means I had to compete in Master Showmanship where I had to show a steer, swine, sheep, dairy cow, dairy goat, and a breeding goat. Although it was a little tricky at times, I guess it all paid off in the end because I was the Intermediate Master Showmanship Champion! I had a blast at county fair this year and I can’t wait for next year!

I didn’t have much downtime until it was time to leave home again. This time I headed to Canby for the Miss Rodeo Oregon pageant.  We started off with Orientation and later on had the PJ Party where all of the contestants and MRO titleholders got to play lots of games and have a good time! The next day we signed autographs for people at the fair and later on we all did our run ins in the Canby arena! The next day, Friday, was for sure a busy day! We started off with Horsemanship in the morning, then followed by lunch at the Wild Hare. We then headed over to Swan Island Dahlias to get some gorgeous shots with all of the beautiful flowers. Later on, we had the Mock Media Interviews, signed autographs and once again did our run ins! Then Saturday came.  We had one last fashion show rehearsal until the big show where we all did our dance while modeling our western trend outfits. Then Destiny and I got to talk a bit about our year so far and then got to watch both of the contestants model, give their speeches, and answer the impromptu questions. Not long after, we all got ready for our last run in and then headed over to the entry gate to the arena for the crowning of the 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon! Congratulations to Kearsten Friedrich! I can’t wait to see where the crown takes you in 2023! And congratulations to both of the contestants, Kearsten and Zoe–you both did an amazing job!

Then I was on the road again! Although this time was not for a rodeo, but for the Oregon State Fair! I showed my market goat, and my two dairy heifers, one for 4-H and the other for FFA. I placed 7^th overall in the Market Goat Showmanship class, 8^th in FFA Dairy Showmanship, and Champion in 4-H Dairy Showmanship! Which meant I had to compete in Master Showmanship again. But this time, I had to show a llama too! We got through Master Showmanship with only a few stubborn animals and a very upset llama–yes it did spit at me twice, I don’t think it liked me very much. 😂Overall I had a great time at my first State Fair and can’t wait to show again next year!

Until next month!

Carrie Woods

2022 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon

Pageant 2022–Some Highlights!

Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin!

I think that the month of July was the most action packed month of the year! This month started with a bang as we dove right into the 4th of July weekend AKA Cowboy Christmas. I had the opportunity to visit 3 rodeos in one weekend.

My first stop was the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo, followed by Eugene Pro Rodeo, and ending my journey at St. Paul Rodeo. Each of these rodeos are so unique which is what I deeply love about rodeo in Oregon. There is a diversity like no other in this state when it comes to spectators, rodeo committees, and even the locations of Oregon rodeos. I feel so blessed to get to plant my boots in the dirt of each of these different arenas.
After my Cowboy Christmas run, I headed over to the town of Elgin, Oregon where I got to spend some time with their newly crowned queen, Rowdy Israel (who is also a former Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon!), and our current Teen Miss Rodeo Oregon, Destiny Wecks. If you haven’t had the opportunity to spend time out in Eastern Oregon I highly recommend a trip to Elgin. Eastern Oregon boasts sweet towns with rich history and Elgin did not disappoint.
After Elgin, I headed over to the Valley for an event I’ve been looking forward to all year, Pre- Pageant Orientation. The time is finally upon us to pick the 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon and I couldn’t be happier about the contestants. Both of these women are strong, smart, and passionate women. I was so happy to get to visit with them as well as their families as they take the first steps towards the competition. No matter the outcome of this year’s pageant, the title of Miss Rodeo Oregon will be in great hands!

Next up was a quick trip to Colorado Springs CO for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. I don’t think that words can describe this experience. This event is such a humbling experience. To walk into the Hall of Fame and see artifacts from the history of rodeo is already awe inspiring, but then to get to listen to some of the legends talk about their humble beginnings that brought them into greatness was so inspiring. You don’t know the impact your life will have on the people around you, and not many of us will make it into any Hall of Fame, but it isn’t about the glory we can bring ourselves that inspires us to do great things. It is the passion we feel and the knowledge that even the smallest acts of kindness make us people that are fit to stand next to the legends.

My next trip would take me out of state to the wonderful town of Nampa Idaho, home of the Snake River Stampede. I had the opportunity to meet the Snake River Stampede Board of Directors in Las Vegas during my time as Lady in Waiting. I was so impressed with them and their constant kindness that I immediately put this rodeo down as a bucket list rodeo. I was thrilled when Miss Rodeo Idaho, Taylor Hymas, invited me to be a part of this special rodeo. This Oregon girl felt so welcomed into the Idaho family. Not only did I get to run in each night I was there, but different board members planned so many fun events for us during our stay. I got to tour the area on a river float, experience some hot springs, and cruise around in the back country on an ATV. Thank you to everyone who hosted us, and made us all feel so welcome. And thank you to the two horses that carried me through the weekend.

Once the Snake River Stampede came to a close, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Miss Rodeo Washington and I packed up the pickup truck and drove the 10+ hours to Cheyenne Wyoming. This drive was full of heartfelt laughter, honest conversations, and so many great memories. When I won the title of Miss Rodeo Oregon I never expected to be blessed with such great friends in my fellow sash sisters. It’s these little moments that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Once we arrived in Cheyenne, we hit the ground running! Starting the day with the iconic Chuck Wagon Pancake Breakfast where I got to try my hand at both tossing and catching pancakes as they flew off the griddle. After Pancake breakfast we went to a fundraiser luncheon for one of the local museums that is dedicated to displaying the history of the Wyoming Cowgirl. The event was a hoot! A big thank you to the cowgirls who sponsored our seats at the event. From there we went to my first performance of Cheyenne Frontier Days. This day was dedicated to honoring those that have served in our military and I can honestly say I don’t think there was a dry eye in the stadium after the grand entry. After watching the rodeo and exploring some of the many shops, I headed over to visit Samsville jewelry store where the owner, Sam Abweh, was so kind and sponsored a beautiful opal ring to each of us State Titleholders. If you are in the market for some beautiful jewelry you need to head over to https://samsvillegallery.net/ or visit his booth in Vegas during the NFR. Day two of the Frontier Days continued with a morning parade, and the afternoon performance. During this performance I got to do the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days flyby! Gray was kind enough to carry me down the track before he went off to do his real job as a pick up man’s horse. Boy Howdy they were not joking when they said it would be a fly by. That might have been the fastest run I have ever done, and it was thrilling. Day three took us to one of the many Air Force bases where we got to watch the Thunderbirds perform, then we headed to my final performance in Cheyenne where we watched some rodeo, visited sponsor booths, and closed the chapter of my visit there. What a wonderful experience and thank you Cheyenne Frontier Days for welcoming us queens to your wonderful event.

I ended the month of July at Chief Joseph Days. I have heard of this rodeo for quite some time but have never had the chance to make it out there. I was happy to be back in beautiful Eastern Oregon where not only did I get to spend time in the rodeo arena, but I also got to spend time with my sash sisters playing mini golf and bumper cars. After being out of state for some time it brought me so much joy to be back in Oregon and spending time with so many of my fellow Oregon queens and princesses. No matter how old, how young, how many titles, or even where they come from, each of these women have blessed me by being authentically who they are and bringing that honest spirit into the arena each time I see them. I am so grateful for the number of young women I have met on this journey and cannot wait to see them as they continue to grow. The leadership I see in these young women is unparalleled to any other state I have traveled to. It warms my heart deeply to get to know each of these smiling faces a little better as I travel down the road.

See you all on our next adventure and keep up the smiles!
Blessings,
Avalon Irwin
Miss Rodeo Oregon

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Destiny Wecks!

What is “Cowboy Christmas”? The Independence Day week is called Cowboy Christmas because there are more enticing rodeos that are either conducted on or near July 4th than competitors can make. Throughout July, competitors jump in and out of their trucks and trailers and airplanes as they compete in one rodeo after another. All across the country, cowboys and cowgirls travel to try and make all the rodeos they can to gain purse monies and raise their world standings in preparation for Circuit Finals in their area as well as for the National Finals Rodeo in December.

As a rodeo queen we are also trying to make as many rodeo appearances as we can in the month of July and of course the first week as its the 4th of July week and weekend! I last left off the month of June with the Jr and Teen Pageant in Tillamook then traveled from the coast to small town St. Paul for the 86th anniversary of their rodeo! I dropped our trailer at the rodeo grounds and took a small trailer to two other rodeos for the 1st and 2nd of July. Eugene Pro Rodeo was my first appearance for the month of July where I did the grand entry and then helped shag cattle for the timed events! That rodeo was the best hospitality for getting their rodeo competitors and queens in and out of the grounds fast and easy. I felt very welcomed with handmade earrings from their queen Clarissa Sanders that she made for all the visiting royalty. During the warm up before the rodeos started, I was able to move around the arena fences to talk with fans who all wanted to pet my horse Kyra or ask questions to the rodeo queens. This warmed my heart because when I came in for the grand entry, I could hear many voices cheering for my horse and me as we made our queen lap. I also was warmed by the many high fives I was able to give returning to the other end of the arena after every calf or steer we pushed out.

On July 2, Kyra and I made the short drive to Molalla for the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo. This rodeo was nice because I hadn’t been back since 2015 when I reigned as Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon. I really enjoyed the fans I got to talk to through the fence before the rodeo and being able to spend time with MRO board member Glenda, who was also a Molalla director.  We told stories most of the night as we helped hand out sponsor flags and get the horses in the arena. Top two memorable moments from that rodeo was being the only rodeo queen there which allowed me to take my time around the arena and I did the signature Pendleton Round Up Holler around the arena in my queen lap. I also really enjoyed being able to participate in the donkey races. In my rodeo queen garb, friend and rodeo queen Mia and I took the arena line with our donkey “Donkay”, and we didn’t win but the giggles lasted forever, unlike my voice the next few days.

Rounding out Cowboy Christmas week in St. Paul, on the 3rd and 4th I did a grand entry on the 3rd wearing my green military and first responder patch shirt. Behind the scenes before the rodeo I joined the Elgin Stampede Court and did some rodeo queen karaoke, (I can’t sing). For the last day of St. Paul I wanted to leave with a bang, well maybe some thunder, as I came in riding my Percheron draft horse Dolly for the Grand Parade and rodeo grand entry. Wearing red, white, and blue, Dolly and I had the best time going through the parade. And, yes, just like my Jr Miss year, I got lost again. Good thing I had the Pendleton Round Up Court to help me get back this time! For the rodeo I really enjoyed riding my prized horse in the huge arena and being able to include her past the walking parades. We also had the Queens Luncheon where all the visiting royalty got to introduce themselves and their titles with dates and special remarks.

Heading home after the matinee rodeo performance, we got home to have just a few short days of being home before I was at another great July rodeo which I can call my hometown rodeo! The Elgin Stampede rodeo started off with the family night rodeo where I helped with goat tying and tail untying as well as the stick horse races. The following night I was honored to be asked to carry the American Flag. The next two nights were a blast being able to do my queen hot lap each performance, push cattle and then sign autographs. Dolly and I also made our grand appearance during the parade where we took home the first place prize for the royalty!

Being home didn’t last long when I headed off to the next stop in St. Helens for the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo. I helped during their court pageant with the speeches and questions as well as the horsemanship portion, followed by two nights of NPRA rodeo action and getting to do some more queen laps.

Now my wheels stopped driving across the state for the week of my hometown rodeo, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. I not only attended all four nights of the rodeo performances but I also helped their court Maggie, Mia and Bailey push cattle and sign autographs. Outside of the rodeo I invited rodeo queens to do fun things around my hometown such as mini golfing at Wallowa Lake as well as go kart racing, paddle boats and swimming and boating on the water.

Now we are headed into the late summer month of August where I am excited for my last 4H horse county fair, showing my horse Whisper and hopefully attending the Oregon State Fair towards the end of the month. I have been also super excited and have been awaiting for the 2023 Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant with the Canby Rodeo! My other events and rodeos planned for the next month are the NPRA Finals and starting college in Ontario! I can’t wait to finish out my year’s reign with more great rodeo appearances and events so stay tuned!

Stay humble and kind and God bless–

Destiny Wecks, 2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Carrie Woods!

My July started off on June 30^th at the one and only St. Paul Rodeo. My Cowboy Christmas week looked a little like this: I kicked it off on Thursday at St. Paul, then Friday at the Eugene Pro Rodeo where I got to do my hot lap and hang out with the other queens, Saturday I stayed local and was in the Clovers Day parade in my hometown, then headed to Newport for the Lincoln County Fair and Rodeo. On Sunday I decided to stay in Newport since I had so much fun the previous night pushing cows and helping with the other things the board needed, then Monday I headed back to St. Paul to be in the parade, and attend the luncheon and be in the rodeo performance that night.

Then the next week I went to the Philomath rodeo for all three nights; I got to help run sponsor flags, push cows, do my hot lap and be in the parade on Saturday. Then on Sunday, I got to stay to run at the fundraiser barrel race to help rebuild the grandstands after the fire. I placed third in the Youth division and second in Novice. After Philomath, I had a weekend off for the first time since February and although I was not busy with rodeo queen things, I still kept busy by riding my horse and working with my market goats and my dairy heifer’s county fair.

Then I headed to Columbia County to compete in the Junior Rodeo on the 21^st and the other two rodeo performances on the 22^nd and 23^rd. I got to do my hot lap for all three nights during grand entry and also got to throw swag to the crowd while riding around the arena!

The next weekend I made the long 8-hour drive to Joseph for Chief Joseph Days! I was there all of the nights. I got to participate in the serpentine for grand entry and also a hot lap all of the nights. On Friday Destiny, Avalon and I got to participate in the Jr. Parade; we rolled down the streets of Joseph in our rodeo rig, and it definitely “wasn’t our first rodeo”. Then Saturday I got to be in the grand parade as well! I got Miss Sue all prettied up since it would be her last parade of the year. Right after the parade, I headed to the annual Queens Luncheon, then had a little bit of downtime, and then left again to go to a photo shoot with Robert McLean! He never fails to get breathtaking shots of MRO Avalon, MTRO Destiny, and I!  Although my time in Joseph was very hot, I got to cool off in the lake for multiple days and get burnt pretty bad, but beautiful Joseph made up for it!

Now I’m getting ready for County Fair this week! I’m taking three dairy heifers (one I will sell) and my market goat so I’m pretty excited!

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Avalon Irwin!

Boy howdy has this month has been action packed!! We started the month at Union and Sisters rodeos. To say it rained would be an understatement. It poured all four days but the athletes competing still did an incredible job. I’m happy to say that myself and my gear was all dried out by the time we headed to Crooked River Roundup… well mostly dry at least.

Once we got to the Crooked River Roundup in Prineville we kicked things off with a cattle drive through main street. Don’t worry, all the cows eventually got home. A few took a detour through a couple nice looking lawns though. After the cattle drive I got to attend a sponsor dinner, 3 nights of rodeo performances, the parade, and of course the queens luncheon where I had the privilege to speak to my fellow queens about the key to success both inside and outside the rodeo queen world. If you missed the speech, don’t worry, we will post it for you later!

During Crooked River Roundup weekend our Junior and Teen were busy hosting their pageant in Tillamook. I had the opportunity to swing over that way and spend the day with the girls. I was so proud of everyone who put themselves out there and competed for those titles. It takes a special young woman to put herself in front of an audience and ask them to judge her. All of those young women are incredibly strong and should feel so proud of themselves for their accomplishments. Their futures are bright and I can’t wait to see where they go!

Next on my schedule was a well deserved weekend off, which I spent working to put on a bridal shower for baby sister. As they say, I can sleep when I’m dead! It was wonderful to get to celebrate my sister with some of the most prominent women and influencers in my life. This weekend reminded me of just how important it is for us to surround ourselves with women of all generations that can pour out wisdom and influence our lives. It was a much needed refreshing weekend.

In the blink of an eye June was over and it was time to celebrate Cowboy Christmas!! What a weekend that was, but you’ll have to wait till next month to hear about that adventure.

Before I leave you, I wanted to take a moment and encourage all of you readers. With school out and summer in full swing you are probably either feeling really busy or really bored. Either way I know that as humans we have the tendency to spend our time focusing on the next thing in front of us, whether it’s coming too fast or not fast enough. I want to encourage you to take the space you need to breathe and be thankful for where you are right now. You only get this one moment here and now, tomorrow’s is not promised so immerse yourself here and find gratitude in this space. I promise the joy you will feel after doing this will be worth the effort it took. See you all down the road!

Blessings,
Avalon Irwin
Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022

We lost a few cows along the way at the cattle drive in Prineville

Ran into my Farrier and her daughter, Darby, at CRR!

Cattle drive

Sneak peek of my session with Art of Aperture

3 pairs of Stringfellow Tailored chaps made an appearance at the Mollala Buckeroo Rodeo

On my weekend off, I hosted my sister’s bridal shower

Headed to the Crooked River Roundup parade

MC for Junior/Teen Pageant Horsemanship

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2022 Destiny Wecks!

“True cowboys are the ones who aren’t afraid to get dirty.”- Lane Frost

Well that’s one way to describe the rodeos this past month. No matter what side of the country I was on, I always greeted each rodeo with rain. Starting off the month of June, I was in Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo and attending the annual Teen Queen Week. Being surrounded with 13 other state rodeo queens my age was one of the best experiences of my reign so far! Being in Florida for the week we got to experience things like Wild Florida AirBoat Tours, GatorLand, Daytona Beach and Speedway, and their Miss Silver Spurs Rodeo queen pageant. On the last day of the trip I was able to hang out with Miss Teen Rodeo Minnesota, Summer, during the rodeo performance, do a grand entry for the rodeo and sign autographs. Coolest thing about meeting these girls is learning more about their home states and how their state and rodeos operate or look different then Oregon or nearby states.

After I got home from that long trip in the beautiful sunshine state, I didn’t even make it all the way home but instead I turned right and headed an hour south to Union for my last 4h Eastern Oregon Livestock horse show. My best friends, Addie and Eva, were the superstars like they are and washed my horse Whisper and hauled her all the way to the show for me. For my last show, Whisper and I showed how to go out with style and a bang!

Intense rainfall led to a very deep and muddy arena for the show, so being the crazy horse people we are, the show moved into the grass parking lot. With trailers acting as the fence, we did our Showmanship, Western, English and Novice classes all in a very small area. I was excited to win the Senior Champion Showman then after the Grand Champion Showmanship class, I was shocked to also win the beautiful Overall Champion Showman buckle!

Getting to have a few days at home, I prepared for the 115th annual Eastern Oregon Livestock Show Rodeo and parade that weekend. After a short and sweet queen’s coronation on Tuesday evening, I prepared my horse Opie for the rodeo’s run-ins on Friday. We did one of the coolest and most looked forward to things for my year, a no hands track run! Opie and I also took home the second place award for rodeo royalty in the parade. After the grand entry and rodeo, sash sister mishap (little broken nose didn’t stop that queen!) We headed to Sisters for the 3 rodeos and parade.

Trying to escape one muddy arena just led to me finding yet another muddy mess of a run in at the Sisters rodeo. But of course a little mud never stopped anyone, definitely not rodeo competitors either! Even JJ was having a great time in the mud with his mud angels and face dives. The parade was rainy but I learned that rain ponchos work great to keep my flowers dry before the parade. After both Saturday rodeos were over, the mud was too much and I decided to save my horse some uncomfortable hours home with mud in all places, and miss the last performance on Sunday. But I did stop in for the Buckaroo Breakfast that morning before heading home.

The 3rd week and weekend in June consisted of many hours in the saddle but not for queen laps or parades; this time, it was for the Drill Team! My hometown rodeo, Mountain High Broncs and Bulls, was held on the 18th, where I have been an active drill team member for 8 years. I crafted 2 drills for the team this year as well as mixed the music and wrote up the script for the announcer to use during the rodeo. Once again this rodeo was also in rain and mud but the energy was high and the mood was all full of good vibes. I had the best time with the other 5 girls on drill and interacting with the rodeo fans who filled the stands!

Time really seemed to fly when I came back to Tillamook for the Jr and Teen Pageant. Being back so soon was definitely an odd feeling but I was so overjoyed to see all the girls competing for the titles and positions they wanted. Doing interviews, speeches, modeling, impromptu questions, mock tv interviews, horsemanship and of course the parade and grand entry for the Tillamook County Rodeo really helped show these girls skills and talents at work. I was able to loan my horse Kyra for both the horsemanship patterns and parade to a junior contestant when her horse was being naughty and that really meant the world to me. My year’s platform is to make a difference and leave a legacy, and that small gesture really made a difference for that rider to help boost her confidence and show the judges she wasn’t going to give up.

After the pageant I loaded up all my trailers and horses and headed back to the valley for St Paul! Thanks to my great sponsor St Paul Rodeo, I was able to unhook my trailer at the grounds for a whole week while we stayed with friends in town. Thank you to the Drescher family for allowing us to stay with you! The first performance of the rodeo was also the last day of June. I had a great time with the queens and courts that attended the rodeo performance that evening where we celebrated the life of a firefighter, Austin Smith, whose life was lost in the line of duty this year. With a riderless horse and saddle covered in the flag, tears fell and hearts were heavy as they made their way around the arena.

This next month is going to be rodeo filled with planned rodeos of Eugene Pro Rodeo, Molalla Rodeo, Elgin Stampede, Columbia Country Fair and Rodeo, and my hometown rodeo of the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. I’m excited to attend parades and meet new people and get to share my passion with them all!

“Most competitors never realize what their true potential is. Don’t sell yourself short.”- Trevor Brazile

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon- Destiny Wecks

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Carrie Woods!

What a month! This month I’ve traveled about 1,400 miles just from traveling to Klamath Falls, Sisters, Glenwood, and my short 20 minute drive to Tillamook.

I started off the month by making the quick decision to go to K Falls for the Great Northwest Pro Rodeo. I got to hang out with MRO Avalon since we were the only queens there. Then I made my way to Sisters.  I got there just in time for the parade and got to do my trot in for both of Saturday’s performances and got to help push cows. Then we made the decision to pack up and head home on Sunday after going with MTRO Destiny to the Kiwanis Breakfast. Then we made the drive to Washington for the Glenwood Ketchum Kalf Rodeo. I got to do my hot lap, then packed up the trailer to head back home the next day.

Then the next weekend I made the “super long” 20 minute drive to Tillamook for the Jr/Teen pageant. We started the weekend with our get acquainted party where we had ice cream and got to watch a movie and talk to all the contestants. Then the next day we started out with personal interviews, written tests, mock TV interviews, and horsemanship where I got to carry the Oregon flag, then ended the night with our grand entry run ins. Saturday, we started the day off with the parade and then we came back and had the luncheon where we then went into speeches and impromptu questions. There was the live auction and then I got ready for grand entry and coronation. I am so excited to announce that your 2023 Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon is Reegan Bills! And your 2023 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon is Morgan Brownell! (JMRO 2020-21). Congratulations to Reegan and Morgan; I can’t wait to watch you guys next year!

Until next month!

Carrie Woods 2022 Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Avalon Irwin!

Hello all, we are about to kick off busy season for rodeo and I couldn’t be more excited! Earlier this month I attended the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo which, as some of you might know, is the home of the only 100 point bull ride. This is an incredible record yet to be broken. The record is held by Wade Leslie on the bull Wolfman. While at Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo, I got to spend some time with Miss NPRA, Miss Columbia River Circuit, and of course Miss Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo. I am always so impressed by the young women I meet on the road. During this rodeo weekend, Miss NPRA, Zoe Brooks, showed me her favorite breakfast spot and introduced me to the churro waffle. Churros are one of my favorite treats, so I was thrilled to have an excuse to eat one for breakfast!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2022 Destiny Wecks!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Carrie Woods!

These months are sure flying by! It feels like just yesterday I was writing my first newsletter, but here we are 7 months later.

May was crazy busy! The beginning of the month, I was playing softball and we had our last tournament of the season. I got to pitch lots, and got some pretty nice hits including a homerun. We finished out our season strong, tying for 4^th place.

Throughout the month, I was busy helping my dad on the farm by raking and green chopping fields, making round bales and picking them up, and of course playing with the barn cats. I was also busy messing with my horse whether it was a walk down the road, a ride in the arena or just giving her a bath, she was always getting loads of attention. I was also working with my market goat a lot; he is now fully brace trained and handles getting haircuts like a champ.

Later on in the month, I went to the Spray Rodeo and boy did they put on a show! I had so much fun and it was great getting to see everyone from near and far line the streets on Saturday morning. The crowd for that evening’s performance was so great! It’s a feeling like no other when you’re doing your run in and the whole crowd is cheering. The next day we only had the rodeo performance, and although the ground was pretty muddy, I still had a great time. I definitely had an amazing time at the Spray Rodeo.

I can’t wait for June; every weekend I have rodeo and I am beyond excited to be on the road traveling our beautiful state!

Gratefully,

2022 Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon

Carrie Woods

Educate, Elevate, Inspire

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Avalon Irwin!

Hello all! So much has happened in the last couple months and I am excited to update you about it. In early March I had my coronation fundraiser. It was a fun and successful event! Thank you to all of you who came out and joined us that night. Because of everything you all contributed I have been able to get a few articles of clothing for my year as well as the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. And I will be able to make it down the road safe and sound without running out of gas! I am so grateful to have such a supportive team behind me.

Along with my coronation in the month of March, I also got to attend the High Desert Stampede. This rodeo is one I have been looking so forward to because not only is it my hometown Rodeo but I was joined this year by Miss Rodeo Washington, Lexi Hibbs, and Miss Rodeo Utah, Bradie Jill Jones. These women are two amazing title holders and good friends of mine so I was thrilled to share this experience with them.

This year, at the High Desert Stampede, Mr. T and I were honored to get to carry the American Flag in three of the performances. One of the nights the attendance filled all 4000 seats plus an additional 1000 tickets of standing room only. This is the most that rodeo has seen, and this home town girl was so honored to get to witness that moment from the arena dirt. I also want to take a moment to say how proud I am to have had such a wonderful horse to carry me in moments like that one. If you have never heard the roar of 4000 people while you stood alone in the arena on horseback let me tell you, it can be intimidating. Mr. T handled himself very professionally, with hardly an acknowledgement of the noise. A cowgirl’s horse is an incredible creature. I hope that you take a moment today to appreciate your furry partner. They do more for us than I think we can ever thank them for.

After the High Desert Stampede I got to attend the Miss Rodeo Oregon clinic in Madras, Oregon. This year our head clinician was none other than Miss Rodeo America, Hailey Frederiksen. It was such a wonderful opportunity to sharpen my skills as a title holder as well as encourage others that are just starting out their journey. During clinic we had the opportunity to practice horsemanship, modeling, speech, and gain valuable knowledge of the beef industry as well as equine health. If you did not have a chance to attend this year, keep an eye out for next year’s clinic. I promise it is well worth it to attend!

After clinic I had a little bit of down time where I got to start working with some of the skilled women that will be helping me achieve my goals as I prepare to compete for Miss Rodeo America. They say that knowledge is power, and I cannot express that enough. When you have knowledge on your side you will feel more confident walking into any situation. For those of you getting ready to compete in summer pageants, I encourage you to learn as much as you can about rodeo, the organization you want to represent, and proper equine health and practices. For anyone else who just wants to make themselves the best they can be I recommend you gain knowledge about yourself. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and work to become the best version of you. It’s ok to have weaknesses and be aware of them; you are human after all. Whether you are in the working world or still in school, getting to know more about ourselves helps us to communicate better with the people around us and it helps us know how we will handle different situations we are put in. You have been wonderfully made so rejoice in that, and continue to love yourself for who you are.

I can’t wait to see you all down the road! Stay tuned for more to come.

Blessings,
Avalon

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2022 Destiny Wecks!

April showers bring May flowers! I mean, that’s the hope, right! 

This upcoming month is looking to be filled with new experiences, great memories, and of course new friends! Watch as May unfolds! I’m going to be closing the chapter of high school in May and so much more!

Let’s recap Miss Teen Rodeo March. I was on the road traveling to the Eugene Pro Rodeo Queen Clarissa Sanders and Princess Baylee Paulson coronation, Benton County Fair and Rodeo with Queen Allie Nuhring in conjunction with the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo Queen Corbie Johnsons coronation, and of course Miss Rodeo Oregon and Washington for Avalon Irwin and Lexy Hibbs! Coronations! Helping model auction items, spending a bit of money here and there, and of course being surrounded by fellow rodeo queen sisters was the best time.

I also took the time to promote being a rodeo queen and sport our MRO motto “educate, elevate, inspire” by helping with three different clinics, the Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic, my own local clinic and the Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart Clinic! The second weekend in March I held my own personal rodeo queen clinic for young girls to get an introduction and overview of what it takes to be a rodeo queen and what being a rodeo queen can help you achieve in life! While being home that same weekend, I was blessed to be able to attend the 2022 Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Court Glitz and Glam event as MTRO! I loved supporting local girls Mia, Bailey and Maggie!

In the mix of everything wild with coronations and events, I also wanted to stay true to myself and my passions for not only rodeo but agriculture, and I attended the Oregon State FFA Convention held in Redmond. After receiving my state level proficiency for Agriculture Communications, I popped over to Sisters for MRO Avalon’s coronation.  I was sad to not be able to stay the whole time but I was glad to see her on her special day for even just a quick picture. Then I hurried home for a barrel race the next morning where I was able to bring home three year end awards.

To round out the month of March, I once again returned to Central Oregon at the High Desert Stampede Rodeo where I volunteered at the Rascal Rodeo, signed autographs during and after the rodeos and of course watched the first ever sold out performances for the High Desert Stampede! 

April quickly came in! Nothing like a false spring! While attending the Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic, in Madras, it was bitter cold and windy but all the girls had a great time learning from all of the great speakers but definitely from your current Miss Rodeo America–Hailey! Horse knowledge, speaking tips and tricks, hair demos and clothing sales, this year’s clinic was a blast and I can’t wait for more girls to come and experience it!  Then April brought me passing off the crown of Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Queen at their 76th coronation. 

To end April’s activities, I competed at the Cayuse Jr Rodeo Association Rodeo in Milton Freewater, where I also carried the American Flag for the grand entry! My last two events just happened the last weekend in the month of April, attending the Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend and the Arlington Rodeo. At the Cattle Barons events all three of us Miss Rodeo Oregon title holders were able to help sell raffle tickets for custom spurs, tickets for the rodeos/events and of course watched all the working cow dogs and horses work and then sell at their sale! Impressive at the quality of horses that sold and prices that were super good. Got to try my hand at judging the BBQ  contest–great meats and such a tough choice. Sadly, the storm came in and blew meats all over and flooded things but made some good memories. 

After the Cattle Barons events, my mom and I headed another hour away for the Arlington Rodeo, where I rode in the grand entry and had a great steed, Socks. Thank you to Ethan Weiser, Mark and Katie for making the use of a horse so easy and to Queen Leilani Weiser, for allowing me to join her in the arena to move stock in the roping events. I had never been to the Arlington rodeo and the April showers definitely got to the arena footing but as true rodeo people we all persevered and carried on with the rodeo after a three hour delay! 

In May, rodeos are starting to begin and my appearances are getting higher in numbers! This upcoming month I’m looking forward to my graduation, attending the Spray and Riggins rodeos and of course traveling more across the great state of Oregon and neighboring states! 

Sunny days are ahead! Stay humble and kind–

Destiny Wecks, MTRO 2022

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022 Carrie Woods!

What a busy month it’s been!

I started off April by playing in my first softball game of the 2022 season. I played first base and got some really nice hits too! Then I loaded up the trailer to get ready to head to Madras for the Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic! We got there around 3 o’clock, got the horses settled in, and then headed over to the main building to say hello to a few of the amazing Miss Rodeo Oregon board members, and got a sneak peek at what was in the queen’s closet! Later that night we kicked it off by playing Rodeo Jeopardy, learning about first impressions, and got to know Miss Rodeo America Hailey Frederiksen a bit better! The next morning, we learned new tips and tricks about skincare and makeup, then later on Hailey showed us how she does her hair and wings! Later on that day we had our appearance session and I was able to model some of my outfits to give the girls an idea of different wardrobe areas. Then we headed onto horsemanship where we split up into 4 different groups. My group started with Beth on pattern work, then went on to knowledge with Ainsley. The last session of the night was modeling and it was great to see all of the other girls express themselves while modeling!

On the final day, we finished all of our sessions, speeches, introductions, and interviews, and talked with the Oregon CattleWomen President Diana Wirth! Then we broke out into our 4 groups again for horsemanship and finished up those sessions with our last two rotations. I got to learn the proper way to work cows with Kayla, and worked on rail work with Hailey! Later on, we wrapped up the night by practicing our flag runs, run-ins, and serpentine along with all of the other girls. To say the weekend was great is an understatement. I learned so much from each clinician, the sessions were great and it was an amazing overall experience!

The next week I had my first ever state FFA dairy judging contest! I had so much fun and my team even came in 4^th place!

Then only a few days later I had my very last Volleyball Tournament. We headed out to Salem bright and early Saturday morning. We came in 2^nd in the gold bracket. It was bittersweet since it was my last one and I had been playing with these girls for the past 5 months, but on the bright side, I’ll now have lots more time to make more appearances as JMRO!

And my last, but not least, event in April was getting to attend the Pendleton Cattle Barons event! I had a blast in Pendleton! I got to help sell tickets to the ranch rodeo Friday and also sell raffle tickets for a beautiful pair of handmade spurs! I got to check out the horse sale preview, then headed back to sell more tickets before heading out to get a quick bite for lunch. Then after we got back, we were given our custom sponsor jackets! I can’t wait to wear mine and show off all of my amazing sponsors! Then we headed back for a quick photoshoot in the Pendleton Rodeo Arena by the one and only Robert McLean! He does such an amazing job! After we were done, we headed back to the convention center to finish selling tickets and even got to watch the leather tooling contest! Later on, we made our way to the arena to get ready for the ranch rodeo. What a great time! We watched team branding and got to throw swag to the crowd! Then we ended the day at dinner with all the MRO titleholders, their moms, and the Jr/ Teen advisor, Glenda!

The next day we greeted people in the main convention area once again and were selling tickets for the bronc rodeo that night! Later on, I got to help put lots of goodies and swag from Pendleton Whiskey on the tables for the buyers and spectators to take home! I then headed back to the front desk to help sell tickets again. Although I wish I could’ve stayed for the rest of the evening to watch the sales and bronc rodeo, I left Pendleton early to head home for my first Jr. High dance!  It was smooth sailing all the way home and the dance was a blast! Then the next day I spent some time with my family since it was my Grandma Ruth’s 91^st birthday! Then topped off the crazy weekend with a ride in my custom Bob Roy saddle. Thank you so much to all of the Pendleton Cattle Barons board members for inviting me to come to their amazing event! I had a blast and can’t wait to go back next year!

Until next month!

Carrie Woods

2022 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon

Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

At the coronation of Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin, we awarded the very first Hall of Fame buckles to two individuals and one couple who have contributed significantly to the Miss Rodeo Oregon organization.  The 2021 inductees are Joe & Alice Cote, Molly Hall, and Bob Roy.  Check out the website for their biographies!

The 2022 MRO Queen Clinic!

It was epic!  A combined 70 registrants (rodeo queens, advisors, parents) participated in the 2022 clinic where, for the first time, they were taught by a reigning Miss Rodeo America!  Kudos to the Clinic Committee–Glenda Franich, Kayla Vincent, Sue Ellen Vincent, Julie Singer, Carol Shull, Lynn Haynes, Tanya Cloutier, and Lois Forester–who spent countless hours in meetings to prepare for the weekend and then labored over all the details necessary for an event of this size.  We were especially honored by the presence of MRA 2022 Hailey Frederiksen, MRW 2018 Beth Bahem, Diana Wirth (President Oregon CattleWomen), and Karissa Landis (Speech Coach and Horse Judge).  We especially thank MTRO 2020-21 Ainsley Goughnour for her excellent photography!

We have already set the date for next year’s clinic–April 7-9, 2023!

2022 Miss Rodeo Oregon Avalon Irwin!

Tis the season for Coronations… and sometimes illness. This month did not go how I had originally envisioned it, but it most definitely became a blessing in disguise. To start off the month, I got to travel to the beautiful state of South Dakota where I attended one of Sutton’s Rodeos in Rapid City. They had just redone the facility there and I was honored to get to ride in it for its first rodeo. This is also the first time Miss Rodeo Oregon has been to Rapid City in quite a while and let me tell you it was worth the trip! While I was there I got to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial and stand at the very top. While we were up there talking to the crew, there was a sizeable snow storm rolling in that sat right at our eye level. It was pretty humbling to be up that high and see not only what nature has to offer in beauty, but how man can work with that natural beauty to form something monumental. On the topic of monuments, I was thrilled to finally get to see Mount Rushmore in person. It is a monument you learn about from a young age when studying America’s history, but one I never thought I would see in real life. Fun fact: my absolute favorite US president is none other than Teddy Roosevelt! It was pretty cool to come “face to face” with an icon.

While in South Dakota, I ran into a face you all know well, 2021 Miss Rodeo America Jordan Tierney. We had fun hanging out with her at the fashion show, then later that night went out to dinner and got to hear more of her stories. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to spend some significant time with her during her two year reign and beyond.

After South Dakota I came home and attended Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Carrie Woods’ coronation. This event gave me the opportunity to visit my favorite Oregon getaway location, the coast! The event itself was a very successful event and, Carrie, you should be very proud. 

While I am sure that most of you know that Silver Spurs Rodeo in Florida was also this month, you may be wondering why it is that I did not show up in any of the photos. Unfortunately this month I have been battling with a variety of different illnesses but ironically none of them were COVID. While I absolutely love my body just the way God created it, sometimes it needs a little more TLC than other people and when it asks I am forced to listen. This created a good opportunity for me to take time and adjust my nutrition, supplements, and exercise so that I can perform my absolute best. Looks like all those things aren’t just for our horses but good for us to do for ourselves! I guess I will just have to work extra hard in preparation for the Miss Rodeo America pageant so that I have the opportunity to attend the silver spurs trip after all.

Because of having to stay in bed longer than expected I did miss the coronation of Miss Columbia River Circuit, Britney Norby. Britney was one of the girls that I had the honor of competing with during the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. I have been thrilled by her success and the fact that I get to ride with her throughout this year. Brittany was a tough competitor and one I am sure you will all see again. Congratulations Britney on your title and to another year of rodeoing!

My month ended with the event that gave me the start to the road to Miss Rodeo Oregon. I have the honor of coaching my old High School’s Equestrian team. This month was their very first meet. I was so proud of them for making it to the competition and keeping up positive spirits when things didn’t go as they had planned. They are a wonderful group of young adults and the reason that I am where I am. I am so grateful to get to be a part of their journey this year!

Next up will be my coronation fundraiser in just a few short days. I hope to see you all there and thank you for your support!

Blessings,

Avalon Irwin, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2022

2022 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Destiny Wecks!

Registration for the MRO Clinic due!