President's Message!

Happy New Year! Let us hope that 2021 is going to be a much more positive year than 2020.

I know that our titleholders are waiting for a year filled with rodeos, community activities and sharing time with their “Sash Sisters”. The sponsors for our titleholders and our organization have supported us through the complications of 2020. We will continue to share their services and products throughout our activities and appearances in 2021.  We are focusing on their businesses in this first edition of 2021 and I hope you will support them!!

We have a fantastic Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Clinic scheduled April 2 through April 4, 2021 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras, OR. We are working very hard to follow all requirements for Covid 19 to insure the safety for all participants. The food will be better than ever and we will have a special service on Easter morning. Please refer to our postings to see our list of very qualified clinicians and planned educational activities.

We have posted about both pageants this year so check this website for all the details, including applications.  Remember, nothing can be turned in until March 1 but you will be able to determine the requirements should you want to apply!

2020 did not leave without taking some very special people with it. On December 2, we lost Dr. Wally Zimmerman, husband of our secretary Carol. He had just been appointed as the chairman of the Bylaws committee and had been an active member of MROIF for many years. On December 24, we lost Tom Kasch to a motor vehicle accident. He and his wife Marilyn have supplied cattle for our Queen’s Clinic for the past few years. Both of those men are sorely missed.

Again, I want to say let’s make 2021 a very positive year and all come together to support our titleholders as they go forward.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Singer, President MROIF

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2021 Samantha Henricks!

In an ordinary year, I would have officially passed the crown to the next fortunate lady and my time wearing the Miss Rodeo Oregon crown would have already came to an end. But, as we know, this is not an “normal” year and I have the great opportunity to continue my year. We all know it takes a crew to get a rodeo queen down the road for a single year, but two years is a feat all its own! I could not have gotten to the place I am now without friends, family and--of course-- my sponsors!

The first sponsors I would like to highlight are Kendon Leet Real Estate, Wayne and Shirley Sheffel, Toolin Turquoise and Kelly’s Automotive. These individuals helped me get to the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant--from buying large amounts of raffle tickets to buying ads, or just simply sponsoring me in hopes I would be able to clinch the title. Thank you! You were a large part in getting the ball rolling for me and starting my Miss Rodeo Oregon journey.

We all know a signature part of a rodeo queen's wardrobe is her chaps! Kaylah and Aaron Gilkey at Rockstar Custom Leather have been my go to for leather works since I held my first title. They were generous enough to work with me on my custom chaps this year. They are wonderful to work with and Aaron has a great ability to transform what is in your head to paper and, eventually, leather! I could not be happier with the results and will be going back for more signature pieces from here on out.

I also cannot forget to recognize rodeos that joined my team in 2020: St. Paul Rodeo and Sisters Rodeo! To have rodeos within the state provide me with funds to get down the road is really the most rewarding sponsorship I have received. My job is to promote these rodeos and committees and for me to see that they appreciate that and want to help, just goes to show what kind of people we have on the St. Paul and Sisters Rodeo boards. I will see you both in 2021!

Just like my chaps, an iconic piece of my wardrobe is boots and, of course, a cowboy hat. Thanks to Dan Post and Greeley, I have both! I was fortunate enough to get three pairs of Dan Post Boots to wear throughout my year and I can not wait to show them off this year! Also, my favorite maroon Greeley hat was graciously sponsored and pairs great with any outfit I throw together. You will not catch me without it going down the road.

As I move into 2021, I have yet to have a coronation auction and dinner. Therefore, I have set out to host smaller fundraisers like the Miss Rodeo Oregon Poker Ride last year. Brushriders, a local equestrian club, jumped on board and sponsored this event to make it happen on very short notice and for that I am grateful!  I had so many people from my community come out to the Poker Ride and support me. It is truly humbling to have the support of your community, especially in times like these.

On February 27th, 2021 I plan to stay with the trend of smaller fundraisers and am set to host the 2021 Miss Rodeo Oregon Gymkhana! There have been many people who have helped piece this event together. To Missy and Dave Hobbs of Golden West Electric, thank you so much for sponsoring my Gymkhana day and for the continued support over the years from 4H to local queen titles and Equestrian Team! To Brushriders, thank you for joining me once again and sponsoring this event; without your generosity this event would not be possible. To the Jungling Family from Tillamook, Oregon and our very own Lois Forester, you have been huge assets in making this event possible and I appreciate it more than you know! And, to my friends and family who will be there to work the event, thank you in advance!

I know I am forgetting people.. But, please know that your actions do not go unnoticed. From lending me a horse, providing a meal, or putting a roof over my head while I am away from home, I genuinely appreciate it all. Just like rodeos need sponsors and fans to make their events a success, a rodeo queen needs the same!

As I move into 2021 for my second “term”, as I like to call it, I will not forget who got me to where I am today and can not wait for what is to come! So, once again, thank you friends, family and--of course--sponsors!!

The MRO Clinic is back for its 18th year!

2021 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Ainsley Goughnour!

With the new year came new hopes and lots of anticipation. Ending 2020 gave me so much excitement for what 2021 will hold. Though last year was most definitely not what I had expected, I’m blessed by the experiences that I had and will cherish all of the memories.

I ended the year with a couple Christmas parades and I must say it was such a treat to be out in the streets in celebration with so many people. I took part in the Scappoose Christmas parade that Miss NPRA Nicole Rice invited JMRO Morgan and me to participate in. Let me just say it was a long, cold parade but oh so much fun. It’s always a blast to be able to hang out with Morgan at events. The following weekend I stayed closer to home where I took part in the Donald Christmas parade. The weather was kind to me and stayed dry until the last block of the parade where the skies opened up and began dumping buckets just as we got in the truck to head home. Christmas and New Years brought about a new spark of hope for so many, including me. I’ve been busy putting together my 2021 schedule and cannot wait to get on the rodeo road!

Unfortunately, right off the bat, I was hit a huge blow. I unexpectedly lost my partner, Pete (who I’ve written and posted about all year long). It’s expected that he had an aneurysm. The loss of my boy Pete has been devastating as we had so many things planned for the future together.  I’m blessed by the years we had and will always hold him close to my heart and I know he’ll be with Leo and me as we blaze this new adventure without him.

February will start with my first rodeo of the year. I can’t wait to kick off the season at the Mt. Hood Rough Stock Challenge. Sam, Morgan and I will be there greeting fans and signing autographs. Stay tuned next month to see how it goes.

With the new year well underway, I am full of hope and excitement of what this year has in store.  I am so thankful that I get to represent the best sport on dirt and my great state another year in 2021.

The Clackamas County Event Center, home of the Clackamas County Fair since 1907. Celebrating their 100th Fair in 2006, they strive to not only bring you family friendly entertainment, but also to be a family friendly facility year round. More than just the Fair, they are your local venue for meetings, weddings, receptions, seminars, fundraisers, banquets, parties and more....

Christopher Bridge Cellars and Satori Springs Estate Vineyard, where they encourage appreciation of all the senses while carefully honing the ancient art of making wines of purity, elegance and depth. Christopher Bridge focuses on the finest of the cool climate varietals grown in the Willamette Valley region, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

Horse Guard is a family company focused on manufacturing the best horse supplements. Since 1978, founder, Del Johnson, has built Horse Guard on a foundation of nutritional science and the love of happy, healthy horses. Daughters, Ty Johnson and Dr. Kelsey Nonella are continuing the family tradition of producing the best horse supplements. They strive to spread knowledge about great nutrition to all horse owners, ultimately helping to achieve happy, healthy horses.

McKillip's Catering is a family owned and operated business with over 35 years experience. They specialize in on-site  BBQ for all types of events. The tradition has grown over the years from many referrals from customers and they take pride in serving the highest quality and freshest foods. Whether you're planning for a wedding or a large corporate event, it would be their pleasure to plan for your specific needs and theme.

Cutsforth's Marketplace is a locally owned and operated grocery store located inCanby, Oregon. They are first and  foremost a people business. Customer satisfaction is essential and community development is the key to their ongoing success. Connection to the local community is founded upon mutual respect and trust.  You are invited to visit the market where they take great pride in their store and in serving the community and customers.

The St. Paul Rodeo continues to bring a slice of the old West to the north Willamette Valley each 4th of July and to give those who attend a look at one of the nation's finest professional rodeos and some of the most exciting and colorful entertainment offered anywhere .  ”The Nation’s Greatest Fourth of July Rodeo” will return for the 85th year with the promise of top rodeo action, family fun and patriotism, June 30 - July 4, 2021.

Gysin Realty Group, Karisa Patton, is focused on providing you with the best results and service in the industry. She listens carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, she have the expertise, proven track record, and
resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.

As a near-lifelong resident of Oregon, Angie is proud to be your local Farmers® agent in Beaverton, OR. At the Angie Craig Agency, personal attention and education are at the forefront of their customer service values. They are community-driven, and feel honored to protect their neighbors.

Little Wagon Bartending offers great service at your special event. You provide the alcohol and they provide the professional service for your special day. Give them a call today to get on their event schedule.

Sip City is a local drive thru coffee stand located in Newberg, Oregon! Swing on by and say hi. They make fast and fabulous drinks! Sip City is also very active in supporting the community.

AZ Photography offers outdoor portrait photography, pet portraits, horse photography, and horse show photography. Also offering photo editing services. Ali helps you stay relaxed and enjoy your time during your session.

Susan M Schibel Ins Agency Inc., helping people manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected. Stop by their office in Newberg to receive a free quote and excellent service from their team. “You're our neighbor, not a number.”

Marion Ag Service Inc. has been finding ways to help growers and resellers grow their business for over 50 years.  Today their business is focused on three core disciplines:  Technical Services, Soil Health, and Nutrient Delivery.

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2021 Morgan Brownell!

Back in December, I had a Christmas parade in Scappoose with Ainsley. We were able to decorate a trailer with our banners, serapes and Christmas lights. Although it was cold and long, it was so much fun to see people and the smiles on their faces. Everyone was so happy to be able to see all the rodeo queens. It was so much fun to have another parade and get out!!

I look forward to seeing what 2021 will bring and am excited for this opportunity to continue my title for a 2nd year.

And now I'd like to introduce you to my sponsors!

N8 Excavation is a professional excavation contractor capable of a variety of projects of various sizes. It is their goal to always provide a solution to every excavation challenge. http://www.n8excavation.com/

All Star Tents & Party Rentals provides high quality rentals and outstanding service to make handling the details of  special occasions that much easier.  They have hundreds of rentals to meet event needs and their staff is committed to helping you design a special event to match your specific vision. https://allstartents.com/

McKillip Excavation, Inc. is a local excavation company providing commercial excavations to developers throughout Portland, OR and surrounding areas. https://mckillipexcavation.com/

The St. Paul Rodeo will continue to bring a slice of the old West to the north Willamette Valley each 4th of July and to give those who attend a look at one of the nation's finest professional rodeos and some of the most exciting and colorful entertainment offered anywhere. https://www.stpaulrodeo.com/p/about

Complete Wireless Solutions is the premier Mid-Willamette Valley Kenwood Two Radio dealer and service center. They offer two convenient locations in Salem and Albany for all your wireless communications needs. CWS is here to help your organization run efficiently and improve your bottom line by offering affordable and reliable communications equipment. http://www.cwsoregon.com/

SP&B is a third generation family-owned company that has provided high quality printing services to the Willamette Valley since 1946. Bring your next project to the local company that has built its 68-year reputation on quality, service, and value. http://salemblue.com/

Emery & Sons Construction Group, LLC is an industry leader for underground utilities and site-work of all scopes and sizes. From subdivisions to pump stations to major infrastructure projects, they have earned an outstanding reputation for successful projects from start to finish. https://emeryandsons.com/wp/

Serving the valley with pride since 1970.

Lami-Cell is your source for quality horse tack, horse supplies and riding apparel; everything for rider needs. https://partrade.com/

Creating the best wild rags in a wide range of sizes, and offering western fashion-inspired apparel for the trendy cowgirl. https://ddwildrags.com/

At Sublimity Insurance, our corporate responsibility is to contribute to the well being of our communities and to lead our employees to do the same for the greater good. https://www.sublimityins.com/

Since 1991, JR's Freight Services has been dedicated to the needs of customers, carriers, employees and also their level of service and on-time performance.  They are a full-service transportation company with forty-eight state authority.  They have their own equipment with company drivers and owner-operators, as well as a brokerage division. They invite you to check out their website to gather more in-depth information on the services they offer, to see if a career at JR's Freight Services is right for you, or to just find out a little more about who they are! http://www.jrsfreight.com

Offering residential and commercial electrical services.

Hill Farm Stables has been serving the Corvallis area since 1982, providing boarding and horse care for everyone from beginners to experts.

The Santiam Canyon Stampede was established in 1997 as a PRCA sanctioned rodeo. Following the 1999 season the rodeo was purchased by the community and re-organized as a nonprofit corporation. The reorganization produced the Stayton/Sublimity Rodeo Association, Inc. as the new owner of the Santiam Canyon Stampede. https://www.scsrodeo.com <https://www.scsrodeo.com/index.html>

Since 1973, they have driven success by building long-term client relationships and providing only the highest quality craftsmanship. http://www.nspor.com/

Bob Roy has been involved in the rodeo industry for 50 years, competing in Jr., High school, college, amateur and professional rodeos from Florida to Calgary, Canada. (He won his first all-around cowboy saddle at the age of 11).

Bob currently lives in The Dalles, Oregon where he has a thriving custom saddle making business. In the last 38 years he has built saddles for everyone from everyday horse people to world champions. Not only has he built custom saddles for people in the U.S. but also Canada, Germany, France, Korea, New Zealand and Australia.

After his competitive days were over, he has kept involved by judging rodeos in Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand. He has also served on the board of directors for the Northwest Rodeo Association and Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation.  Since 2000, Bob Roy has provided all the saddles for Miss Rodeo Oregon and, since 2004, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon and Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon.

A Clackamas tradition since 1958, the Canby Rodeo began in Clackamas after Canby resident Craig Landeen and the fair board created the event as an attraction to boost attendance to the Fair.  The Canby Rodeo has partnered with Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation since 2011 and we are extremely grateful for their sponsorship.  Pictured below are the Canby Rodeo Directors.

The Clackamas County Fair and Event Center has been the home of the Clackamas County Fair since 1907.  They strive to not only provide family-friendly entertainment, but also to be a family-friendly facility year round. More than just the Fair, they are a wonderful venue for meetings, weddings, receptions, seminars, fundraisers, banquets, parties. . . and more!  The Clackamas County Fair and Event Center has sponsored the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant since 2011

Jeff Wong has been our pageant photographer since 2015 and, from the moment he sets foot on the rodeo grounds or enters the conference room at the Best Western, he is the consummate professional.  He gets the very best images of all the contestants and all the action. Jeff is also a prominent tax attorney in Portland and a sought-after photographer for sports events around the world!

Donna Riva, one of the premier designers of rodeo queen pageant clothing in the USA and Canada, is our newest sponsor.  Her creations are displayed at the PRCA Cowboy Hall of Fame, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth TX, and the South Dakota Museum in Belle Fouche. She is a past National Director for California and past President of the Miss Rodeo California Pageant. She is a sought-after judge for state pageants and rodeo queen clinics.

Jim Haynes was a longtime member and 2nd VP of MROIF who passed away in 2016.  Jim and Lynn Haynes owned Western Heritage Public Relations and were not only involved with our organization but with the Sherwood Police Foundation and other nonprofits.  He and Lynn organized the Royal Cruise In.  Jim was the 2014 Sherwood Citizen of the Year.  He was actively involved in helping rodeo queen contestants with their interview and public speaking skills and he was particularly skilled at writing/refining speeches.  The family of Jim Haynes sponsors many Miss Rodeo Oregon and Junior and Miss Teen Rodeo awards including the Jim Haynes Memorial Speech Award (since 2016).

Fervent Media is a business located in Central Oregon which is owned by Chad Morris, one of the Directors of the High Desert Stampede.  Fervent Media brings its customers affordable, scalable and fully custom web design. They provide the integrity and strength of combined photography and full graphic design services in one stop.  Fervent Media has sponsored the Miss Rodeo Oregon website since 2018 and we are extremely grateful for the polished product Chad designed for us!

The annual Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Clinic has been held at the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo grounds for several years.   They have fifteen buildings and barns, situated in a park-like setting, and host over 80,000 people each year among approximately 80 events.  Brian Crow is the manager and is extremely accommodating to us!

For the convenience of the grounds users, 65 RV spaces with full hook ups were installed in an RV park. Major events happen every month of the year, from RV shows, travel groups, the College of Culture, Gem and Mineral Shows, horse shows, other horse events and rodeos, with the county fair being the largest event held the last week in July.

The Tillamook County Rodeo Association, Inc. was founded in 1986 with the idea of providing an additional entertainment event to the area.  It acts as an economic draw and enhancement for Tillamook County.  It also provides the home for the Junior/Teen/Sweetheart Pageant--the spacious Tillaskate building for indoor events (with a fully-equipped kitchen) and the arena for Horsemanship.  Debbie Tupper is their rodeo queen coordinator!

The first rodeo was held in June 1987 and continues to occur the fourth weekend in June of every year.  The Tillamook County Rodeo Association is incorporated as a non-profit corporation, with its major objective to assist the youth of Tillamook County by offering grants upon request.

Our Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant has been continuously held at a Best Western Hotel since 2011 and now is held at the Wilsonville Best Western Inn & Suites.  They provide the large conference room for the entire pageant stay which makes it easy to host individual events and display the array of MRO awards.  Their rooms are spacious and clean and a free hot breakfast is provided.  We look forward to returning in 2021!

Pendleton Woolen Mills is privately held and under the management by the 5th generation heirs of Thomas Kay, its founder. The company operates seven facilities and 41 retail stores. Pendleton products are sold in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and Korea.

The company headquarters are in Portland, Oregon. The original mills in Pendleton, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington, are among the few woolen mills in operation in the United States today, and Pendleton woolen fabrics and blankets are still woven in these Pacific Northwest mills.  Pendleton generously supplies the blanket that Miss Rodeo Oregon takes to the MRA Scholarship Auction in December each year.  They also sponsored the fabric in Taylor Ann Skramstad's Pendleton outfits worn at Miss Rodeo America.

From the humble beginnings of a family run storefront, to over 200 stores in 33 states, Boot Barn® epitomizes the American dream of hard work, honesty and value. When founder Ken Meany opened that very first store little did he realize that his vision and values would help drive what Boot Barn® is today.  At Boot Barn®, they honor America’s heritage, believing in quality products and good value. They stock their shelves with quality western and work gear with more than 8,000 styles of boots, jeans, shirts, hats, belts, jewelry and more.  They have all the latest styles from Wrangler, Ariat, Justin, Carhartt, Dan Post, Resistol to Montana Silversmith and many, many more.  Boot Barn partners with us on the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant Fashion Show and they offer MRO members a 15% at their stores in Oregon!

Douglass-Harmon Certified Public Accountants are a full-service accounting firm in Canby, Oregon who are very involved during the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant, tallying all the judges' scores and determining with accuracy the results in each category!

Every year at the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant, Matt Richards of the Rocking R5 Ranch Rodeo Company (Independence, OR) provides cattle for the Horsemanship event and serves as the emcee!  Rocking R5 Ranch was founded in 1989 and has been providing stock for OHSET since 2006.  Matt has peewee to professional stock available!

Danner is the newest sponsor of Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation!  For nearly a century, Danner has crafted boots with purpose and integrity, footwear to equip those who choose the unlikely path, those who cut fresh trails, those who pioneer.  Charles Danner came west to build the best boots loggers had ever known, an effort that resulted in a long-standing heritage brand with a renegade spirit.  A spirit that proudly lives on in each pair of Danner boots that are made to this day.  We are grateful for the boots that Danner sponsored for each titleholder!