Six Rodeo Royalty contestants are competing for the titles of honor at the Whitesboro Riding Club’s (WRC) 66th annual rodeo on July 6.
Dana Mathis and Mikayla Lee are competing for the title of Rodeo Queen (13-17 years old). Scarlet Engle and Magnolia Sheppard are vying for the title of Rodeo Princess (7-12 years old). Everly Gantenbein and Jolee Sheppard are hoping to be named Rodeo Buckerette (5 and 6 years old). (Learn more about these contestants on page 3 of this issue.)
To earn these titles, contestants compete in horsemanship, interviews and ticket sales for a panel of three anonymous judges. In the event of a tie, decisions will be made based on the interviews.
“This a big deal for these girls,” club Vice President Sheila Johnson said. “They study really hard and work really hard for this honor.”
In addition to titles, winners also receive prizes. The Rodeo Queen and Rodeo Princess receive a crown, buckle, and saddle, plus other prizes. The Rodeo Buckerette receives a tiara and buckle, as well as additional prizes. Prizes range from jewelry and tack to leather satchels and tumblers.
The WRC also awards other contestants with runner-up prizes, as well as Miss Congeniality and Most Improved titles.
“When selecting prizes, we really look for quality over quantity,” Johnson said. “We want these girls to win things they can have forever.”
The rodeo is a two-night affair. Friday night, the contestants will get a victory lap to acknowledge the audience. Saturday night, winners will be announced and those individuals will get another victory lap with their crowns and tiara.
Citizens can help support these Rodeo Royalty contestants by purchasing tickets, contributing donations and offering sponsorships. Each contestant, all of whom are members of the WRC, have posters with three QR codes on them. One code is for tickets, one is for donations and the other is for sponsorships. Simply scan these codes with your smartphone to support a contestant.
Each July 4 weekend, the WRC hosts its annual rodeo, one of the longest-running and largest annual July 4 rodeos to date. In addition to the Rodeo Royalty competition, events include cook outs, equestrian games, clinics, play days, barrel racing, roping and more.
The 66th annual rodeo will take place at the Whitesboro Riding Club Arena on Noland Road in Whitesboro on July 5 and 6. Gates open at 7 p.m. and limited parking is free. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. This year’s event boasts new bleachers adding 300 more seats to the arena.
Nightly events include mechanical bull rides, vendors, food and more. Friday’s event will end with fireworks; Saturday’s will end with a dance at the pavilion.
The WRC is currently seeking volunteers to help at this year’s event. Each night, there are typically 10 to 15 volunteers working in some capacity. Needs range from manning the front gate and checking in contestants to stamping hands and monitoring areas to ensure people aren’t climbing on fences. Volunteers will be given an event badge to wear and will receive two complimentary rodeo tickets.
To volunteer at this year’s rodeo, please contact McKenzie Sheppard at 806-470-8979 or [email protected].
