Miss Rodeo America Pageant Brings in Cowgirls from 27 States

For 54 years, the Miss Rodeo America Pageant has hosted hundreds of beautiful and talented cowgirls from across the country. Hopefuls converge annually for a weeklong competition to select a representative to promote America's Original Professional Sport - rodeo.

This year the Miss Rodeo America Pageant welcomes 27 cowgirls, ages 19-25, to Las Vegas to compete for the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo America 2009. Each year a new Miss Rodeo America serves as the official spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The pageant is Saturday, Nov. 29, through Saturday, Dec. 6. It is a glamorous prelude to the famous Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the PRCA’s year-end championship event also held in Las Vegas in December.

Pageant activities are held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, official sponsor and host hotel of the 2009 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. The horsemanship competition, Monday, Dec. 1, will be held at The South Point Equestrian and Event Center.

A complete pageant schedule of events and pageant ticket information can be found online at www.missrodeoamerica.com.

Contestants are judged in the major categories of, personality, appearance, horsemanship, knowledge and presentation. Each contestant will demonstrate her skills in public speaking, personal interviewing, horsemanship, knowledge of rodeo and general equine science, current event awareness, photogenic qualities, visual poise and overall professionalism.

Miss Rodeo America, 2008 Amy Wilson of Colby, Kan., will crown her successor during a formal coronation ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in The Orleans Showroom. A media conference with the newly crowned Miss Rodeo America 2009 will follow the ceremony at The Orleans Hotel & Casino.

Contestants vying for the 2009 Miss Rodeo America title include Ellen Glasser of Columbiana, Ala.; Casey Rose of Yuma, Ariz.; Dilynn Dodd of Springdale, Ark.; Maegan Ridley of Alta Loma, Calif.; Megan Grieve of Fort Collins, Colo.; Sydnye Weber of Kissimmee, Fla.; Shelby Rivera of Hilo, Hawaii; Natalie Bish of Nampa, Idaho; Carly Ray Hagey of Tremont, Ill.; Aleigh Beahm of Woodbine, Iowa; Jenna Nelson of Garden City, Kan.; Haley Miller of Louisville, Ken.; Dayna Iverson of Delano, Minn.; Janelle Schobohm of La Monte, Mo.; Audrey Sholty of Missoula, Mont.; Kristen Schott of Battle Creek, Neb.; Anna Bavor of Las Vegas, Nev.; RaeLynn Dunlap of Lovington, N.M.; Lindy Ellis of Bismarck, N.D.; Kristin Killion of Chickasha, Okla.; Nichole Andrews of Scappoose, Ore.; Tara Trask of Wall, S.D.; Avery Gonzales of Kosse, Texas; Renae Cowley of West Point, Utah; Jessica Crouch of Vancouver, Wash.; Leah Wedl of Tomah, Wis.; and Stacy Jo Johnson of Laramie, Wyo.

The primary role of Miss Rodeo America is to promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and America’s Western heritage. She is a liaison between the rodeo fans and Pro Rodeo producers, sponsors and contestants.

As Miss Rodeo America, the new queen will travel extensively representing rodeo via many public appearances at rodeo performances, special events, schools and civic groups. She will take on the role of model and spokesperson in a variety of promotional events and commercial advertisements for western clothiers, publications, sponsors and other service providers to the western industry.

Miss Rodeo America pageant contestants are awarded many gifts from generous sponsors. Each contestant is eligible to win a portion of more than $35,000 in educational scholarships that the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation disperses to pageant contestants annually.

National corporate sponsors of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant include: Wrangler Jeans and Shirts, Las Vegas Events, The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, American Quarter Horse Association, W. F. Young/Absorbine, Montana Silversmiths, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, Dodge Trucks, The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Court’s Saddlery, Chambers Belts, Hobby Horse Clothing Company, Bonefrog Creative, John E. Cavey & Pat J. Thompson, Red Wilk Construction, Buck’s Bags and Stone Horses.

Media information can be obtained by visiting www.missrodeoamerica.com and clicking the Media Information link or email requests to deannapower@comcast.net. The deadline for media credential request is Nov. 15, 2008.

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