Behind The Chaps: Miss Rodeo Washington

The chaps I had the pleasure of designing with Julie Baugher Leather Design for my year as Miss Rodeo Washington 2022 tell the story of my family and my state. With over 74,000 miles of rivers and streams and 4,000 lakes statewide, the blue of my chaps represent the abundant water resources within Washington’s boundaries. I grew up fishing, alongside my dad, on the many lakes and rivers of our state, and it’s what I think of when I think of my home. The leather emblem on the bottom of my chaps is the Army Engineering symbol, the symbol my identical twin sister proudly wears on her uniform while currently serving in the United States Army. The cross, along with “Jeremiah 29:11” written across the back band of my chaps, is a representation of my faith. The verse states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” and is a constant reminder for me that our Creator has a plan for each and every one of us. On the back leg of my chaps, there is a red, white and blue stripe, along with the initials “JF.” These are the initials of both my grandparents John and Joyce Flynn, as well as my uncle, Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Flynn, who died while serving our country in Afghanistan in 2005. I am grateful to be able to wear these chaps throughout 2022 while representing the Evergreen State.

– Lexy Hibbs
Miss Rodeo Washington 2022