History of the Crown: Miss Rodeo Idaho

The Miss Rodeo Idaho Crown was designed, made, and donated by Kenny Hanson. An avid fan of rodeo and the western way of life, Kenny participated in many aspects of the rodeo industry. During his high school years, he developed an interest in rodeoing and preferred calf roping and bareback riding. In the 1960s he became a saddle maker and started his own successful silversmith business. He enjoyed the rodeo so much, he became an announcer and announced for rodeos all over the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Kenny was the past president of the Idaho Rodeo Association. At one time during his career, Kenny made the trophy buckles for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Kenny designed the crown with three states of Idaho to represent the Past, Present and Future of the Miss Rodeo Idaho program. The silver, gold and red garnet came directly from mines in the Gem State of Idaho. The crown was first worn by Claudia Pence Dains, Miss Rodeo Idaho 1976-77. Kenny donated the crown as a rotating crown for all future Miss Rodeo Idaho’s to proudly wear. It is such an honor to place the Miss Rodeo Idaho crown atop my hat and remember the legacy of all the great women who have come before me.

-Miss Rodeo Idaho 2020-2021, Nicole Jordan

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