On The Road With Miss Rodeo America 2023 – January
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
This scripture verse, Psalm 37:4, describes almost perfectly this first month I have experienced being Miss Rodeo America 2023. As I competed for the title of Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas just two months ago, I learned once again what it felt like to rely on my faith. Now since being crowned with that beautiful Landstroms Black Hills Gold, just about every moment has been filled with the desires of my heart. I am thrilled to represent rodeo and the western lifestyle as I get to promote my platform of “Kicking Up Kindness” all along the way! The Lord has been in the details and I know He will continue to be. What a ride it has been already, witnessing the kindness of people in this industry and watching it grow.
My adventure officially began just a few days into this new year as I made my way to Denver, Colorado. Just to name a few of the experiences they shower us with… I shot the “first shot” and sat courtside at the Denver Nuggets game, went on a ridealong with the Denver Police Department in a helicopter, toured the Denver Zoo behind the scenes, attended livestock events of the National Western Stock Show, and participated in twenty rodeo performances within a matter of three weeks. One of the most special experiences of all was getting the chance to meet the people of Denver and learn of their love for that rodeo. For many families in surrounding areas, the National Western Stock Show is an annual tradition! Most people that I befriended have no connections to the western industry other than those “Best 16 Days in January”. The people of Denver, and Colorado in general, take pride in the festivities of the National Western and it shows. Not to mention, the crowd in that coliseum is one of the most energetic groups of people I have ever encountered in the rodeo world. They are consistently on their feet and loud throughout the entire rodeo performance! My love for the sport of rodeo was deepened as I spent time around people of this kind.
Smack dab in the middle of my Denver trip, I got to make my way over to Oklahoma City to attend the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant! Miss Rodeo USA represents the International Professional Rodeo Association while I as Miss Rodeo America get to promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. I was elated to see my own dear friend from Oklahoma, Anna Woolsey, win the crown at the end of the week. My favorite part about my time in Oklahoma was witnessing the unifying power of kindness between two separate associations with the same purpose in common. There is truth to the fact that kindness bonds people together!
From Oklahoma City, I was able to spend a short time in Dallas, Texas at Market. What a fun whirlwind that was! It became one of my core memories as I was presented with my official Miss Rodeo America belt buckle from Montana Silversmiths. It is easy to see the kindness Judy Wagner has in her heart. She goes beyond necessity to make people around her feel loved, and that is just how I felt while being able to visit with her again. It was a blast to make rounds visiting sponsors and getting a sneak peek of what they have created to launch throughout this coming year. It felt like a dream to discuss and pick out some fun items I will get to showcase this year for each of these wonderful names. What a lucky gal I am to stand side by side with such kind people behind great brands!
I finished off the month in Denver, after which I had a few days back home to repack and head out again. This time, I made my way down to Lake Charles, Louisiana for the kickoff festivities of the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo! I am looking forward to reporting back on the rest of this wonderful experience!
Being Miss Rodeo America is such a privilege, I really do pray in gratitude for this opportunity. At the end of the day, I feel warm and fuzzy reflecting on the things I have witnessed this month while wearing this crown… the goodness in people’s hearts, the importance of the western way of life, and the bright future that the sport of rodeo truly has.
Keep kicking up kindness!
Miss Rodeo America 2023,
Kennadee Riggs