On The Road With Miss Rodeo America

Where to even begin… My life has completely changed since that Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold crown was placed on my hat on December 5th of 2021. I have been places, seen, and eaten things that I would’ve never imagined getting the chance to experience without this crown. After two and a half years, I’m finally getting to enjoy a “normal” year, and it all has been well worth the wait!
My journey began right in my backyard at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. As I would run into that familiar arena, under the warm glow of the spotlights, Boyd Polhamus would announce over the microphone, “Hailey Frederiksen, Miss Rodeo America, and she’s from Colorado!” Even after 26 PRCA rodeo performances, the chills that I got from the crowd’s reaction to Boyd’s introduction of me carrying the American flag never faded. It truly was the “Best 16 Days in January.” From my home state, I jet-setted south to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. There I experienced some of the best hospitality, company, and food I had ever had! Speaking of food, I had my first ever crawfish broil in the heart of Louisiana. I have to admit, the first “slurp” of crawfish I had, guts and all, did not have this Colorado gal begging for more; but I was soon won over the second time when we were treated to a farm-to table meal with homemade seasonings. Although I didn’t leave Louisiana a cajun, I did leave a “dirt bug” lover! From Louisiana, I made my way to Mississippi for the Dixie National and had the pleasure of meeting some of the kindest people that made me feel as though I was a part of their families. It is no surprise that Mississippi is known as the hospitality state! Florida was last on my southern route, and of course, it is always a highly anticipated trip by every girl. There is never a dull moment while being in Florida, and even after this was my second trip back, the excitement was just the same!

The journey continued on to Las Vegas for the 2022 AQHA Convention and then I called Houston, Texas home for the month of March for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The magnitude of the production behind Houston amazed me every day I would walk into NRG Stadium, and was reminded of what an honor it was to be a part of the “World’s Greatest Rodeo.” After Houston, I hung the chaps up to travel to Montana for my official photoshoot with Montana Silversmiths and Judy Wagner’s team; what a great experience with even greater people! Besides being in the rodeo arena, I love being able to teach and share my perspective, and I got to do just that at the Miss Rodeo Oregon clinic. It’s hard to believe that not that long ago I myself was sitting at rodeo queen clinics, frantically writing down every word the clinicians were saying and thinking to myself if I could ever become Miss Rodeo Colorado, let alone Miss Rodeo America. It was a humbling moment being able to stand in front of all 43 girls at the clinic, and a testimony that with hard work and a dream in place they too can be standing in the Justin boots that I am in today.
After making a few local appearances in my home state, the start of my summer run commenced, making Guymon, Oklahoma for the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo my first stop. This rodeo has always felt like a second home to me, and I couldn’t let it pass me by. From there I made it to the sandy beaches of Texas for Rodeo Corpus Christi, and somehow Miss Rodeo Texas and I managed to leave with a sunburn. Before my next rodeo on the schedule, I made a 24 hour stop in Las Vegas where I had the honor and privilege to be a part of the 2022 WNFR promotional shoot with Las Vegas Events at Resorts World; what an opportunity of a lifetime! Abbeyville, Kansas was calling my name next and there I was reunited with my best friend and sash sister, Tiffany McCaffrey, followed by many pieces of pie… To finish out the month of May, I attended the Tonasket Founder’s Day Rodeo in Washington for their first-ever PRCA rodeo in over 20 years. From a state where I thought it was going to downpour rain on us, the rain saved itself for us in Deadwood, South Dakota for my next event, Back When They Bucked. Miss Rodeo South Dakota and I were dressed in our finest raincoats and clear trash bags to protect our felt hats; as we all know, rodeo never cancels for rain!

I have officially completed my first half of this year, and only have six short months left to go. This year is proving itself to be full of incredible opportunities, connections, and recollections. I feel as though if I were to blink one more time it would all be over, but as the saying goes, time flies by when you’re having fun. Here’s to many more rides, miles, and memories to create!

Gratefully and Joyfully,
Hailey Frederiksen
Miss Rodeo America 2022

See more at MissRodeoAmerica.com