What is a Rodeo Queen?
by Karen Johnston
 
Rodeo Queens are a symbol.  Like the Statue of Liberty they stand for something, they extol and epitomize the sport of rodeo and the "western lifestyle".  They wear their crowns, carry our flag, and speak for a way of life that many are hungering for today.  They visit schools, nursing homes, sponsors businesses, politicians and always they carry the rodeo and western ideals with them.  Rodeo Queens are filled to the brim with skills and knowledge of the horse industry and rodeo.  They must be tolerant and flexible when confronted with confusing situations, pleasant and dedicated to upholding a high code of ethics and standards; gracious ladies at all times who perform their duties beyond the level of expectation.  They have had to develop discipline, determination, perseverance, and a passion for promoting their purpose to compete successfully to win the coveted crown.  They wield a power of presence that influences people in ways they may only appreciate after she is gone. 

Behind every successful queen is an interested family, good horsemanship instructor, concerned sponsors, and a host of friends and supporters.  Many people play a role in her development so that she can carry their torch for them. 

As a national symbol Rodeo Queens are needed today.  We witnessed on September 11, 2001 the power of the flag as it wrapped itself around our entire nation and for the first time the question of our national anthem, "if our flag was still there" was answered with a resounding yes. The palpable comfort that uniformly embraced us with that sight was a single, unifying image that will not be erased.  Not everybody can affect a crowd as much as a Rodeo Queen can when the national anthem is playing and she fearlessly races around the arena with the flag waving beside her.

The Power of One person at the right place and time can sway the world and that is a Rodeo Queen's purpose.  Through her every action to influence the knowledge and opinion of the world about the sport of rodeo and to uphold the values of the "western lifestyle".