Marjon Brady-Brown and Taryn Brady greeting the crowds next to the red carpet. Photo by Charles Brooks

Wearing the Miss Rodeo Arizona crown brings alot of "Boot Scootin" adventures.

June 3rd found me at the grand opening of Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill at the Mesa Riverview. My lovely silver-saddled steed Cleo and I had the privilege of greeting Toby Keith as he stepped out of his limo and onto the red carpet. The rest of the evening was filled with live music and meet and greets. It was a blast line dancing with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation and horsing around with the Gilbert Royalty Court. I was pleased to meet a man who is responsible for garnering so much support for our troops. It was a great opportunity to visit with others from our state such as: Alicia-Monique Blanco, Miss Arizona; Scott Smith, the mayor of Mesa; Dina Higgins, from the Mesa City Council; Tim and Willy from KMLE, and many more!

Mandy Woods, Nicole Bonilla, Marjon Brady-Brown, Toby Keith, Taryn Brady and Chantel Miles. Photo by Charles Brooks

The next morning, I woke up at 3:30 AM to make two planes and shuttle ride that were to take me to Clovis, New Mexico. It is quite the task trying to figure out how to relax on a plane without taking off my crown and cowboy hat, but by the end of my nine-hour travel, I was beginning to figure it out (well either that, or I was just so tired, my body didn’t care what encumbered it). I got a kick out of the funny looks and comments at my hat carrier. One man asked me if I kept a turtle in it. I almost replied, “Sir, what need would a rodeo queen have for a turtle?”

Once in Clovis, I met up with Maegan Ridley, Miss Rodeo America, Brooklynn Chester, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Audrey Hall, Miss Turquoise Circuit, and Victoria Jeffcoat, Miss Rodeo Alabama. The fun began immediately as we went to practice our dance for the Miss Rodeo New Mexico pageant. I never realized how much rodeo queens were expected to show off their dancing skills.

It takes all kinds to be rodeo queens: Victoria Jeffcoat, Miss Rodeo Alabama; Taryn Brady, Miss Rodeo Arizona; Felisha Chavez, Miss Guymon Pioneer Days; Audrey Hall, Miss Turquoise Circuit; and Maegan Ridley, Miss Rodeo America.

After a long night of rodeoing, it was great to wake up and go to the Pioneer Women’s Breakfast. I loved hearing the sweet stories these women recalled from their past. My own pioneer heritage is very dear to my heart, so it was wonderful hearing these women talk about theirs. Then, we visited the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, which is the location of the Normon Petty Recording Studios, where Buddy Holly, along with many other old favorites, got his start.

Talk about HORSEPOWER for the parade.

We also took part in the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant Coronation. Our dance to the Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow” dazzled the crowd.

Throughout the pageant, each of the contestants did a wonderful job and Kelly Horton, the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Elect will be able to claim her crown in January.

Saturday was the parade. Each visiting queen got a whole new gorgeous Dodge Ram Truck to herself, sponsored by Bender Dodge.

Taryn and the Joe's Boot Shop vehicle, Betsy.

That afternoon, we had an autograph signing at Joes Boot Shop. They are a great sponsor of the rodeo. After, they let us take their car for a spin. Her name is Betsy- a 1975 Cadillac limo with steer horns on the front and a cowhide interior. I can't forget the one-horse horse trailer that we were hauling. The car has a PA system, perfect for getting information out about the rodeo that night as we cruised through what was known as ‘downtown’. Once the public was sufficiently informed, we could switch the system to make chicken, cow, or horse noises, which we did… multiple times. They were the perfect noises to serenade our Chinese fire drills that we performed (as safely as possible) at every red light.

The Pioneer Days Rodeo was a great way to end each night. The crowds were happy to witness the preservation of their western lifestyle, with some of the top cowboys making some top times. The wild cow milking was a favorite.

The newly crowned Prescott Frontier Days Junior Court and Queen, Rebecca Johnson and Chantel Miles, with Taryn Brady, Miss Rodeo Arizona. Photo by Charles Brooks

Rodeo is a sport that supports other worthwhile causes; while simultaneously supporting the preservation of our western heritage. The first night was Patriotic night; which kept our hearts and minds focused on the sacrifices made by our troops overseas. The next night was Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, which works to provide additional awareness and fundraising to assuage the devastation caused by breast cancer.

After my last rodeo in Clovis, I packed up my suitcases (it is incredible that I was able to fit the entire trip’s wardrobe into two just two suitcases) and at 1:30 am I jumped in the shuttle that would take me back to Lubbock, where I would then fly to Dallas, then back to Phoenix, and then drive to Prescott for the Prescott Rodeo Pageant.

I was certainly glad I made it back in time to see the competition for the titles to represent our state’s oldest rodeo. I was impressed by the great preparation of the Rodeo Royalty committee and each of the contestants' performances. The end of the night found my dear friends, Rebecca Johnson crowned Prescott Junior Court, and Chantel Miles crowned the 2010 Prescott Rodeo Queen!

It will be a honor getting to ride with these girls and the other great Rodeo Royalty at the different Arizona rodeos.

I just Love Arizona and her wonderful people!

As I am honored to travel this beautiful state and country as Miss Rodeo Arizona, I have adopted a personal platform of encouraging patriotism and celebrating the good around us. I will be sharing respectful flag protocol and patriotic quotes along my trail ride.

I'll look forward to seeing you on the Arizona Trail!

"Yes, face the flag. It is most empathatically your flag. It has been at Iwo-jima, at the Maine, it has flown against the enemy in the Coral Sea and soared high in the sky above Nazi guns. Yet, it flies peacefully above every court house in the nation and stands quietly at Arlington. It is your flag, the symbol of unity, strength and honor toward you and toward your fellow Americans. Yes, face the flag, and to thank God it's still there."- John Wayne

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