The 2017 Williams Lake Stampede Queen Kaylee Billyboy has asked for the city’s support in her bid to run for Miss Rodeo Canada 2019.
Billyboy made the request at Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
The 21-year-old told the Tribune the competition will take place Oct. 29 through Nov. 4 in Red Deer, Alberta, coinciding with the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
“It will be much like the competition in Williams Lake, just more of a step up,” Billyboy explained.
Read more: So you wanna be a Stampede Queen?
Competitors will have to do public speaking with a prepared speech, answer impromptu questions, read an article out loud that’s provided to them, participate in a fashion show and model clothing provided by sponsors and horsemanship.
“In the horsemanship competition you use horses that are provided for you so essentially you could get on a horse, not really knowing what it’s going to do.”
There’s also an exam that covers the Canadian Rodeo history and current information, Miss Rodeo Canada, and ProRodeo Association.
“Miss Rodeo Canada represents the CPRA and travels down to events in the United States as well,” Billyboy said. “There’s also a personal interview and throughout the week of the competition, there are a number of events and public outings we have to go to and we are judged on our overall personality and appearance.”
Running for Miss Rodeo Canada is something Billyboy thought of pursuing when she was running for Stampede Queen.
“It would be a great way to represent Williams Lake and all of B.C.,” she said.
Read more: Kaylee Billyboy says goodbyes after year as Williams Lake Stampede Queen
Other Williams Lake Stampede royalty who held the title of Miss Rodeo Canada were Merry Ann Reid in 1977 and Kelly Fredell in 1987, while Kirsten Braumandl was Miss Rodeo Canada Princess in 2011.
Billyboy and her family will be hosting a fundraiser to help her go to the competition.
Billed as the Williams Lake Derby Race for the Crown, the event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15. 1 p.m. at the Stampede Grounds. Admission is by donation.
The event will include a Head Honcho Chicken Race, that she’s invited the city’s mayor and council, First Nations chiefs and councils and other “higher ups,” to be part of. There will also be horse races and wiener dog races that are open to everyone.
Following the races, there will be a dinner and auction, also at the Stampede Grounds.
Anyone wanting to purchase tickets to attend the dinner is asked to contact Billyboy at kayleelouise01@gmail.com.
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