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Miss Ramona Rodeo Pageant
By Regina Elling
 | | Rodeo Queen candidates are, front row, from left, Heather Ashley, Danielle Taylor, Taylor Miville, Taylor Finney and Lacey Ryan. Middle row, from left, are Mariah Hunt, Emily Balderama, Kilyaahwii Linton, Alexis Awrey, Cheyenne Burris, Kacie Doyle, Danielle Schramm, Kayla Rumley, Kylie Clower, Beverly Balderama, Rachel Owens-Sarno and Hannah Jones. Back row, from left, are McKayla Brown, Laura Hout, Camryn Burton, Michaela Pedrico-Mercer and Ashley Coane. Not pictured are Alex Brisendine, Heather Steele and Michel Keller.
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The hard work of being a Rodeo Queen in Ramona is already underway.
And, as Pageant Coordinator Jeanne Pyeatt is quick to point out, "It is a lot of work."
At a recent weekly meeting, the contestants practiced their speaking and modeling skills. Prior to the meeting, a swap meet was held so that the girls could purchase former contestants' dress clothes, boots, hats and other gear.
"These girls will represent the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, as well as being ambassadors for our community," says Pyeatt.
Meaning that, in addition to attending rodeos, the reigning queen and her court give talks at various schools, are docents for the annual San Vicente Valley Club Home Tour, attend the Relay For Life races and work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ramona, Ramona Historical Society, Ramona Air Show, Ramona Kiwanis BowWow PowWow and much more.
"They don't just stand around at these functions; they get very involved in the events and work hard for them," says Pyeatt.
She adds, "We emphasize community service in our organization, since it is the community that sponsors and supports us all year."
While there is no doubt that the queen and her court work incredibly hard, they also share a lot of fun.
"We hold classes every week," says Pyeatt. "We have coaches to help them learn different aspects of being a rodeo queen, from age-appropriate clothing, hair and makeup, to modeling and giving speeches and interviews."
The pageant is open to girls in all of San Diego County.
"The past couple of years, the Rodeo Queens have not been from Ramona, but they have proven that they can do a great job representing us," Pyeatt explains.
This year, 23 girls will be competing in the various divisions.
"We have six girls competing for Senior Queen (age 17 to 23), three for Junior Queen (age 14 to 16), 10 for Young Miss (age 11 to 13) and four for Little Miss (age 8 to 10)," says Pyeatt. "It's a great group."
The competition begins Friday, April 11, with individual interviews. The interviews take place at Ramona Sizzler, which donates dinner for the judges and girls and offers use of a meeting room.
The next morning, April 12, the horsemanship skills of the girls will be tested as they perform riding tests, answer verbal questions and take written tests. The tests begin at 8 a.m. at the Ramona rodeo grounds.
"The girls have to answer everything from the rules of rodeo to horse care, anatomy and tack," says Pyeatt. "But we are looking for more than just a cowgirl; the girls must also be knowledgeable about current events and what is happening in the world around them."
That evening, the girls will give timed speeches and the judges will hold a question and answer session. There is also a modeling competition.
The winners will be announced at the end of the evening.
"The sport of rodeo is about camaraderie, family values and the western lifestyle," says Pyeatt. "We stress to the girls that even though they might be competitors, these are also your friends. You will travel down the same paths, often for years."
"In the end, winning may last for one year or a few. But the friendships they make - these will last their entire lives."
Everyone is invited to the Ramona Rodeo Queen Pageant April 12 at 6 p.m. at the Olive Peirce Middle School PAC. There is a $5 cover fee per person. For more information, contact Jeanne Pyeatt at 760-789-7022.
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