Adventures of a Lady in Waiting

What a rush the last few months have been! It seems like just yesterday I was standing in the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Arena being announced as the 2014 Miss Rodeo Kansas. Though my reign doesn’t official start until January 1st, it has already been a busy few months for me. As I prepare to begin my journey as Miss Rodeo Kansas, I want to take a minute to share with you my last few exciting months as lady-in-waiting.

After the four day competition in late July and August and letting the reality of my future set in for a few weeks, I got right to work preparing to gather sponsors for my year and planning my fundraiser event in January. I am excited to be representing some wonderful businesses and organizations this coming year!

My first appearance as Miss Rodeo Kansas 2014 led me to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson the first weekend in September. Here, Abby Harders, Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, and I enjoyed greeting spectators at the Kansas Fur Harvesters Booth and even learning a bit about trapping and different critters native to our great Kansan Plains. As always, thank you to the Kansas Fur Harvesters Organization for their continued support of Miss Rodeo Kansas.

Next, I was able to be in title for a few events in my community. I was asked to carry the American flag during each performance of our Colby Community College Rodeo and also help with the Party for the Potties Fundraiser for our local Museum. I also attended my church’s annual auction where I helped with the live auction. The Colby Rotary Club then asked me to give a talk on Miss Rodeo Kansas at one of their weekly meetings. It is always an honor to represent my community while in my community. It never ceases to amaze me how much support I receive in Northwest Kansas and how I am always welcome with open arms.

When I tell people that I will be attending the Kansas Fur Harvesters Rendezvous, I always get a puzzled look. I may have even given that same puzzled look a few years ago when I was told I would be attending. Never would I have imagined I would meet so many amazing and talented people. It is always an excited adventure. This year, the rendezvous was held in Washington, KS and I was happy to share this adventure with my parents. You might wonder what exactly happens at an event like this. Let me give you a run down. This weekend was full of trap setting competitions, skillet throwing competitions, educational demonstrations on trapping and fleshing, merchandise booths, auctions, and much more! Here I also received my coyote fur coat donated by the Kansas Fur Harvesters and made by Fur Arts, which I had been looking forward to for a long time! I had a wonderful time there and cannot wait to return again next year.

My final adventure as lady-in-waiting led me to “The City of Lights”, Las Vegas! Shelia Croft, Coleen Chartier, and I flew out the day after Thanksgiving for a twelve day trip to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. As lady-in-waiting, it is a great opportunity to go see what the pageant it all about so I can prepare for next year. I attended all of the events for the MRA pageant where I got to cheer on our very own Kara Hackney. She did a wonderful job representing Kansas and even made top ten! Congrats, Kara! Congratulations to Paige Nicholson from Mississippi, the new Miss Rodeo America.

While in Vegas I was also able to attend three nights of the rodeo which is always a great time. I met many of the other ladies-in-waiting who I will travel to many places with next year. I can already tell we have a great group of state queens for 2014 and I will leave this journey with lifelong friends. One of my favorite memories from this trip was attending the PRCA Awards Banquet with Dr. R.C. and Mary Trotter. Thank you to the Trotters for the invitation for a fun night! I had such a wonderful trip to Las Vegas with Shelia and Coleen and am looking forward to competing next December!

My year as Miss Rodeo Kansas is approaching quickly and already packed full of new adventures. January and February will be a whirlwind! For now, I am planning my Coronation Celebration and Fundraiser set for January 18th at the American Legion in Colby. I would love to see everyone there! If you plan on attending contact me at 785-443-9068 to RSPV. Thank you to all of my continued and new sponsors including Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, Kansas Fur Harvesters, Crop Production Services, Saddler Imagery, Western Sprinklers and many, many more!

I am thrilled to begin this adventure of a lifetime and share my experiences with you all! Until next time, have a Happy New Year and God Bless!

~ Katera

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