“We’re #1, we’re #1, we’re #1…” This past week (Feb 18th-21st) I returned to Sedalia, for the event that has been voted #1 in the NFPB for five years running! Let me tell ya, Sedalia has rightfully earned its’ title! From the contestants, and bulls, to the fans in the stands, this whole event was a top notch thrill ride, start to finish. It felt so great to be a part of such a spectacular event, that brought me back together, after a winters break, with old friends and new faces. I had the privilege of working with Clint Jackson, and Frank Walkowe along with Sharon Simon and the Federation West crew during my stay in Sedalia. They we’re absolutely amazing! I had the time of my life! Now I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s back up. My Mom, and travel partner arrived early Wednesday evening along with many NFPB personnel. Let me tell you, I was so excited to catch up with everyone and show them my “award winning scrapbook” that the truck was barley in park before I jumped out and headed to them. Then it was two hours of laughs along with the traditional “Rodeo Queen Mom” picture taking session! After which we went over details for the coming days-noting that our 7 a.m. radio interview was now changed to 6:30 a.m.-woo hoo! So it was off to dreamland for a few hours then up and at ‘em with a a.m. wake up call. Myself, Dusty Myers-Pro Rodeo Clown extraordinaire (he’s kind of a big deal!), former Bullfighter Todd Pettigrew and his lovely girls Emma, and Courtney, along with Sharon Simon met in the hotel lobby for the beginning of long day. First we went to the 105.7 Radio station to do live and recorded interviews with several DJs. I have to thank everyone there for their generous time and consideration in sponsoring this event, it is greatly appreciated. Some of the most memorable moments came from the ever popular “Bruce in the Morning” show, several comments being at the expense of my large, hairspray saturated, “Queen Hair”- which is now known as the “Bulletproof Hairdo.” (Hey I like my big hair, its a fashion statement.) From there we visited two local grade schools. I was so thrilled to speak with all the local children, they were so excited to have us visit. It also gave me the opportunity to speak on my platform “Dream Big,” and to encourage these young children to follow their dreams no matter what, while promoting the NFPB, and the show stopping entertainment I was to be a part of in the coming days. I’m sure the kids enjoyed what I had to say but, Dusty Myers stole the show with his clowning antics and roping demonstrations, which Kendal Pyle, award winning announcer Chris Pyles daughter, was able to be a part of. Then it was off to two more radio stations for a round of interviews. I had so much fun followed by a quick stop at Mickey D’s for a latte. It was then that I acquired a new job, one that I’ve never done before. Sharon Simon had me visit all the local restaurants and businesses the had Marquette signs, and ask them to change them to say “Welcome Rodeo Fans and Bullriders” I was nervous at first, but then things started to come naturally. I was pleasantly surprised that about 90% of them were happy to oblige my request, many even placing my autographed picture up for display. When this task was completed I had a quick clothing change, then headed back to the radio station for the final interview of the day. Then it was off to the Mathewson Exhibition Center for pre event practice, to make sure things were perfect for the event. While waiting for the horses to arrive, I caught up with personnel, went over the schedule, and serenaded President Clint Jackson with a few verses of “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas”. (ever since our Wisconsin trip I’ve been know as Suzie Sings A lot” because I sang for almost twelve hours on the way home) Then we went through sponsor flag runs, not one of my most successful moments as Miss NFPB, those of you who were there know what I mean. I think Brooks and Dunn said it best,” Cowgirls don’t cry … when you fall get right back on.” Does that explain it? Anyway the evening came to an end, and I returned to my hotel to prepare for the coming day. Another early riser, up and at em’ at 5 a.m. hitting the airways with Dusty Myers, Sharon Simon, and Bruce in the Morning. Today I was able to talk about the top notch bullriders at this event, Missouri boys, Dustin Hall, 4 time PBR qualifier, and Seth Reynolds 3 time CBR and 5 time NFPB finalist, Trenton, Tennessee brought us 2time NFPB Federation champ Justin Carlton, (not only is it amazing to do it once but he’s done it twice!) hailing from Garnett, Kansas was leading NFPB man Henry Yoder, along with Emboden, Arkansas’ Curtis Seamans, just to name a few. The tremendous talent displayed at this event was off the charts! I was also able to talk about the wonderful experience this year has truly been, and how much I’m going to miss this … well enough about that! stay tuned for tons of tears come finals time, the waterworks will be on full blast. Then I had some down time before getting ready for the performance and heading back for my final 105.7 radio interview with the lovely DJ Becka. After finishing up there it was time to get down to business at the arena. I arrived early, of course, and the first people I see are two of my favorite-none other than photographer Howard Sears, and #1 bullrider Henry Yoder! Both embraced me in a warm, friendly hug, I love these guys! the night went off without a hitch, for the most part. I signed autographs, carried the American flag at the opening ceremonies, accompanied by a color guard and the angelic voices of the Pettigrew girls, as they sang the National Anthem the event was a nonstop thrill ride, with amazing bullriders, Dusty Myers with his clowning antics, and hone town announcer Chris Pyle, who could ask for more? Henry Yoder would walk away with the top honors this night, congratulations Henry! The evening wrapped up with the first ever after party, featuring Brian Lumley and The Red Dirt Underground Band, they were awesome! The next and final day of the bullride I got to sleep in. (Oh yeah!) Then it was a quick breakfast before heading to the arena to hang out with the “gang” before things got too hectic. I spent a good part of the day chatting with good friend Dusty Myers, about how we both got into “the rodeo scene”- ahh memories. Then we discussed how the evening was going to play out. That’s when he invited me to help him with an act, which I excitedly excepted! After thanking him for the fun opportunity, I headed back to the hotel to gather my belongings for the evening, and to get my “bulletproof hair” back in tip top form. I arrived early so that I could practice flag runs with the horse I was to ride, then did a last minute interview with the 97.7 radio station, who was attending the bullride this night. Walking around the coliseum, seeing the empty seats, sponsor vehicles, and personnel, scurrying about, my evening became surreal. I realized for the most part, this would be it: no more flag runs, autograph signings, meet and greets with fans, in a few short hours the biggest regular event of the year would be over, and in a few short weeks so would my reign as Miss NFPB. It was hard to take in that reality, but that’s what it is reality. Still it made me want to give even more for this performance, not that I didn’t give it my all every time, but this night was special. The opening ceremonies were phenomenal! With the smoke, spotlight, and music, it was almost like being at the finals. I then was part of the best American Flag presentation and, National Anthem I have had the privilege of doing all year long. It was perfect, so very perfect. The night continued with thrills and spills. After the first twelve bulls, Dusty Myers and myself, (Queen And Clown) presented a wild west, shoot em’ up act. I was his lovely assistant, at least that’s how it started out. Then I became a target holder, luckily announcer Chris Pyle saved me from such a fate! We found a replacement target holder, and brought down the house with this hilarious act. In the end I had the last laugh with a final shot from an 8ft long rifle, my target being the “Hiney” of our beloved Rodeo Clown! I had the time of my life! This whole experience was so much fun, and a million times more than I thought it would be. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve been will never be forgotten. It’s all part of who I am today. I’m completely changed from the person I was before last April 6th. I know now its OK to just be me. I have become truly confident and comfortable in my own skin. I feel like because of this year I found myself for the first time in my life. As I watched the last few rides, with the crowd cheering around me and getting rowdy, those were the thoughts in my head. The evening couldn’t have gotten any better. After the lights dimmed for the after party I played a round of “little Sally Walker” with Kendal Pyle, Emma and Courtney Pettigrew, along with several other grade school girls, it was ladies, thank you! Then I said my reluctant good-byes to my friends. Its bitter sweet, honestly, I can’t wait for the Finals, but I know that then this will all be over with. Its like they say I guess,” All good things must come to an end.” Still they also say “Dreams come True,” and for me that’s exactly what this years has been “a dream come true.” I love you all! Good luck at the Finals!
