Miss Rodeo Arizona 2022 – Cowboy Lifestyle Network
When you follow the lead of someone great, the old saying goes that you have ‘big boots to fill’. This year, nine Arizona cowgirls experienced just that as they prepared for the 2022 Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant.
For its 39th year, the Miss Rodeo Arizona pageant was held September 9-11. For the first time, it took place in Queen Creek, Arizona. For three days, contestants competed in various categories including horseback riding, public speaking, modeling and personality. The girls who competed prepared meticulously, knowing what prestigious title they were competing for. Not only was a cowgirl crowned the new state holder, but the competition also awarded scholarships.
This year, however, a special element has been added to the annual competition. The late Julee Brady, a great contributor to the Miss Rodeo Arizona program and the rodeo queen community across the country, is lovingly honored at this year’s competition. With the start of a new annual tradition, one contestant received the “Julee Brady Award”, separate from the title Miss Rodeo Arizona. Qualifications are only based on kindness and charity, as Julee was so well known for her good deeds and her Kick’N Up Kindness program.
This year’s enthusiastic contestants for Miss Rodeo Arizona included Anna Butler, Codi Ross, Emily Hinkle, Katie Ramos, Kennadee Riggs and Zipporah Lupe. Contestants for Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona included Adie Woodward, Rylee Anforth, and Tova Conner. Receiving the esteemed title of Miss Rodeo or Teen Rodeo Arizona isn’t just an honor. It is a platform to be used for good. The goal of this distinguished young woman is to represent the Sweetheart State and champion the sport of rodeo, striving to preserve our Western heritage. She is poised, personable, diligent and known for her ability to weather the heat!
As each of these cowgirls did their best at the 2022 Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona Pageant, we hope you will show your support by donating to the program or giving them a warm welcome when they come to a rodeo near. from your place. This year’s Miss Rodeo Arizona is Kennadee Riggs and Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona is Tova Conner. We were able to catch up with Kennadee Riggs to see how she feels after being crowned, check it out below!
CLN: Can you dig a little deeper into what the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona means to you?
Kennadee: Words cannot do justice to the feeling of gratitude that rests in my heart after being crowned Miss Rodeo Arizona. This crown has been worn by so many talented and accomplished women before me. But I deeply believe that it’s not just the title that is so significant. The real honor is what the defending champion does with such a huge platform. It is meant to be maximized and used for good. My grandmother, Julee Brady, taught me these truths growing up. She’s mentored and led many young women to the Miss Rodeo Arizona title, and she enthusiastically prepared me to run when my time came too. A little over a year ago, we unexpectedly lost her to cancer. I can’t accurately describe how close I felt to her preparing to compete. Now more than ever, with that sentimental crown on my head, it means everything to me to know that I have achieved what we have worked so hard together for. I’m so excited to have him by my side, in spirit, as I strive to emulate his shining example throughout my year.
CLN: What are you most expecting to accomplish this year?
Kennadee: As the Queen of Rodeo, not only do I travel around the state to promote the sport of rodeo, but also have the opportunity to take a platform with me and promote it as well. I chose to rely on the Kicking Up Kindness platform; a deep legacy in my family. Tova Conner, Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona 2022, will join me in inviting everyone to participate in community service on a regular basis in the State of Arizona. Not only will we find joy in serving others, but we will also be able to promote the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life by meeting various groups of people along the way. I am especially excited to visit local schools, senior citizen centers and public events, educating everyone to the sound of my voice about our Western heritage, in addition to advocating for kindness. It’s going to be such a great year!
CLN: What are some words of encouragement you can give to anyone who wants to get involved in rodeo royalty?
Kennadee: The best thing you can do to become a great rodeo queen is to strive to be a good person. Things like kindness, integrity, honesty, and hard work are all the greatest accomplishments a rodeo queen can have under her belt. Work hard to become as educated as possible in horseback riding and rodeo. But really, the basis of a great rodeo queen is genuine character and a passion for what she does.
