Abdallah Shrine Rodeo

The Shrine temples hold fund raisers to raise money for their 22 hospitals so that they can provide professional service in the areas of spinal cord injuries, severe burns and orthopedics to children for free. One of the Abdallah Shrine Temple's fundraisers is their annual PRCA rodeo. This year marked the 51st Annual Abdallah Shrine Rodeo and was held in Tonganoxie, Kansas at the Leavenworth Co. Fair Grounds.

My mom and I loaded Romeo up and pulled out of home on Thursday, May 27th. Once we got the trailer dropped and Romeo settled in a stall, we headed to Cavender's to shop until it was time to get ready for the rodeo. Now Thursday night was the first night of the rodeo and the 5 girls who had competed for the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen have been anxiously awaiting for two weeks to find out who won the title. Before the rodeo I met up with Ruth Nicolaus to take some pictures by sponsor banners. Then it was off to make sure all the girls were ready.

We rode in the grand entry right behind stock contractor Bennie Beutler. Then I turned right around to present the American Flag during the prayer and National Anthem. Romeo did amazing!!! He was a little nervous during the prayer but stood perfectly still during the National Anthem. And after the first round of bulls it was time for the coronation. I did my final queens run as the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen and then dismounted to crown the new queen.Miss Congeniality was Brittanie Horseman.
2nd Runner Up was Cheyenne Patton.
1st Runner Up was Lexi Pottor and
The 2010 Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen was Amy Hudlemeyer.
All the girls dismounted for their sashes, flowers and a quick picture with Amy's new saddle provided by Y Bar H Outpost. Then Amy led her court in a final queens run for the evening. After we put our horses away we met back at the VIP area for more pictures and then Amy and I started into the crowd to sign autographs for the rest of the night. I'd like to thank Scott Millholland, the Mounted Patrol and the entire Abdallah Shrine Temple for all the did for me throughout my year. They were such a pleasure to work with and I know I've made some lifelong friends. Mom and I took off right after they bucked the final bull. We had to get back for the John Wayne Celebration and my graduation.
Until we ride again...