Kate Middleton may have a prince but she doesn't have a pair of chaps to rival those of Bonnyville's new rodeo royalty.
Ashley Hayward and Kylie Getzner were named queen and princess, respectively in the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association (BPRCA)'s queen and princess competition at the rodeo on Sunday after attending public events, surviving personal interviews, and brushing up on their public speaking. The contest also included a written test and, of course, proof of horsemanship skills.
After being crowned and taking a victory lap around the arena, Hayward was all smiles as she accepted hugs and congratulations from family, event sponsors, and the BPRCA Queen Committee members.
"It definitely is an exhilarating experience and definitely feels like butterflies have been in my stomach all day," she said. "My fellow queen contestants, they're definitely newfound friends. I'm really excited that I've developed relationships with them."
One relationship that needed little developing was the one she shares with her princess, Getzner.
"We've been going to school together since kindergarten," Getzner explained. "We know each other very well!"
She added, "It was absolutely amazing, I was definitely not expecting it ... It was definitely a surprise to see it. I almost cried out there! It was pretty awesome."
Hayward did not look close to tears at all as she accepted her crown and her victory lap, and later, she smiled widely and said, "Crying's only for sad things for me, I'm sorry!
"Congratulations to all the girls," she said with a big smile. "It was definitely the reason why it was such a fun and exciting experience. All four contestants — Kylie, myself, Justeen, and Chelcie — all put our hearts and souls into it and were friends and supportive the entire way through."
"To every young girl who wants to be a rodeo queen," Getzner added, "come on out, it's so much fun!"
