Okotoks resident Kezia Morrison proudly represented her country at the Calgary Stampede as Miss Rodeo Canada to continue a reign that has been as hectic as any full-time job.
Morrison, 23, was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada at the Canadian Finals Rodeo last November in Edmonton and she has been on the go ever since.
“It has been really excellent. We hit the ground running,” said Morrison. “I started the year off in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo and it was a lot of fun.”
Morrison qualified for the Miss Rodeo Canada contest after being crowned Miss Rodeo Okotoks in 2009. She represented Okotoks at many rodeos, parades and fairs throughout western Canada.
Morrison was looking forward to being featured in the Calgary Stampede Parade this year, but she knew the drill since she has been in every Stampede Parade since she was two.
However, this year was special as she rode in the parade as a member of rodeo royalty.
“My favourite thing about the Stampede is walking around and actually getting to talk to people,” she said. “They’re faces just light up when they see the crown and they really want to talk to you. It’s great to get to know so many people from around the world.”
Morrison travels to rodeos around the world with Miss Rodeo Canada Princess Kirsten Braumandl, 19, and the two are always a great crowd pleaser.
Since travelling across Alberta and British Columbia in the winter months, Miss Rodeo Canada has been going full tilt this summer with rodeo appearances.
Some of Morrison’s many duties at rodeos are to carry the flag during the national anthem, push out stock during timed events, clear the arena for riders, autograph signings, and mingling with the crowds.
In addition, she will appear in many local parades, make hospital visits or stop in at seniors’ housing complex to talk to local residents and brighten someone’s day.
Morrison said she loves to utilize her title to be a part of the community and to help improve the lives of those in need.
“At every rodeo they’re starting to develop a program for children with disabilities. The kids can take part in a modified rodeo and it’s great,” said Morrison. “It’s my favourite to bring the rodeo to the children I love so much, to be able to help them out and it’s something pretty cool about rodeo.”
Growing up on a ranch just southwest of Okotoks, it was natural for Morrison to be a part of rodeo life.
“Being in the Western culture here really influenced me to take part in rodeos. It’s very rural here in Okotoks so it was something I was always aware of and wanted to be a part of.”
The fondness of rodeo runs in the family. Her sister is a professional barrel racer and her brother-in-law is a professional bareback rider.
When the Calgary Stampede ended Morrison jetted off to the United States for some rodeos before embarking on a new adventure to the rodeo finals in Australia.
“It has been busier than ever, but I love every part of it,” she said.
Morrison will hold the title of Miss Rodeo Canada until November 2011 when she will pass off the crown to the new queen at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Current Miss Rodeo Okotoks Kenna Lockwood will represent Okotoks at the 2011 Miss Rodeo Canada competition this year in Edmonton. For more information on the 2011 Miss Rodeo Okotoks competition see http://missrodeookotoks.webs.com
