A 20-year-old, Sundre-area born-and-raised cowgirl and former Miss Rodeo Sundre has her sights set on becoming Miss Rodeo Canada.
Desirae Jackson, 20, who graduated from Sundre High School in 2013 and was named Miss Rodeo Sundre the following year, told the Round Up last week she has always looked up to rodeo queens. She was even named Alberta High School Rodeo Queen in 2012.
“Since I've been involved with rodeo for the last 10 years of my life, I figured representing my hometown was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Her earliest memories of rodeo life include competing at 4-H rodeos and gymkhana events. Along the way, the lifestyle introduced her to many people with whom she's forged long-lasting friendships.
“Everyone in rodeo is super humble,” she said.
“There is lots of sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists among people in rodeo.”
That network of connections is largely what keeps her passionate about her commitment to the western way of life.
Being named Miss Rodeo Sundre in 2014 is what paved the way for Jackson to be able to compete for the national title at the upcoming Canadian Finals Rodeo.
“You need a pro rodeo title to compete in Miss Rodeo Canada,” she said.
Her feelings ahead of the competition are a bit mixed. The weeklong competition will represent a lot of early mornings and long days, she said.
“It's going to be pretty stressful, but it'll be exciting nonetheless.”
Miss Rodeo Canada is the ambassador of Pro Rodeo in Canada. Her job is primarily to promote the sport of rodeo as a public relations person, while attending approximately 500 public events during her one-year reign, wrote Brenda Werk in a press release.
“She will be judged in overall personality, poise and maturity and must show that intelligence and common sense are traits she instills. She must radiate self-confidence and have high moral standards, sincerity and integrity,” she wrote.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo takes place in Edmonton from Nov. 9-13.
“It is also the last year the Canadian Finals Rodeo will be in Edmonton. So if anyone in the area is wanting to check it out, this is the year to do so! It will be moving to Saskatoon next year,” said Jackson.
“The main reason I'm going is because I do want to represent Sundre and my hometown (on a national stage).”
A community fundraiser to support her bid to become Miss Rodeo Canada is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the James River Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be cocktails followed by a dinner, silent as well as live auctions and entertainment.
Because of the high number of appearances Miss Rodeo Canada is required to make, the winning candidate is unable to commit to employment during her year. So should Jackson be fortunate enough to win, the funds raised during this event will help her with her financial responsibilities during the year, wrote Werk.
If Jackson does not win, she will be donating funds back to the community through the Mount View Special Riding Association and Santa's Anonymous.
She graduated last spring from Red Deer College with a diploma qualifying her as an occupational and physiotherapist assistant. Although she won't be looking for work in her field right way, Jackson said she hopes to find a position with Alberta Health Services in a small community — ideally Sundre or nearby if possible.
“I'm not much of a city person!”
Members of the local rodeo community are certainly enthusiastic about her participating in this year's national contest.
“We are very excited to send another Sundre gal up to the Canadian Finals Rodeo to run for Miss Rodeo Canada,” said Jim Bowhay, the vice-president of the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association.
Jackson also wanted to express her gratitude for the support extended to her so far.
“I have seen so much financial and emotional support from everyone and there are no words to describe how much I appreciate it!”
