By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
With boots on their feet and passion in their hearts, young contestants are saddling up to represent Ellis County as the next rodeo royalty.
The competition crowns three titleholders: Queen, Princess and Little Miss, judged on their horsemanship, rodeo knowledge, public speaking and overall presentation.
Ellis County Rodeo Pageant Coordinator April Pfeifer said the fair event goes beyond a beauty pageant, emphasizing leadership and a strong connection to the rodeo lifestyle.
"We want them to be good role models for all the little kids that are looking up to them," she said.
Winners are required to attend rodeos and community events throughout the year. Two Queen contestants, two Princess contestants and one Little Miss contestant have been announced.
Seventeen-year-old Amelia Marten of Cheney attends Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. She competes in rodeos, plays the saxophone and volunteers at her local humane society.
Seventeen-year-old Adeline Robinson of Dodge City attends Dodge City High School, where she competes in varsity track and forensics. She serves as secretary of her FFA chapter and leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Fourteen-year-old Lily Basagall of Hays is an incoming freshman at Hays High School and participates in wrestling and track.
Thirteen-year-old Kendre Randa of Ellis is homeschooled and enjoys jewelry-making, riding and caring for her horse, and spending time with her farm animals and family.
Eight-year-old Brooke Broeckelman of Norton will enter third grade at Eisenhower Elementary this fall. She loves riding her horse, swimming, reading and is also working on 4-H projects for the fair.
The pageant begins with horsemanship at 8 a.m. July 12 at the Rodeo Arena before moving to the Unrien building for speeches and modeling. Winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m. July 15, the first night of the rodeo.
You can follow the Ellic County Rodeo Pageant on Facebook.