Community & Business
25 May, 2022
Search is on for Rodeo Queen
YOUNG women across the Mareeba area who have been waiting for two years to vie to become the Mareeba Rodeo Festival Queen can start making preparations, with nominations now open.
The competition is in its 62nd year and organisers are expecting a flurry of nominations after the contest was forced into hiatus for the past two years due to Covid.
The 2022 Mareeba Rodeo Festival Queen Competition is open to residents of the Mareeba region and involves the crowning of a Queen, along with a Princess and Miss Popularity. Karen Blakeney and Frances Petersen have been Matrons of Honour for the competition for many years and are looking forward to guiding and mentoring the entrants in this year’s contest.
“The competition is a great way for entrants to meet new people, grow in confidence, have fun and learn many new things,” Ms Blakeney said. Entrants from previous years all express how much they enjoyed the competition, how much confidence they gained from entering and the long-lasting friendships they created. 2018 Queen Lauren Brown said the competition had been an amazing experience. “It was such a privilege and I am extremely proud of my achievements and the opportunity to be an ambassador for Mareeba,” Lauren said after the competition. “I encourage all girls, 16 years of age and older, to participate in the event as you will have so much fun and it is an experience you will never forget.”
In order to be eligible, an entrant must be sponsored by a local business. The competition is open to unmarried females, aged 16-25 years who must attend the Rodeo Ball on 1 July and all other functions associated with the competition. Judging will take place at an interview on Saturday 2 July and prior to this via observation at public engagements including the Rodeo Ball. Judges will determine each entrant’s knowledge regarding the Mareeba Rodeo and Mareeba region, their conversation skills and how they present themselves.
At the public events, judges will observe how each entrant conducts themselves through interactions with others, their public speaking skills and their appearance and manners. The judges then select a Rodeo Queen and Princess based on these categories, and all of the girls then vote for Miss Popularity.
To enter, go to www.mareebarodeo.com.auand download an application form. The entry fee is $25 and entries close on 17 June.
