Hello rodeo fans! My name is Katie Jo Vanderslice and I am your 2010 Miss Rodeo Mississippi! It is my honor and a pleasure to represent my home state as the first lady of professional rodeo, and I will do my best to keep you up-to-date on all of my travels and experiences throughout this year.
The morning of January 14th came rather quickly as I awoke bright and early at 4:45 a.m. in order to prepare for a 6:30 a.m. departure to Denver, Colorado, and the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). My flight from Jackson to Dallas was delayed a little because the pilot decided to deice the aircraft before take, thus causing me to miss my connection to CO. Never one to fret, and like any experienced Rodeo Queen queen, I simply found a later flight and in no time was quickly whisked away to the mile high city!
Upon arriving in Denver, CO, I was met at the airport by Jerry, a National Western Volunteer and an expert on all things surrounding the city of Denver! On our way to the hotel, Jerry pointed out the famous “Blue Mustang” that stands proudly on its hind legs with a blue coat and fiery eyes welcoming all those to the Denver International Airport! Once at the Marriot, where I was met by Jodi Witt, my NWSS contact and resident “mom” for the week, I had a few minutes to settle in and prepare what was soon to be a trip of a lifetime!FINALLY! It was time to head to the NWSS where I was to make an official rodeo appearance at MRM. As I walked into the arena I was taken aback; all of my hard work and preparation had finally paid off and I could not have been prouder to wear the Miss Rodeo Mississippi crown, while representing my state which I hold so dear to my heart. My first performance brought many new experiences in which I will never forget. Two of those experiences consisted of the President’s box bios and the children’s Mutton Bustin’. The President’s box bios were unlike anything I could adequately describe! I have to say that I was a bit nervous before I walked out onto the red dirt of the arena floor, but having with Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Carley Koppes, and Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Amanda Breitenfeldt, by my side calmed my nerves considerably. As I stood waiting for my biography to be read I heard a familiar tune blaring over the loud speakers and a smile as wide as the Mississippi river crossed my face. The tune was Mississippi Queen, and how appropriate for it to be played during my introduction! I could not believe what I was hearing, and I still smile today thinking of that very moment. The announcer for the NWSS, Mr. Boyd Polhamus, insisted on playing my new theme song every time I entered the Denver Coliseum! Another event I discovered while in Denver was the furiously competitive Mutton Busting competition! For those who are not familiar with this event, it is similar to bull riding, with the exceptional of a 2,000 pound bull. Instead, contestants are suited up (much like a bull rider would be) hoisted upon the back of a very wooly and rather untamed sheep, and then are turned loose out into the arena. I cannot remember a time in life where I laughed so hard or had as much fun as I did at this event. After the competition the winners received huge trophies presented by top PRCA Bullriders, and the overall winner was allowed an even better prize. As we were standing there waiting for the “better prize” to be presented, I heard my familiar tune playing over the loud speakers again and this time I was instructed to meet the Mutton Busting winner in the middle of the arena where he was to give me a kiss. I am not sure who was more shocked, the boy that had to kiss me on the cheek or I because he actually did it!The best part about my trip to Denver occurred after the rodeo, and it is when I met two of the kindest people that I have ever encountered in my life. John Cavey and Pat Thompson, huge Miss Rodeo America sponsors, won my heart and hopefully formed a special bond for life Not only do these two individuals generously support the Miss Rodeo America organization and pageant, but they provide all 2011 Miss Rodeo America contestants beautiful custom embroidered jackets that have really come in handy with the extreme weather we have been having this year. They took great care of me especially around meal time, as we had lunch and dinner many times during my stay in Denver. Their generosity was overwhelming, but very much appreciated. John and Pat introduced me to a lot of people, and two of those were Carl and Kathy Wilkinson. Carl and Kathy are responsible for the beautiful Landstrom’s Black Hill’s Gold crown that Miss Rodeo America wears! After speaking with Carl and Kathy, Carl asked if I could take a moment and sign a few autographs in front of their booth. I was more than happy to do this and in a matter of moments, a table and chair was set up for me. Children flocked to the booth and I signed nearly 300 sheets that afternoon between performances. I was a little sad when I had to leave to make the night rodeo performance but Kathy assured me that I was welcome to sign again any time that I had a free moment. I made sure to take her up on this offer before I left Denver for home.The Denver market was also an experience that I will never forget! I am not sure exactly how many stores and shops that are located in the seemingly endless Denver market or the “mart” as the locals called it, but there is one thing that I am absolutely sure about…a person can get lost in there if not careful! Or, in my case, two people can get lost, as was proven by Miss Iowa, Jordanne Blair, and I as we attempted to locate the Tandy Brands booth. Once the elusive booth was found (which turned out to be quite simple to locate), we took a seat in the front of the store and began to sign autographs. After a few photo opts and numerous autograph sheets handed out, it was time to return to the Denver Coliseum for the next performance of the NWSS.
My flight homes was quite normal, and I was excited to see my father (Popa) who was there to pick me up. My experiences in Denver are ones that I will never forget, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that made this trip so special.I hope I was able to paint the perfect picture describing just one of the many days in the life of Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2010. I also hope that you enjoyed the ride as much as I did telling you about it! Stay tuned for many more exciting adventures to come! Happy trails and God Bless!
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