Intergenerational horsewoman Olivia MacLennan from Sexsmith, Alta., has been selected as Miss Ponoka Stampede 2024, and is already busy representing Ponoka and the western way of life locally and across the province.
Selection day was held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre on April 23.
“Congratulations to our new 2024 Miss Ponoka Stampede Olivia MacLennan,” said Miss Rodeo Canada 2024 and last year’s Ponoka Stampede queen Kaylee Shantz on social media.
”We are so proud to welcome you to our Stampede family and can’t wait to see what adventures await you. You are in for an incredible year. Take in every moment and enjoy the journey. We are cheering you on!”
The two contestants, MacLennan and Ainsley Zayac, were put through their paces, competing in a public speaking component and horsemanship challenges to show their skills.
Zayac holds a diploma in animal science technology with a major in equine studies. She is currently a student at the University of Lethbridge, studying for a bachelor of science in agriculture.
The competition is open to ladies aged 18 to 24. The winning candidate must display some knowledge of rodeo, an outgoing personality, and the ability to attend events and make appearances.
“I was think I was mostly in shock,” said MacLennan in a phone interview. “I wasn’t really sure how to react.”
After the stress and anticipation leading up to selection day, the moment she realized she’d won was a bit of a surprise.
“I thought, ‘Oh, I did it!’” she said.
MacLennan explained the Miss Ponoka Stampede is different than any other rodeo pageant as Ponoka’s has a selection day instead of a competition day, meaning there is no official point system.
She was tested to see how she reacts on a horse and asked an impromptu question in a live interview. Sometimes there is a modelling component, but there wasn’t this year, she said.
“At the end of the day, they pick who they feel is best suited to represent them.”
MacLennan says her calendar is already filling up with her responsibilities and appearances representing Ponoka.
Already she’s appeared at several events in Ponoka, including a photo shoot with professional rodeo photographer Covy Moore, been fitted out in style at Jones Boys Saddlery and Western Wear, and been to see rodeo royalty designer Janine Custom Creations outside of Calgary for a consultation on her Miss Ponoka Stampede vest and other official clothing.
“They don’t waste any time (getting started),” said MacLennan, adding she plans to make the most out of each experience to prepare her for what comes next.
Not all rodeo titles mandate it, but the successful Miss Ponoka Stampede candidate is required to compete for the national rodeo crown as well. The Miss Rodeo Canada competition is held during the Canadian Finals Rodeo, which will be Oct. 2 to 5 this year.
“There’s only a few months … I want to have as many experiences under my belt as possible.”
Not new to the rodeo royalty scene, MacLennan served as Miss Teepee Creek 2022.
After her reign ended in July, 2023, she knew she wanted to run for Miss Ponoka Stampede.
MacLennan said the Ponoka Stampede and the community aligns with everything she stands for.
“It is a dedicated community, passionate fans, and outstanding volunteers … I stand by that.”
She added the Ponoka Stampede had the most welcoming feeling out of all the rodeos she’s been to.
Turning 20 later this month, MacLennan currently resides in Edmonton. She’s recently completed requisite courses at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology for a medical diagnostic sonography program, which she hopes to get into after her rodeo royalty tenure ends.
Until then, she intends to savour every moment.
“As a past rodeo queen, I saw all aspects. Now I’m really looking forward to really diving into being in the moment more,” she said, adding she plans to ‘soak in’ every small moment, every autograph signed.
“The year goes by so fast … it’s over before you know it.”
MacLennan will be officially crowned at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction on May 3, at the Stagecoach Saloon. The reception starts at 5 and the live auction will get underway starting at 6:30 p.m.
READ MORE: Get ready to bid at the 2024 Ponoka Stampede tarp auction
