Airdrie welcomes new Miss Rodeo

On Saturday, the Airdrie Pro Rodeo named Kyla Lightfoot the 2024 Miss Rodeo Airdrie at the Wild West Fashion Show.

Lightfoot, who lives just outside of Cochrane is thankful for the opportunity to represent Airdrie for the next year.

"Honestly, I'm overjoyed. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and being crowned was a lot of work. I was lucky to have two amazing contestants alongside me while we went through the journey."

The other two who were trying to earn the crown included Georgina Gardner and Tiffany Hiller. Lightfoot talked about what she had to do to earn the title.

"The competition started the weekend of May 3, we had a written exam as well as a personal interview and then the horsemanship component of the competition as well. The night of the fashion show we modelled clothes from 'The Store Upstairs'. We also had the public speaking so all of us contestants had to prepare a three-minute speech and it was Wild West themed."

Lightfoot's speech was about Alberta's famous pioneering women and then related it to the rodeo athletes in rodeos today.

"It was very nerve-wracking the three of us being up there and waiting to hear who was going to be Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2024. Immediately when I heard my name, I was overjoyed. There were quite a few happy tears, I've got big boots to fill as the Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess this past year, Hannah Braun has done a phenomenal job representing Airdrie and so I know going into this year I have a big boost to fill."

This isn't the first time Lightfoot has had a role like this, last year she was the 2023 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen. Lightfoot hopes to be out and about in the community during her reign.

"One thing that made me want to run for Airdrie in the first place is because the Airdrie Pro Rodeo is a very welcoming atmosphere. I think that's something unique and special. I hope I can get out and give back to the community by attending community events."

Lightfoot hopes she can get out and share her knowledge and passion for the Western industry. She is currently attending MacEwan University taking a bachelor of communications and majoring in journalism.

She finished off by thanking everybody who has helped her along her way and the Pro Rodeo for hosting this competition.

"Just knowing that we had some amazing women who have had experience in the rodeo Queen industry before and them being there for you and supporting you is something that I am thankful for."

Lightfoot will of course be at the Airdrie Pro Rodeo which is taking place June 28 to July 1 at the rodeo grounds just west of Airdrie on Highway 567. The weekend-long event is looking to entertain all Airdronians who want to come out and enjoy the jam-packed weekend.

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