Gillian Shields, Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2011 (right) and Rebecca McKay, Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess 2011. Shields will now vie for the Miss Rodeo Canada 2013 title.

The Miss Rodeo Canada organization is excited to announce the candidates for Miss Rodeo Canada 2013.

The winner of the Miss Rodeo Canada Pageant will play a key role in preserving Canada’s western heritage, conveying the message to the rodeo community and beyond. Miss Rodeo Canada’s duties include actively promoting the Canadian Finals Rodeo held each year in Edmonton.  

Three Alberta communities stand to gain bragging rights with the Crowning of a new Queen. This year’s contestants are from three strong rodeo communities: Airdrie, Okotoks, and Grande Prairie. Miss Rodeo Canada’s hometown will be forever known as producing one of the sport’s best.

This year's contestants are:

Gillian Shields, Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2011
21-year-old Gillian Shields’ first rodeo experience was in Rodeo’s favorite child event: mutton busting. It was in this event she was first told to “hang on and never let go!” This avid barrel racer and former 4H club member is an avid community volunteer. Shields is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Red Deer College, in hopes of becoming an Elementary music and special education teacher. She currently works as a Registered Massage Therapist.

Shields says it's an honour to be in the running.

Nicole Schlaak, Miss Rodeo Okotoks 2011
A strong history of volunteer service and a passion for horses define Miss Rodeo Okotoks Nicole Schlaak. Her high-school athletic efforts saw her become her volleyball team’s captain and Most Valuable Player. Schlaak’s rodeo experience includes ranch teams and flag-carrying for sponsors. She is now an honour student at Mount Royal University currently completing a Bachelors of Business Administration, as well as a frequent volunteer judge for public speaking competitions.

Sarah Michel, Miss Grande Prairie Stompede 2011
Crowned as Miss Grande Prairie Stompede just one week after her high school graduation, rodeo is not this barrel racer and team penner’s only talent. An accomplished football player and wrestler, Sarah both medaled in and was recognized for sportsmanship at the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. As a 4H club member, Michel has competed all over the province and still volunteers as an Assistant Leader. Inspired by the Trades Work for Women program, she is currently apprenticing with her sights pinned on a future as a Journeyman Electrician.

The pageant will be held in conjunction with the Canadian Finals Rodeo November 7 – 11, 2012 in Edmonton.