As the Airdrie Pro Rodeo weekend quickly approaches, Haley Hartwell, the 2019 Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess, sheds some light on Rodeo Royalty.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartwell has spent the last three years holding the Rodeo Princess title. New royalty is normally crowned every year, but the pandemic had extended her reign.

There are five contestants this year competing for the 2022 Airdrie Pro Rodeo Royalty titles, according to Hartwell. The outgoing royalty is present when the incoming royalty is officially crowned at this year's rodeo.

Hartwell says although Airdrie has shown nothing but support for its rodeo royalty, there are some misconceptions about what a Rodeo Royalty does or how much they know about the event.

"We're down in the dirt with all the competitors. Part of our role is to know everything about rodeo so we can promote it," says Hartwell, "There's a written test portion of the competition and we also have to answer impromptu questions about a whole bunch of different events. They throw a whole bunch of stuff at you and it's your job to be prepared for anything they ask you as it pertains to rodeo."

Airdrie Pro Rodeo Royalty, such as the Princess and Miss Rodeo Airdrie, act as ambassadors for the rodeo as well as the City of Airdrie traveling across Alberta and into the States to promote the Airdrie Pro Rodeo. 

Princess_And_Miss_PhotoHaley Hartwell, Princess and Brooke Fielding, Miss Rodeo Airdrie posing at the 2021 Airdrie Pro Rodeo (Photo from Airdrie Pro Rodeo Facebook Page)

The Airdrie Pro Rodeo is from July 1 to July 3 at both the Airdrie Rodeo Grounds as well as the Plainsmen Arena (Boots and Buckles Dance on July 1 at 8pm). 

CLICK HERE for the full 2022 Airdrie Pro Rodeo schedule.