It was a bittersweet moment for a local cowgirl after handing off her Rodeo crown earlier this month.

Airdrie's Emily Marston ended her reign as Miss Pro Rodeo Airdrie during the annual festivities on the Canada Day Long Weekend.

Marston explains how she felt when the big moment came.

"It's definitely bittersweet but it's kind of thrilling and exciting in a new way because you're starting a new chapter in your life, you're closing this one. You know the girls you're handing your crown off to get to experience the same thing that you did and it's such a thrilling adventure."

Over the past year Marston, and Pro Rodeo Princess Katie Hlushak, traveled across the province attending numerous events, but there was one moment that really stood out.

"The trips were great and the rodeos were fantastic," says Marston, "It was driving together and the talks we would have and the Timmies stops that we would do. Just getting to really know one another. All the little inside jokes that we created and our little secret handshake."

Although her reign in Airdrie is coming to a close, Marston is nowhere near finished.

"I'm running for Miss Rodeo Canada in November...Right now, I am studying my little butt off because it is a lot of knowledge. I'm getting horsemanship lessons, fashion lessons. It's a lot of prep work, especially in the summer time so I'm really excited for that one."

Marston says the support of the entire community has, and will help her tremendously on her journey.

"It amazes me how much support Katie and I have gotten from the City of Airdrie, from it's members and the community itself this past year and even after I've been decrowned, people still know who I am, they still are excited for me to go up and compete for Miss Rodeo Canada."

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