Howdy all!

In the early part of November, Kateri, Kerri and I were swept away to Edmonton for the 35^th edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo.   We watched the Friday night performance where the evening theme was to honor the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing members of the Canadian military on to the infield and unfolding a giant Canadian flag in front of a crowd of 16,033 spectators.  We were privileged to observe as the team ropers set a new arena record of 3.7 seconds, the boys steer riders re-joined the Finals for the first time since 2001, and Calgary Stampede’s Grated Coconut is Bareback Horse of the CFR forever in the history books.   While in Edmonton we also attended the Ladies of Canadian Professional Rodeo Western Winter Wonderland luncheon and fashion show helping raise funds for the Cowboy Benefit Fund and Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Teams.  We also got the honor of meeting the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2009 Aaron Courchesne from my hometown of Okotoks and her princess from Nanton, Tara Slade.

In December we flew to my original hometown of Montreal QC, for the Grey Cup where I had the opportunity to speak my native tongue of French.   While there we danced the socks off of the Alouette fans, learned how to cook pancakes from the Grey Cup Committee, indulged in a few crepes, went for a horse-drawn calèche ride through Old Montreal, took a tour of the famous altar of the Notre Dame Basilica, met and danced with Alberta’s Premier Ed Stelmach and Quebec’s Premier Jean Charest, and supported our Calgary Stampeders’ football team as they brought home the grey cup.  Go Stamps, Go!!!

Next on the agenda was flying to the city that never sleeps; Las Vegas for the 50^th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals rodeo to watch the top Cowboys and Cowgirls get crowned for the 2008 season.  While there, we did what girls do best – shopped until we dropped at Cowboy Christmas, watched as Amy Wilson (MRA 08) passed on her crown to the new Miss Rodeo America from California Maegan Ridley at the 2009 coronation, partied with the Calgary Stampede Rodeo Committee and watched the 2 hour action packed rodeo.

When we got home Kateri, Kerri, Nikkole and I kicked off the Christmas season by attending the Queen’s Alumni Giddy-up Christmas party held for the challenged children of Calgary.

I’d like to wish you all a fabulous holiday season and all the best in the New Year!  Wishing you love and laughter,

Tara

This entry was posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008 at 4:06 pm and is filed under Royalty.