The 2010 Stampede Royalty were selected in October and crowned at the Canadian Rodeo Tour Championship. Now just a month into their roles, Stampede Queen Katie Rochon and Princesses Kirstie Rougeau and Janelle Phillips discuss what if feels like to be Royalty.
SB: Why did you decide to run for Stampede Royalty?
Katie: I know it sounds cliché but I always loved seeing the Royalty at the Stampede and I have aspired to do this since I was a young girl.
Kirstie: I love the Stampede and Calgary. The western spirit of this city is incredible during the 10-days of Stampede. I'm from a rural background and I'm proud of western culture. This is a great way to represent everything I am passionate about.
Janelle: I admired the women as a little girl and now that I'm older, I realize what an important role they play in promoting the western heritage and values of the Stampede.
SB: What has been your favorite part so far?
Katie, Kirstie and Janelle: All the people we've met!
SB: What are you looking forward to?
Kirstie: I'm excited for all the events, meeting new people and, of course, being part of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
SB: Do you foresee any challenges?
Kirstie: I think with any new job or role, there are some bumps and bruises along the way. I think balancing school with my royal duties will teach me excellent time management skills.
Janelle: I agree - time management. It is important to balance Royalty with school, work, family and friends.
Have there been any surprises so far?
Katie: During the competition we were given a thorough run-down of what to expect if we were fortunate enough to make it but there has been one surprise - the crowns are surprisingly light!
Janelle: The biggest surprise for me was being crowned in the first place! All of the girls in the competition were amazing - it was really anyone's game.
What do you do in your spare time?
Katie: Between royalty duties, school, and working, I can't say I've had much spare time these days! When I do however, you can almost always find me somewhere with horses. I have an amazing horse I compete with in show jumping. I also love reading, playing piano, and though maybe I shouldn't admit it... guitar hero.
Kirstie: I love to head out of the city to see my horse and practice trick riding. I also like to spend time on my parent's farm, help my dad outside, play piano, read and just relax.
Janelle: I am currently doing a teaching practicum in Cochrane and have started a cheerleading team there. I also love to ride my horses, work on the ranch, train my dog for agility trials, dance, kickbox and spend time with my family.
SB: What would you like to accomplish during your year as Royalty?
Katie: If I can make a positive impact in the lives of others this year, I'll be more than happy!
Rochon, Rougeau and Phillips will attend over 350 events during their year as Stampede Royalty including the Grey Cup and the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.
Learn more about Katie, Kirstie and Janelle and their year ahead through their blog and on Facebook.
Watch for an upcoming article about the 2010 Indian Princess, Sahvanne Weasel-Traveller.
