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New Beaver Creek rodeo royalty begin reign

Staff Reports

Three contestants, Hanna Nelson, Kendra Parker and Kirstie Eckert, competed for positions of queen, queen attendant and princess for the Beaver Creek Resort Rodeo Series on April 31 at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. They were judged and scored on categories of personality, appearance, and knowledge of rodeo and horsemanship. Each person participated in a personal interview, rode her horse in a reining pattern and answered horsemanship questions.The results: Nelson as queen, Parker as queen attendant and Eckert as princess.”I learn the most from the interviews by answering the questions,” said Parker. “I have gained confidence in my answers.”Earning a title in rodeo royalty is challenging and applies to every day life. The process for each contest is unique and expects contestants to handle numerous situations with confidence and pride.”It teaches me to walk with poise no matter what,” said Nelson. “People are always watching me, and even recognize me at the grocery store, so I always want to be on good behavior and act as a role model.”Nelson lives on a working ranch in Gypsum and helps take care of her family’s horses and mules along with 100 mother cows and calves.Parker’s rodeo experience includes earning the 200405 Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Princess title and also barrel races.Eckert also barrel races, does Gymkhana, rides on the Drill Team at the Eagle County Fair, shows in 4-H and works for her dad at Triple G Outfitters. When she’s not on a horse, she plays basketball, volley ball and snowboards.The Beaver Creek rodeos are every Thursday night, June 23 through Aug. 25, except Aug. 5 because of the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo, and the July 28 rodeo will be moved to Friday, July 29. Gates open at 5 p.m. and guests can purchase food, merchandise, get pony rides and enjoy the petting zoo. The grand entry, and beginning of the rodeos, will be at 6 p.m. VT By Lindsay Jo Hackman


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