Royalty Update!

Wow! We have been busy since our last update! After our long break from rodeos, we headed back chasing the white lines hard as well as traveling to Arkansas for our sponsor shoot with Sherry Smith Photography! Before the girls talk about what they've been up to, I would like to formally introduce to everyone on our blog our new Miss ORA 2018, Maddy Benson! Maddy is the 20 year old daughter of Bucky and Billie Benson of Farmington, MO. She currently competes in barrel racing, goat tying, and ribbon roping with the Ozark Rodeo Association. Whenever Maddy isn't rodeoing she is either working as a paramedic or spending time with her family. Her future plans include going back to school in the near future. Please help us give Maddy a very warm welcome!
​-Shannon

    Wow! I can't believe this day is actually here! Although my reign has been short so far, there is a lot of rodeo season left. I am so blessed with the opportunity that I have been given. Some days I still think I am in shock when I wake up and see my crown and sash sitting on my dresser.
   I will admit I was terrified when Shannon first messaged me asking if I wanted this position. I was excited, don't get me wrong, but all I could think is, "I have no clue how to be a rodeo queen." Though like most things I've done, I took a deep breath and jumped in head first. I haven't had one regret since. My first few weeks as Miss ORA 2018 have been nothing short of spectacular. I have been accepted with open arms by contestants, the board, and the fans.
   As well as all the before mentioned people, Miss Teen ORA, Jacci Gregory, has made this transition a hundred times easier! Her kind words of encouragement and willingness to lend a hand or jump in has made all of this so much easier. Honestly, I'd probably be lost without her! As for the rest of the season, I don't know what it will hold, but if it's anything like the first few weeks, it'll be nothing short of amazing! I cannot wait to represent the association I hold so dearly to my heart for the rest of 2018!
-Miss ORA 2018
​Maddy Benson

    Some extremely awesome things have occurred since my last blog post! I have received some new sponsors, that have made this reign very exciting. Ellie L. Illustrations drew a picture of me with my chaps. She said it was her first time sketching a rodeo queen, but I have to say she nailed it! 
      Then on June 26th, I had the delightful experience to work with Sherry Smith. My director, Shannon, and I went to Arkansas, there Sherry spent over three hours taking pictures of me in different outfits! Sherry was so professional and was just so down to earth. She made the entire experience awesome! 
      We had a small break in rodeos, but picked right back up, and have been full swing since. June 22nd and 23rd the O.R.A. was at Cuba, MO. The next two weekends have been my favorite so far because we celebrated Independence Day! This year the 4th of July was in the middle of the week, therefore we celebrated both the weekend before and after. The weekend before on June on the 29th and 30th we were in Iberia, MO. There we did a tribute with flags that stood for every branch of the military including the Prisoners of War! 
       At that same rodeo, we announced that Maddy Benson would be stepping up as our new Miss ORA 2018. She has been a member of the Ozark Rodeo Association for a few years now and knows it just as well as anyone! She will represent us well, and I am excited for her to take over the title. 
-Miss Teen ORA 2018
​Jacci Gregory

We are enjoying our must needed break with two weeks off before we hit the rodeo road hard again! The girls are working hard representing the association and competing in their respective events chasing points before heading to finals in October!
What's next on our schedule?
July 27&28 Versailles Rodeo
July 31 Cole County Fair
August 3&4 Dixon Rodeo
August 4 Mini Clinic/Informational Meeting before Dixon Rodeo
We hope to see you all there!
-Shannon Norris
Director
​Miss Ozark Rodeo Association Pageant