The 59th annual Siloam Springs Rodeo featured a strong group of contestants for the two crowns that were up for grabs this year. Seven contestants vied to succeed Emily Linn as the Siloam Springs Rodeo Queen and two others competed for the title of Princess, which was held by Falyn Cordeiro.
Out of that field of contestants emerged Brittney Doshier, the newest Rodeo Queen, and Kodi Starkey, who claimed the title of Rodeo Princess.
Doshier, 19, is from Colcord, Okla., and is a junior at Rogers State University, where she is studying to become an accountant, with plans to attend graduate school.
Doshier participated in more parts of the rodeo than just the pageant. Her entry to the world of rodeo was through a cousin who was part of the Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders, and when Doshier started participating in rodeos, she joined the outfit. Those same Rounders also worked the Siloam Springs Rodeo, riding out between events.
Starkey's participation in the Siloam Springs Rodeo was an extension of family tradition. Starkey, 10, said she got her love of rodeo from her mother, who also was involved in the shows at a young age. Starkey comes to rodeo from the competitive side, participating in barrel racing, poles and occasionally goat tying.
"(Being crowned princess) means the world to me because I've been part of the Siloam Springs Rodeo for so long, and I've always wanted to run for princess," Starkey said.
The newest princess said she hopes her time as princess inspires other girls to participate in rodeos and the rodeo pageant, just like she was inspired by princesses that came before her. Starkey said the event had helped her raise her confidence and prepare her for what was ahead.
Rodeo pageant participants were judged on a variety of contests, including horsemanship, public speaking, modelling and interviews. The contestants were also evaluated on their runs in the parade and grand entry. Queen contestants were required to give a three to four minute speech on a topic of their choice, while princess contestants spoke for two to three minutes about what they liked about rodeos and why they wanted to be crowned princess.
"It means a whole lot," said Doshier on her win. "This is actually only my second Queen contest, so to win here, it's awesome. I live in Colcord, so Siloam's basically my home town.
"It's just great. I'm just so speechless to become queen."
Doshier and Starkey both said they were ready and excited to represent Siloam Springs for the rest of the rodeo season. The pair will travel to other area rodeos, and will be the representatives for the Siloam Springs area.
"I'm definitley looking forward to going to all the different rodeos and representing Siloam Springs and putting our name back on the map," Doshier said.
Both contestants extended thanks to the rodeo sponsors and for the crowd in attendance for coming out.
General News on 06/21/2017