Thank you Miss Rodeo California 2013 Dakota Skellenger

As we say goodbye to 2013 and welcome 2014, we will welcome our new Miss Rodeo California.  Before we do, we would like to take this opportunity to both say "Thank You" and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of a very special young lady - California's Rodeo Ambassador, our Miss Rodeo California 2013, Dakota Skellenger.  (Thank you to the Skellenger Family, Libby Wendt ( Facebook ), Wayne Capili - Interface Visual Photography ( website ), for use of many of the photos in this article.)

Representing Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo, Dakota Skellenger set her goal - that goal was to become Miss Rodeo California.  With the support of her family, friends, and sponsors, she entered the prestigious Miss Rodeo California Pageant ( website ) and after months of preparation and days of intense competition, on October 4, 2012, Dakota was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2013.  She was also presented awards for placing first in all of the judging categories.

Equipped with her beautiful red truck and her trailer, as well as the support of her family and friends, her sponsors, and with the support of the Miss Rodeo California Organization, Dakota was off and running.

During her reign, Dakota has traveled thousands of miles to attend rodeos and events as California's Ambassador for the professional sport of rodeo.  Just as important, Dakota has been a role model for thousands of rodeo fans and aspiring young ladies, and has been a mentor and friend to all of her sister queens.  Having the opportunity to meet so many people across our United States, Dakota greeted each and every person she met with a warm smile and made each and every one feel special.  Whether riding in parades, judging pageants, presenting our Nation's Colors and/or our State flag at PRCA rodeos, participating in charitable events, making television and radio appearances, Dakota was always poised and polished and she represented our state and the professional sport of rodeo with grace and enthusiasm.

The first couple of months, she found herself on the road - a lot!  Lakeside, National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Black Hills Stock Show,  the Silver Spur Rodeo in "Kissimmee" Florida, and judging the Miss Norco Posse Rodeo Pageant to name a few.

Once home, she was off again - This time to "Ag Day" in Sacramento!  She then returned to her home town of Bakersfield, California to present Old Glory at the Kern County Stampede Days Rodeo.  Then it was back to Sacramento for the Horse Expo!

Never one to sit still very long, she was off and running again.  This trip she was off to Glennville, Mother Lode, Somona Wine Country Rodeo, and Springville Sierra!

As Dakota was traveling, her family kept her in their thoughts and prayers for safe travels and also kept a non-virtual calendar to track her whereabouts.

Sponsored by our Partner, the City of Lancaster ( website  / website ), in August, we were honored to have Dakota join us "On The BLVD" here in Lancaster, CA, for the Sierra Toyota Concert Series - Country Night, to help promote the upcoming PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo ( Facebook).  A great time was had by all!  Dakota met with hundreds of rodeo fans of all ages and enjoyed having her photo taken on the red carpet with many residents of our community, dignitaries, and our community queens. Also on hand were PRCA Cowboy Cesar "Kid" Banuelos and future PRCA Cowboy Brody Mannes, as well as members of the Showdown Rodeo Committee (producers of the PRCA RAM CA Circuit Finals Rodeo) and dignitaries from the City of Lancaster.

Here are some of the "Red Carpet Photos:

Always on the go, Dakota was off to the Kern County Fair, San Dimas Rodeo, Industry Hills Rodeo, Nascar, television appearances, and preparation for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

October 18, 19, 20, 2013, Miss Rodeo California reigned over the 2013 PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo in Lancaster, CA. Dakota was on hand for each performance to present the flag of our great State of California.  She was a wonderful ambassador.  We were honored that she was on hand to assist with the presentation of Montana Silversmith Buckles to all Rodeo Champions and the presentation of Champion Saddles and Montana Silversmith Buckles to our Year End Champions at the Awards Ceremony.  On behalf of the Showdown Rodeo, our Partners - the Antelope Valley Fair and the City of Lancaster, as well as all of our sponsors, we would like to thank Dakota for all of her help and support of the California Circuit and the PRCA RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo.

In December, Dakota traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she participated in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant!  Dakota said it was the experience of a lifetime.  She represented our state with grace and dignity - She even took 1st place for her scrapbook!  Her "Queen" basket was amazing!

A personal message from Dakota:

 "What an unforgettable journey I have had as Miss Rodeo California.  I was so blessed to have been able to travel tens of thousands of miles representing California and the PRCA!  Rodeo is so much more than a sport; rodeo has taught me countless life lessons and has continued to show me what true Western traditions and values are all about.  I have been so privileged to meet so many wonderful people all over our country while promoting the PRCA.  I want thank everyone who has supported me throughout my year; without your generosity my year would not have been possible.  As my title comes to an end,  I am reminded of a quote by Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.   I will always be grateful for this amazing experience and I will never forget the honor I have felt every second while wearing the crown as Miss Rodeo California" - Dakota

Please join us in both "Thanking Dakota for a job well done" and in "Wishing her all the best with everything her future holds"!  We know she will be successful in her future education and future career goals.  We know she will continue to be a wonderful role model and we are very proud of her!

In closing, we would like to share a photograph that was taken by Libby Wendt which captures the beauty, grace, and enthusiasm that Dakota displayed during her reign!

If you are interested in learning more about the Miss Rodeo California Organization, please visit them at their website.  You can also follow Miss Rodeo California on her Facebook.  Thank you to the Miss Rodeo California Directors for all of your hard work and dedication to these young ladies and this wonderful organization.