On Saturday, June 7 at Bolado Park, four local girls will compete for the title of Miss San Benito Rodeo 2014. Donning jeans, chaps, spurs, and of course, a cowboy hat, the contestants will compete for the coveted title to rein over the 81st annual rodeo and horse show later this month.
Megan Ford, Av\rie Hubbell, Bailee Nelson and Karli Skow will each take the arena Saturday morning to vie for the title. Contestant Megan Ford, who hopes to be a registered nurse, has been competing in the rodeo since the age of 4, and helps out at her family ranch and brandings.
Avrie Hubbell will also be competing and is member of the Hollister Future Farmers of America, or FFA, and has earned the State FFA Degree. Through FFA, Hubbell has shown livestock at numerous county fairs and has attended leadership conferences.
Bailee Nelson is another contestant for the title, and in addition to being experienced in rodeo, she is also captain of the San Benito High School varsity volleyball team. Nelson is also active in FFA, competing in speaking competitions through the organization, and has shown goats, hogs and cattle.
Sixth-generation San Benito County resident Karli Skow will also be competing for the Miss Rodeo honor. Studying to become a veterinary technician, Skow is an award-winning FFA member, receiving honors in showmanship and market classes. Skow is an intern at the Hollister Animal Hospital and has been riding horses since the age of six, receiving her first buckle from a rodeo win at the age of nine.
The public is invited to come out and watch these ladies compete for the title. The event will include a brief interview, and the contestants will be questioned on their knowledge of San Benito County and its Horse Show history. The Miss San Benito Rodeo hopefuls will also be judged on horsemanship by showcasing their skills in short reining pattern, equitation, flag run and completing a presentation run.
The winner of Miss San Benito Rodeo will be crowned with a silver tiara, belt buckle and have the honor of wearing the leather sash that is passed down each year. Miss San Benito Rodeo will appear at this year’s rodeo events at Bolado Park the weekend of June 27 and participate in the Saddle Horse Show Parade down San Benito Street. She will also represent the San Benito County Saddle Horse Association at the San Benito County Fair, the California Rodeo in Salinas and other community events throughout the year.
The Miss San Benito County Rodeo event begins this Saturday morning at 9 a.m. There is no charge for admission and the public is encouraged to participate in this and other rodeo events in June. Be sure to Tweet your well wishes to your favorite contestant and all your rodeo photos to @BenitoLink with the Rodeo Event hashtag: #BLRodeo14.