Former Miss San Benito Rodeo Corissa King was named Miss Gilroy Rodeo 2019 on Aug. 12. During her reign, King will represent the Gilroy Rodeo at events and rodeos throughout California.
“I decided to run for Miss Gilroy Rodeo because I felt that it was an amazing opportunity to represent a rodeo that hasn't been around for a long time,” King said.
After more than 60 years, the Gilroy Rodeo made a comeback to Santa Clara County as a two-day event to celebrate the love of rodeo. The last rodeo was held in 1956.
King said the Gilroy Rodeo was huge this year, with packed grandstands during every performance.
“I looked up from the arena and it was great to see so many people enjoying the rodeo,” she said.
King was the 2017 Miss San Benito Rodeo and recently competed for Miss Salinas Rodeo 2018; Valerie Costanza of Hollister won the latter title.
“Being Miss San Benito will always be an amazing memory because it’s part of my roots and foundation I hold dearly in my heart,” King said. “I truly loved my year representing the San Benito Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo.”
This year was the first official queen contest in Gilroy Rodeo history. King stated that every queen contest is always different from the last.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent The Gilroy Rodeo Organization as Miss Gilroy Rodeo 2019,” she said.
As Miss Gilroy Rodeo, King plans to help the rodeo become even more successful.
“I love the sport and traditions of rodeo,” King said.
The rodeo queen is set to start her sophomore year at CSU-Fresno studying agriculture communications. She currently interns at the beef unit on campus and is a member of the Block and Bridle Club. She enjoys serving as the secretary of the Fresno State Young Cattlemen’s Association.
After graduation, she plans to become an agriculture teacher.
King is considering running for Miss Rodeo California at some point in the future.
According to the Miss Rodeo California website, “Miss Rodeo California is a young lady who strives to promote the State of California and the sport of professional rodeo.”
“If I were to run it would be amazing to win,” King said, “because it would mean that I’m representing California as a whole and would have a shot at running for Miss Rodeo America.”
It has been a longtime dream for King.
