As this year is coming to an end for Corissa King, Miss San Benito Rodeo 2017, she wanted to take the opportunity to say “Thank You”.
King was born and raised in San Benito County. She currently attends California State University Fresno and majors in Agriculture.
An accomplished horsewomen, dedicated ambassador, and special lady, King wanted to acknowledge those for their hard work and dedication to the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, the sport of professional rodeo, and for supporting her during the last year of her reign.
King traveled many miles to promote the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, as well as the sport of professional rodeo. She visited many Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association events to represent San Benito County. She rode in various parades, charity events, and made television appearances.
Being Miss San Benito Rodeo was an incredible journey for King that allowed her to grow and mature.
At age 18, she competed for a second time for Miss San Benito Rodeo. A little nervous after not winning the previous year, King endured an intense day of competition and was crowned Miss San Benito Rodeo in June 2017.
“I had tears in my eyes,” King said. “Winning a competition that you have practiced and worked at for so long is such a rewarding feeling I can’t describe it.”
King learned much along her journey, which is an experience she’ll never forget.
“It's amazing to be a rodeo queen and proudly say not only my life roots are buried deep in San Benito County, but my queen roots are as well," King said.
As King traveled across the State of California, she met rodeo fans, contestants, committee members, sponsors, and contract personnel. King was a role model for rodeo fans and aspiring young ladies, and a friend to her fellow queens.
“I strongly encourage anyone to run for Miss San Benito Rodeo,” King said. “It is a great experience no matter what and I promise you that the memories made will last a lifetime.”
To the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo directors and committee members, King said she is so lucky to be queen.
“Not a lot of people realize how much time and effort goes into something as amazing as our rodeo because of our board,” King said. “Thank you for all you do to make this rodeo so successful.”
Lastly, King wanted to thank her family and friends during this crazy ride.
“I cannot thank my mom and dad [enough] for always making sure that clothes and horses were ready for me,” King said. “To my grandparents for always loving and supporting me no matter what, and to my other friends and family (you know who you are) thank you for making sure that you were at each and every event no matter what the circumstance may have been.”
On Saturday June 9, 2018, King will crown the new Miss San Benito Rodeo at the Bolado Park Event Center. The contest starts at 10 a.m. and King will give her final rundown as queen.
King will also run for Miss California Rodeo Salinas in July.
“I would love to have everyone out there supporting me in Salinas and cheering for me," she said.
The personality and appearance portion of the contest is on Wednesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. The following day is the horsemanship contest at 8 a.m.
