b"Kennadee Riggs Crowned MISS RODEO AMERICA 2023In 1955, the founding of the Miss RodeoIt began with her great-great-grandfather America organization took rodeo queeningHarry Frost, who is listed in the Reno Rodeo to a national scale, setting up stateHall of Fame and the Quarter Horse Legacy organizations across the country. The MissHall of Fame. In 1950, her great-grandmother Rodeo America Pageant, held annually inOdile Brady was the Reno Rodeo Queen. conjunction with the Wrangler NationalKennadee's grandmother, the late Julee Brady, Finals Rodeo, brings reigning state rodeowas the founder of the Cowgirls Historical queens to Las Vegas to compete. TheFoundation, which celebrates the talents and pageant offers contestants a long listcamaraderie of the western past, and brings of awards and scholarships, with eachus increased knowledge for the present. The contestant walking away with no less than non-profit equestrian and community group a $1,500 scholarship. was honored to participate in events such as the Equestfest and Rose Parade, where Julee On Tuesday night, as the Wrangler Nationalrode for many years. Finals sixth go-round began, Riggs made her first major public appearance since the coronation. She got to rideHer mom, Shanda Brady Riggs, was also a part ofout in front of 18,000 rodeo fans at the Thomas & Mackmany great organizations such as Gilbert Days Rodeo Center. During her reign as the official representative of theQueen in 1998, Miss Rodeo USA program, Arizona Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Kennadee willSundancers equestrian drill team, and many community travel around 50,000 miles and appear at nearly 100 rodeoand church activities.performances, as well as make appearances at schools, civic groups, and other special events in order to educate theKennadee held three titles with the Gilbert Days Rodeo. She K ennadee Riggs has been crowned Miss Rodeopublic and create awareness about the sport of rodeo, itswas named Gilbert Days Rodeo Missy, 2016 Teen Queen, sponsors, and its opportunities. Kennadee will also serveand 2018 Queen. As a member of the Cowgirls Historical America 2023 after recently winning the competitionas a spokesperson at a variety of promotional events andFoundation, she spends much of her time volunteering in Las Vegas. In a field of 28 state rodeo queens, shemodel in commercial advertisements for western clothiers,at charities and educating the public on western heritage. bested the competition after winning the Horsemanship,publications, sponsors, and other service providers to theShe served as a missionary for her church in Brazil and Appearance, and Personality categories and was thewestern industry. Oklahoma for 18 months. She is working toward pursuing recipient of the Roxann Harris Memorial Competitivea degree in sports journalism and broadcasting at Arizona Spirit Scholarship. The 22-year-old from Queen CreekKennadee hails from a family that has nurturedState University and is a part of the Cowboy Lifestyle represented her home state at the Miss Rodeo Americahorsemanship for five generations. Riggs is a Queen CreekNetwork team. She also adores volunteering as an instructor Pageant as the 2022 Miss Rodeo Arizona, becoming the 5thHigh graduate who also attended Queen Creek Junior High,teaching English and Portuguese, which she speaks fluently, from the state to hold the coveted national title. Newell Barney Junior High, and Jack Barnes Elementary. to Brazilians in weekly classes. W I S H I N GY O UAH A P P YN E WY E A RSERAPE BLEUFinal LogoFul ColorShop for the perfect outfit or gift at Serape Bleu,a boutique with exceptional selection, style and service.164 N. Tegner StreetWickenburg, AZ928.232.2600 SERAPEBLEU.COMOPEN DAILYMON-SAT 10 AM-5 PMSUN 11 AM-4 PMAS FEATURED IN COWBOYS AND INDIANS MAGAZINEPHOTO BY KALEE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY10 January 2023"