Royalty crowned for 70th Rodeo

SPOONER — On a sleepy Saturday morning, they arrived, one by one, horses and trailers in tow. Dressed in fine Western wear, their cowgirl hats were just right, their horses groomed and ready for riding.

May 11, 2024 … time to determine the new 70th Spooner Rodeo queen and princess.

Four young ladies rode into the Spooner Rodeo Arena ready for the riding competition, their hopes high. But as Queen Committee Chairperson Kate Peck pointed out, only two could be chosen. That is the tough part every year, as all of the contestants do a great job.

And so it was again this year, as the girls tried out. Following their rides, each of them answered questions from the judges as the good-sized crowd anxiously looked on from the stands.

Four candidates entered the Rodeo Queen competition — Alexis LaPorte from Trego, Bree Copp from Stone Lake, Ariana Hendricks from Stone Lake and Savanna Siwicki from Spooner. And as it turned out, the Spooner Rodeo Committee would have been proud to have any one of them represent the 70th.

Following deliberation by the judges later that afternoon, however, taking into account many small details and making their best choices, the decision came in. The queen of the 70th Spooner Heart of the North Rodeo was Hendricks, and Copp was crowned the 70th Spooner Rodeo Princess. They were crowned by outgoing Queen Gloria Stumph.

The new Spooner Rodeo Royalty will officially begin their reign on June 19 at the 70th Spooner Rodeo BBQ. They will have a busy year ahead of them with multiple parades and personal appearances, along with TV, radio and newspaper interviews.

Welcome to the legendary 70th Spooner Heart of the North Rodeo, set for July 11-13. With the new Rodeo Royalty in place, Rodeo season is underway. Spooner Rodeo fans can once again expect to see professional rodeo’s top competitors compete in eight pro rodeo events, continuing a great tradition that began back in 1954. There will also be Exceptional Rodeo, Lions Club BBQ, live music by Savannah Rae, the huge Saturday Rodeo Parade and much, much more. For tickets, call 800.367.3306 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase online at www.spoonerrodeo.com, or purchase over the counter at the Washburn County Information Center.

Many of the top professional rodeo contestants from around the country will compete at Spooner for points and prize money that could ultimately help them qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.