Rodeo queens hit Warwick to vie for national title
WARWICK'S own Ashleigh Grant is among six women vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Australia in the Rose City this weekend.
Ashleigh is joined by Kate Taylor (Cloncurry), Nikea Coulson (Kooralbyn), Nicole Evans (Millmerran), Dakota Michaelis (Petersborough) and Tammie Conroy (Taroom).
The competition kicked off yesterday, with the women completing a town crier tour of Warwick before visiting Akooramak aged care residence and The Oaks Nursing Home.
This morning they are competing in the horsemanship category at Warwick Showgrounds before heading to the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre for their interviews and exam.
For a bit of extra excitement, the women will then jump on the back of Harley Davidson motorbikes on Alice St at about 2pm and tour around the Southern Downs including a trip to Queen Mary Falls and hopefully Leslie Dam if time permits.
Tonight the winner will be crowned at a function at the Heritage Centre from 6pm.
All the excitement will conclude tomorrow with a brunch at Gordon Country.
Miss Rodeo Australia committee director Karen Burraston said the competition had been held in Warwick for the past four years.
"It's pretty exciting and they have a good time here, we try to keep it as relaxed as we can," she said.
Mrs Burraston said holding the judging in the Rose City was good for the town.
"The entrants are from all over so they bring their family and friends to town so our local sponsors get a bit of kick-back with food," she said.
"Warwick's known as the Rodeo capital so to have the judging here tops it off."
The winner crowned Miss Rodeo Australia will take home $20,000 worth of travel, airfares and prizes.
Keep an eye on the Daily News websites for updates on the competition throughout the day.