Makenzie Skeels is Miss Ponoka Stampede 2022 – Red Deer Advocate
The votes are on: Mackenzie Skeels has been chosen as Miss Ponoka Stampede 2022.
Skeels was born in Ponoka and participated in the Ponoka Stampede when she was only a few days old, as her father was a volunteer on the board.
She grew up on a farm near Rimbey and her family owns around 460 purebred Simmentals and a few registered Charolais.
Skeels holds a degree in media studies and professional communication. Her goals as Miss Ponoka Stampede will be to bridge the rural-urban divide, bring back western heritage, and educate people about where their food comes from.
Skeels said she wanted to be Miss Ponoka Stampede because when you walk through the Stampede tunnel, it “feels like Disneyland.”
Six Rodeo Queen hopefuls showed off their skills on Selection Day, April 21, at the Calnash Ag Event Center, vying for the enviable title of Miss Ponoka Stampede 2022.
The contestants competed in several categories, including horseback riding and public speaking in a Facebook live video, followed by a meet-and-greet lunch.
This year’s contestants were Martina Hotlkamp, Codi Wilson, Harleigh Zack, Emily Roessler, Ashley Gillespie and Skeels.
A group of educated young women, they had a wide range of post-secondary qualifications among them. What they all had in common was a passion for farming, rural living and being rodeo ambassadors.
Miss Ponoka Stampede 2019, Naomi Akkermans, held the title for a record length of time, carrying out her duties as queen after COVID-19 kept the Stampede from continuing for the past two years.
“I joke with everyone that when I go to rodeos now, I don’t know what to do,” Akkermans said of transitioning into the spectator role once again.
“I will always stay super involved, especially with the Ponoka Stampede. I will lead the wild horses and I will always be part of the action,” she said.
“I haven’t left yet.”
Skeels will be officially crowned at the Ponoka Stampede Association Tarp Auction on May 6 at the Stagecoach Saloon. During the event, 36 chuckwagon drivers will have their tarps auctioned off to the highest bidders.
Reception begins at 5:00 p.m. and bidding begins at 6:30 p.m.
Ponoka Stampede