Each year, young women between the ages of 17 to 26 come from all over the county to compete for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo Lakeside. The pageant attracts women interested in supporting the sport of rodeo and representing the Annual Lakeside Rodeo, held in April. Not only do these women have to be knowledgeable in rodeo and current events, they have to be able to ride a horse extremely well. She travels to rodeos, schools, parades and special events promoting rodeo and family values, and is thought of as a role model to children throughout the county. She also promotes the goals of the Lakeside Rodeo. The Lakeside Rodeo is a non-profit organization that donates over $100,000 to the youth of Lakeside each year. Our rodeo is an entertainment destination for San Diego County families and also a vital fund raiser for Lakeside children. The new Miss Rodeo Lakeside is crowned each March and represents the Annual Lakeside Rodeo each April. Throughout the past four decades, the rodeo has raised over $2 million for the youth of Lakeside, benefiting such local programs as Little League, Pop Warner, Boys & Girls Club, extracurricular and in-class programs for students of all ages, and family health clinics. Lakeside Rodeo funds have also provided for a stadium and swimming pool for El Capitan High School students. Pageant contestants will be tested on this information. On competition day for the Miss Rodeo Lakeside Pageant, contestants start the day with a horsemanship pattern, written test and interview and end with modeling, two impromptu questions and a short speech. The pageant committee starts working with the contestants weeks before the pageant to fine-tune their skills for the final night. For some contestants, it is their first time to model, speak in front of an audience or undergo an
interview. The skills learned during pageant practice can be applied in real life situations as well, such as job interviews and classroom presentations. Miss Rodeo Lakeside is awarded such prizes as a custom western saddle and silver Gist Buckle, crown and numerous other prizes. She also has the privilege of using the coveted Miss Rodeo Lakeside riding chaps, which are passed down to the winner each year, to wear during rodeos and parades.
