Helena Middle School/ Women's Run

On Thursday May 5th, I worked an 8 hour shift at my job, and then headed to Bozeman where I spent the night before continuing on to Helena for a huge event called “Rodeo Day” for the 6 graders at Helena Middle School. I arrived at the school around 8 am and of all the kiddie rodeos I have attended, by far this was the biggest I have ever seen. Mrs. Janet Erickson, one of the 6th grade teachers, organizes this event. She is also a very well know barrel racer/trainer, a former Miss Rodeo Montana, and the mother of Montana PRCA Cowboy Ty Erickson.. Not surprisingly, she was great to work with and her passion for children really made this event so spectacular.
The morning started with a very talented 6th grader singing the National Anthem and another playing the fiddle. Two other 6th graders then showed off their “Jitterbug” skills. Mr. Jason Harris an inspirational cowboy and I acted as MC’s for this event, describing the various rodeo events, and their rules and regulations. It has become a tradition that the current Miss Rodeo Montana rides the “bull” which is a barrel attached to stretched ropes on each end, on which people bounce back and forth. I didn’t realize how high the bull would actually go in the air! Needless to say, I didn’t make it for the full 8 seconds and my dismount wasn’t very graceful, much to the delight of the students!
The 6th graders then got to rotate to eight different event stations so they could participate in all of the different events of rodeo and a few other special stations. My station was an autograph signing station where I signed over 100 autographs. Jade my “helper”, a sophomore from Helena High School, helped me keep the kids in line while they waited. She put large piece of white paper on the table for the kids to sign and write me a note on while they waited in line, which was a very special and thoughtful thing for her to do. I enjoyed attending such a fun event for the 6th graders of Helena Middle School and special thanks go to Mrs. Janet Erickson for all the hard work she puts into this annual event!
After a night of rest it was on to Billings for their 30th Annual Women’s Run. This event raises money for various women’s groups in Billings. I was invited to participate with the Montana Beef Council’s team. Even though I am from Billings, this was my first time taking part in this event and all I can say is WOW! A record-breaking 8,500 women participated in this event, either running or walking in the 2 or 5-mile race. I did the 2 mile race with the members of the Montana Beef Council. Although we didn’t race, we walked and talked while getting to know each other. It was really great to see that many women come out to support a great cause and I was honored to be a part of it. Just as a note of interest, there was a 99-year-old woman who checked off one more item on her “bucket list”, having completed the two mile portion.
Next, I’m off to Bozeman to attend the Montana State Special Olympics. This should be a wonderful experience and one which I am really looking forward to!
Until next time,
Lorissa Harris

Tough Enough to Wear Pink- Central Montana

On April 30th I was off to Lewistown for a Tough Enough to Wear Pink dinner, auction, and fashion show fundraiser. Since I was only going to be gone overnight, my Corgi “Quigly” came along for a little company since I tend to travel alone most of the time. A note of interest – Lewistown is the exact geographical center of Montana … very deserving of the Central Montana designation!

This was the first year for the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” event, and it holds special meaning for me since I work on the Inpatient Cancer Care Floor at the Billings Clinic. The dinner and auction was held at the Pine Meadow’s Golf Course and everything was covered or decorated in Pink! The evening started with a fabulous prime rib dinner followed by three strong cancer survivors who recounted their courageous stories fighting cancer. Then the fashion show started! I was the first one out on the runway, dressed in my Tough Enough to Wear Pink outfit. Jimmy Harrison “the Hat Man” was kind enough to let me borrow one of the new pink hats he handcrafted which was a huge hit! This first outfit included my pink chaps, which rounded out the “pink” look. I was the last model on the show, and wore a pink Wrangler shirt, given to me by the Ladies of Central Montana with their logo embroidered on it.

Overall, it was a great evening and I met a lot of wonderful people. I look forward to working with various Tough Enough to Wear Pink groups around the state in their efforts to raise money for Cancer Awareness. Soon, I am off to Helena to take part in “Rodeo Day”, a fun and learning experience about rodeo for Helena Middle School 6th graders.

Until next time,

Lorissa Harris

Beginning of my year!

When they said I would hit the road running they sure weren't lying! I literally have done just that. After being crowned January 16, 2011 I have been busy busy busy! My very first appearance as the new Miss Rodeo Montana 2011 was at the N.I.L.E fundraiser "Stetsons and Stilettos" it was great to be introduced in my hometown and from an organization I have been a part of for many years. Next I was off to the largest Kiddie Rodeo in the state in Lewistown MT. I got there a day early and had my first official meeting with my awesome National Director I also got see Kate and her beautiful new baby Delayne. That night I also got to take part in the Ringling Five concert. I had never seen this group of comical singers and also got pulled on stage during one of their songs to add color to the stage and act as a back up dancer! Overall the Kiddie Rodeo was a huge success and Amy and I had an awesome time and appreciate all that the Winter Fair and Mary Keer did for us. Amy and I left Lewistown and went directly to Billings for the Montana Hall and Wall dinner and auction. This year we recognized the "The Year of the Clown" and got to meet some world famous rodeo clowns. I was in great company with Amy Miss Teen Rodeo Montana 2011 and Hanna the Montana High School Rodeo Queen. What a great end to a great month, I could not have asked for a better January and cannot wait to see what this wonderful year has in store for me!

Until next time,
Lorissa Harris
MRM 11'

N.I.L.E. Rodeo!!

"TETWP" night "working the arena" with Jay-2 Sankey Rodeo pick-up man.

The 40th Annual N.I.L.E. Pro-Rodeo this year was really special to me, it was in my hometown and this year I got to represent Montana as Miss Teen Rodeo Montana. I left Wednesday afternoon right after a math exam and drove to Billings in the pouring rain and luckily made it in one piece.
When I finally arrived I met with my 2nd mother Deb Brettin and she lined me out for the next four days of Professional Rodeo activities. I then did a photo shoot with the Billings Gazette for the "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" a fund raiser event that was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and St. Vincent Hospital.
It was really rainy and cold the first night, but it could have been worse. Before the rodeo I also got to be interviewed on the five o'clock news with KULR 8, Billings television station. I had been running around all that afternoon and hadn't gotten an chance to eat much that day, but I was so excited for the rodeo I forgot all about it. Before the rodeo I got to also meet up with visiting Rodeo Royalty from all across the state who had come down for the weekend. All of the girls did a wonderful job and made the rodeo queen image look awesome! I didn't get to help out with the "opening" of the rodeo but I got to push stock out of the arena and carry sponsor flags, Deb probably had about 15 flags! I also got to be with Vanessa Hardy(Megs little sis) Lacey and Elly Langager, and Shelby Sundheim. You gilrs did a GREAT job with the "Sponsor" flags and the "Opening".

Mutton-Bustin "sign-ups"

My mom had Janie and Jennika O'Neil stay with us and it was great so see them again. We stayed with them from my very first rodeo of the year, the 47th Annual Belt PRCA Rodeo and it was nice to return the favor. Jennika is the 2007-2008 Little Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo Princess and they also took home something special this year, Janie bought a yearling gelding at the horse sale!
Jack and I promoting the NILE Rodeo!

The next day, I got to sleep in a little so that I wouldn't be totally exhausted by the end of the weekend. Deb also had miniature pony rides set up and entertained all of the little kids. It was exciting to be in my hometown and get to see all of my Angus friends and see people who I hadn't seen in a while. I hung out in the Angus barn for a little bit and then I was off to another night of rodeo. The first night I got to ride SPOT my FAVORITE black "Sankey Rodeo" horse. I got to test out a few different black horses that weekend and ended up riding 3 out of 4 of them. I got to carry flags every night on SPOT and I would have taken him home if I could have, he is such a solid horse!

Kate Ruland and Robin Nansel put on a queen clinic during the N.I.L.E. for girls who want to improve their queen abilities. I got to tag along and be a part of what they were doing. We got to go to the Rocky Mountain College Equestrian Center, learn about makeup, speeches, impromptu, hear stories from MRM 06' Cassidy Han, plus the girls got to meet with Mr. Ike Sankey to hear what he expects out of a rodeo queen. I think it was a wonderful clinic and it was great so see so many girls who are running in January for both Miss Rodeo Montana and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana.

Saturday morning, I was off to Shiptons (Big R) to sign autographs with some PRCA cowboys, bull fighters, and Dennis Halsted (PRCA Clown). After that I helped out with the "Kiddie Rodeo" and then I got to do something that always makes me appreciate what I have and holds a SPECIAL spot in my heart. I got to attend the Annual Kids and Cowboys reception to meet children who are survivors or who have cancer. It's so heart warming to see their little faces light up when they see all the queens walk in and how much it means to them get our autographs.

Thank you card from all the children who attended the Kids and Cowboys reception.

The last night of the rodeo was my favorite and ultimately the best! Everything moved so smoothly and it was Championship night so the best of the best were competing. I have to say that I will really missed Megan (she was in Japan) and this being my last Rodeo before Circuit Finals.

I have had a WONDERFUL year!

I had such a wonderful time at the N.I.L.E. and couldn't have asked for a better rodeo and I thank everyone who helped me throughout the week and I can't believe that before we know it Megan will be competing for Miss Rodeo America and then it will be MRM pageant time again!
I hope all of you girls are studying up and I wish you all the very best of luck!

Until then,
Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Montana Fur Trapper Convention!

Well, last Saturday Megan I headed down to Lewistown for the Montana Fur Trapper Convention. It was quite an interesting day, due to the fact that I was feeling a little under the weather for most of it. I had a bad experience at Burger King and spent most of the morning being sick, but that didn't stop me from going to Lewistown.

After three hours of me sleeping, we arrived. We ate at subway and the people there told us that our function was at the Yogo Inn. When we got to the Yogo Inn they had no idea what we were talking about. After a little investigating we finally figured out were we were suppose to be and the festivities began.

We got to try on the most beautiful furs and fell in love with almost all of them. There was raffle for a fur, and Megan and I bought tickets hoping to get lucky. I only bought one knowing I had not chance and Megan bought three. She wanted this one white fur more than anything and it was a pretty funny thing to watch. Unfortunately she didn't win but we still had a good time.

We were suppose to be in the trap setting contest, but I had no idea how to set one and neither did Megan, and I didn't want to do it wrong and snap one of my fingers off!! We did take part in the skillet tossing contest and if it wasn't for all the late entries I would have been at least in the top 2 but instead I finished 4th.

After, dinner we got to help hand out special awards to those who have accomplished great things throughout the year. Then we got to model the furs! Kate Rueland was also there modeling and it was her 7th year modeling and it was great to see her. I also got to model the last fur which was a sheered beaver fur that had been hand painted with flowers and pearls, it was really pretty and really expensive. After the fashion show we helped with the auction and Ed IV bought a teddy bear made of some kind of fur and gave it to me and Megan got a gold purse! It was funny because she wanted my teddy bear and I got to tease her with it!

After our day with the fur trappers we went back to our hotel room and had an interesting night. It had gotten pretty cold in Lewistown and we didn't really know how to turn on our heater and Megan said she didn't want to kill us if it was a propane heater. So instead we slept in sweats and sweaters. Megan had on three shirts and her hood from her sweater and we had to cuddle to stay warm! All of the interesting things that happen on trips, at least give us good stories for later on down the road!

Now, I'm back at school trying to figure everything out without getting overwhelmed. This weekend is the first football game so I'm planning on going to that. Go Bobcats!!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07

Labor Day Weekend Rodeos!!

Well, I just finished my first week of college and it was stressful and different but a ton of fun. It's way different from high school but I have been enjoying myself so far!

Labor Day weekend in Montana is know as "Montana's biggest weekend," and I started off my weekend in Dillon, for the Dillon Jaycee Rodeo.
This rodeo means a lot to me because my very first title was the Miss Dillon Jaycee Princess. There were also some visiting royalty there I hadn't gotten to see yet this year.

Thanks to ARMY NATIONAL GUARD for their participation in the Grand Entry!
Riding with a "TANK" is interesting.


"ARMY NATIONAL GUARD are GREAT Supporters of Rodeo Royalty."
Most of the Miss Southwest Montana Royalty was there, Lizzy Vaughn, Amy Haggar, and Katie Hoppe. Leslie Furness, Miss Rodeo Western Montana,was also there, and I appreciate all they did to help in the Grand Entry and clearing the arena. Dillon Jaycees Rodeo Committee worked hard providing Class "A" acts!
I had to leave Dillon early on Sunday and drive over to White Sulphur Springs, and one of my good friends from high school Alta Pelia, and my mother accompanied me. The rodeo in White Sulphur started at 5 p.m. and I wasn't going to be able to ride in the rodeo, but I wanted to at least watch most of the rodeo, so I drove a little faster than the speed limit. Right as I came over a hill outside of Dillon, going 85, I passed a cop and he whipped around and his lights went on. I pulled off the side of the road and got all my stuff ready. He came up to my window and asked me how fast I thought I was going and I told him 80. He started laughing and I told him I'm was in a hurry to get to my next rodeo. He took all of my information, and went back to his car. Surprisingly he didn't take forever and he didn't give me a ticket or even a written warning. He just told me to slow down and get there safely. I was really glad I didn't get a ticket and now I drive a little slower and more cautious!!

We arrived in White Sulphur two hours and two missed exits later. We got to watch the end of the bull riding and it was weird just being a normal person and not all dressed up. Barb and Chanda Barber were gracious enough to bring me "Sage" and I carried the Montana Flag and pushed cattle with Marca, the new Miss Southwest Montana Teen Queen.

I enjoyed my final weekend of summer rodeos and the people I met and memories are something I will never forget. I will get to focus on school for a little while and help Megan study up for Miss Rodeo America. We get to go to Lewistown this weekend for the Montana Fur Trappers Convention so I'm really excited for that can't wait to see Megan!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Miles City Rodeo/ Yellowstone Downs Horse Races

My two favorite "girls"! Thank you for ALL that you have done for me ...

Tasha and Tessa Wieferich BROOKMAN RODEO CO.

I will always cherish our FRIENDSHIP!

Well my rodeo season is slowly coming to end for the summer, this weekend I was in Miles City for their Pro Rodeo and fair. I was in charge of getting all of the royalty information and bio's to the announcer plus oragnizing the order for Grand Entry. Miles City "Little Miss" - Thank you for a GREAT Job!

There were five Mile City royalty and one queen from Terry who helped out during the rodeo. I also got to ride Tasha and Tessa's horses Cody, Cowboy, and Freddie during the rodeo and grand entry. I got the carry "Old Glory" for the second weekend in a row, during the National Anthem and I was very excited because to me that is such an honor. All of the royalty plus Tessa helped me push cattle and I greatly appreciate all they did.
Way to go girls, you really represented your titles very well.

I also got to attend the horse races in Billings at the Yellowstone Downs. I was in the win picture during the Tractor and Equipment Race. I hadn't been to a horse race before so this was a new experience for me and enjoyed every minute of it! The Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund and his wonderful wife Kristy were also there so it was great to see them, they have done so much for me this year and I appreciate it very much!



"Track-Side" with Fernado Gomez
winning Jockey.




I moved into my dorm room this weekend too! It was sad saying good-bye to my Mother and my 2nd Queen mom Deb, but it's going to be a wonderful experience and I am going to learn life skills that will benefit me greatly. I already got lost looking for my classes and packed way to much for my small little dorm room, but I'm still learning!!

This weekend, Labor Day weekend I will be in Dillon for the 1st and 2nd and then I head over to White Sulphur Springs on the 3rd. So that will pretty much wrap up my summer rodeo season but in October I have the N.I.L.E. in Billings my hometown and I'm really looking forward to that!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'