Inaugural Heritage Rodeo Queen and Princess Contest a success

Big smiles, cowboy hats, sequins, beautiful, confident young ladies on spectacular horses, crowns and country music… What do you picture? How about the first ever Heritage Rodeo Queen, 1st Attendant and Princess for Kane County, Utah! The Heritage Rodeo Queen and Princess Contest was held in style in Kanab on May 16, 2025. Some fabulous winners were crowned! They will be making their grand debut at the Catori Canyon Heritage PRCA Rodeo on May 30 and 31 in Kanab.

Photos courtesy of The Heritage Rodeo Queen and Princess Committee.

Addison Kartchner is our Heritage Rodeo Queen this year, Jaycee Lathim took the 1st Attendant title and Lizzy Reese earned the Heritage Rodeo Princess crown for 2025. Addison (17) wooed the judges with her excellent impromptu speech and by gracefully modeling her lovely western style skirt and blouse, finishing off the outfit with a stylish cowboy hat. Also noticed by the judges were her top-notch horsemanship skills, among other impressive qualifications. She earned the Horsemanship Award and the Speech/Modeling Award. Addison was the top points earner for the over-all earning her the rodeo queen crown, sash, buckle, roses, $1000.00 cash award and her placement in history as the 1st ever Heritage Rodeo Queen.

Jaycee (16) was a sight to see in her western style, fringed red jacket and beautiful classy western dress, red boots and a cowboy hat were the perfect top off to her outfit, helping to earn her the Best Appearance Award. Jaycee also earned the Miss Congeniality Award, along with a fantastic horsemanship performance. She impressed the audience with her confidence, friendliness, horsemanship and perfect smile. She will be an excellent ambassador for our western heritage rodeo and the first Heritage Rodeo Queen Contest. Jaycee earned the $250 Cash Award, crown, sash, buckle, roses and other items.

Lizzy (14) had everybody talking about how well she rode her horse, her overall presentation and what a great representative to rodeo she is going to be this year. After performing the required princess horsemanship pattern, she waved like a pro-cowgirl while she prompted her horse to run around the arena during her princess run. She shined out there on her horse. She also made an excellent appearance during the indoor portion of the contest at the podium and modeling her pretty cowgirl outfit. We’re looking forward to seeing her run for Heritage Rodeo Queen in a couple years. Lizzy earned the $500 Cash Award, crown, sash, buckle, roses and other items.

The indoor part of the competition was held at the Kanab Center and then moved over to the Kaneplex for the horsemanship and coronation ceremony.

The order of events went first to Impromptu Speeches, with each contestant given 10 minutes to review the question and then present an answer in front of an audience. Jane Jennings emceed the event.

Next was modeling. The young ladies showed off their western outfits in front of an audience to the fun song “Rodeo Queen” by Jade Eagleson.

Next were personal interviews where each contestant was interviewed away from the audience by the three judges. Likely, they were asked about horse knowledge, personal interests, maybe rodeo questions…we will never know!

Next, professional pictures were taken by photographer Garrett Lucas.

A late lunch was served where the girls sat and conversed with the judges at their own table. Lunch and refreshments were provided courtesy of the beautiful Arrowhead Country Cabins and Farm in Mount Carmel, Utah. In addition, much time, the belt buckles, the category awards, roses and more were also donated by the Jennings family and Arrowhead Country Cabins. Thank you!

Callie Lucas said this when asked, “why are you are putting this contest on?” “Jane Jennings and I were asked to put together this contest by my brother, Josh Jennings. He is trying to help rodeo and our western way of life prosper again here in the rural areas of the southwest. To help get this done he is helping put on the Catori Canyon Heritage PRCA Rodeo on May 30 and 31. Josh asked us to find good contestants that could represent the sport of rodeo, our western heritage and all the people involved in rodeo. He wants to be able to spread the word that rodeo and a western way of life is worth a look-see for those that have not experienced it yet or for those that may not have been to a rodeo in a long time, to let them know that maybe it’s time to try it again.

The horses, the athletes, the music, the bulls, the energy, rodeo is a great time for the family and who knows maybe someone out there will be affected enough by us getting the word out that they may first come to “see” and then maybe they might try their hand at the sport eventually too!

We love Rodeo. Sharing it is a gift we are happy to give.

We also love our western heritage here in the area. It’s one of those things if it’s not protected and nurtured it will die off. That would be a real loss. The world is filled with plenty of things of “today”. But the things, places, customs that made us who we are, are worthy of remembrance and are to be cherished. That is why we took the time to do this. That is why a “HERITAGE” Rodeo Queen and Princess are so important.”

Jane Jennings was crowned as Miss Helldorado Las Vegas, Nevada in 1973 and Miss Industrial Days in Las Vegas in 1972. Callie Lucas (Jennings) was Miss Elko High School Rodeo Queen, Nevada in 1993.

The contest was open to residents of Kane and Garfield Counties, Northern parts of Coconino County, AZ, Northeast portion Mojave County, AZ for ladies ages 12-24. There were some other requirements such horsemanship skills and other things.

Addison, Jaycee and Lizzy will be presented as royalty on May 30 and 31 at the Kaneplex during the second ever PRCA Heritage Rodeo in Kanab (starts at 7 p.m. each night – the royalty announcement will likely be up towards the start so please don’t be late) AND come hungry as there will be some amazing food trucks there!

Come congratulate them, ask some rodeo questions, get your picture with the rodeo royalty of Kane County!

Huge shout out to Catori Canyon Luxury Gated Community and its thoughtful owners Kenny and Lena Seng.

Also, much thanks to Kane County, Utah, represented by Camberly Anderson and Janette Peatross.

Special thanks to Jessi Iverson, Miss Rodeo Arizona 2017. Jessi went above and beyond to assist with the event. We really appreciate her.

Last, but not least, a great big thank you our rodeo queen and princess judges, Linda Alvie, Laurie Terrel and Gina Tullie. A tough job that you all valiantly stepped up for and did a good job. Thank you.

All these wonderful folks above (and a few more - you know who you are!) were essential to making this first Kane County Utah Heritage Rodeo Queen and Princess contest happen.

If you are interested in sponsoring for next year’s contest please see the website heritagerodeoqueenandprincess.square.site or email heritagerodeoqueen@gmail.com Our royalty could use some queen/princess chaps this year if anybody is interested!