After driving home from the Hope Project at the Yellowstone Club in the Gallatin Canyon, I caught an early flight out of Lewistown and met up with my director Avice for a trip to Portland. We were picked up at the airport by Lois Elaine, who had served on our judges panel. We then had lunch on the river with the famous, Uncle Ed, a man as delightful as his lovely wife. We had a wonderful lunch at Beaches where the cuisine and service were amazing! There was a “Welcome Miss Montana” sign at the entrance! Uncle Ed requested that a crown be placed on my head. Beaches has a lovely view of the river and we watched barges and boats go by as we dined at their special table.
After lunch we drove to the Pendleton store at the mill in Washougal, Washington. I tried on some very beautiful clothes. I now have a several sweaters, walking trousers, and a great vest; I feel much more prepared for fall’s cooler weather! Lois Elaine and Susan at Pendleton were amazingly generous in sponsoring a black wool dress coat for me. It is so beautiful and lady-like; I am so excited to wear it with the gorgeous scarf! It will be so nice to have while I am traveling across Montana in the cold winter months and for many years ahead. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in it.
After a tour and meeting with the dean at the International Air and Hospitality Academy in Vancouver, we rode in a taxi to our hotel in downtown Portland. Later that evening we met with Cami who was doing business in Portland and the three of us took the MAX to Beaverton Creek where Avice's sister, Joan, met us and treated us to dinner at the Red Lobster.
After a workout in the hotel workout center, Joan picked Avice and me up at the hotel for our drive to Gresham. I tried on many lovely evening gowns at Dee’s Studio Ltd with the gracious help of Suzie. There were some very beautiful gowns there. I felt like I was a little girl playing dress up while I tried on one beautiful gown after another! Lois Elaine showed her big heart by offering to buy me a beautiful gown. She has been so incredibly kind to me and I am eternally grateful for her support!
After lunch at a cute bistro across the street from Dee's, we drove to Nordstroms in Washington Square at Tigard were I had a makeup consultation with MAC makeup. My makeup artist, Ashley, did wonders! I felt so beautiful after she had finished my makeup. Upstairs in the couture department, I tried on several St. John ensembles. We then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was my first time eating at one, and I thoroughly enjoyed every bite!
The next morning after a run and a cup of coffee from Starbucks, we visited the downtown Portland Nordstroms and window shopped at St. John, Banana Republic, and other boutiques. We then took the MAX line to the airport and to board our Big Sky Airlines flight homeward.
We flew over many acres of forest and grass fires burning in Montana and Idaho. The airports were busy with crews from other states helping to extinguish these fires. Seeing them brought back memories of my past two summers as a BLM fire fighter.
I immensely enjoyed my trip to Portland. Portland is such a beautiful city and full of exciting things. I was also so amazed by the kind people that I have been meeting. The generosity and support that I have encountered in people, like Lois Elaine, makes me feel so blessed. I am such a lucky girl!
Wednesday
Montana Highway Patrol: Hope Project Golf Classic
Hope Project Golf Tournament…July 20th
For the MHP Hope Project Golf Tournament I traveled to the beautiful Yellowstone Club in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The tournament, dinner, and auction were to raise money for the Hope Project. I have been designated as an official spokeswoman for this year for the Bears that Care, the Montana Highway Patrol.
During the tournament I was stationed at the 3rd hole. I had been told earlier that there had been some real bear sightings, especially at the 3rd hole. So when I was dropped off there I was given a can of bear spray! I was a little nervous, but I had no encounters with any bears! Instead I had only a gorgeous view of the mountains sprawling before me. When we were leaving I even saw a moose and its baby!
After everyone finished their golf games we enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by an auction and awards with several special guests. Montana's Attorney General Mike McGrath and Governor Brian Schweitzer, and several Hope Project wish recipients and their families were in attendance. Governor Schweitzer and I handed out awards and then had pictures taken with the recipients and their families. The recipients were all smiles at being the special guests at an event that helps sponsor the wishes that make their dreams come true!
For the MHP Hope Project Golf Tournament I traveled to the beautiful Yellowstone Club in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The tournament, dinner, and auction were to raise money for the Hope Project. I have been designated as an official spokeswoman for this year for the Bears that Care, the Montana Highway Patrol.
During the tournament I was stationed at the 3rd hole. I had been told earlier that there had been some real bear sightings, especially at the 3rd hole. So when I was dropped off there I was given a can of bear spray! I was a little nervous, but I had no encounters with any bears! Instead I had only a gorgeous view of the mountains sprawling before me. When we were leaving I even saw a moose and its baby!
After everyone finished their golf games we enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by an auction and awards with several special guests. Montana's Attorney General Mike McGrath and Governor Brian Schweitzer, and several Hope Project wish recipients and their families were in attendance. Governor Schweitzer and I handed out awards and then had pictures taken with the recipients and their families. The recipients were all smiles at being the special guests at an event that helps sponsor the wishes that make their dreams come true!
Montana Fair & Expo: Billings
At the Montana Fair and Expo held at Metra Park in Billings, I got to perform twice on the community stage on the last weekend, August 17 & 18. I put together a few new dances for the occasion and it was fun to try them out! The last day my mom and little sister came to watch and to also do some school shopping. I talked my little sister into riding on the “zipper” with me. She was a little nervous, but we had a blast!
On Saturday evening I was introduced at the rodeo. But at this rodeo I got to ride on a more than a buckboard! I was pulled into the arena by Texas Thunder! The wagon was pulled by eight beautiful, large black horses. They then performed many difficult maneuvers to the amazement of the crowd and me. The driver then turned and told me to hang on tight. The horses then raced into a gallop around and around the arena and then out the gates for a grand exit. What a ride! I was just glad that I had pinned my crown on nice and tight!
On Saturday evening I was introduced at the rodeo. But at this rodeo I got to ride on a more than a buckboard! I was pulled into the arena by Texas Thunder! The wagon was pulled by eight beautiful, large black horses. They then performed many difficult maneuvers to the amazement of the crowd and me. The driver then turned and told me to hang on tight. The horses then raced into a gallop around and around the arena and then out the gates for a grand exit. What a ride! I was just glad that I had pinned my crown on nice and tight!
Dawson County Fair - August 10 & 11
I got to return to Glendive for the county fair. It felt like going home. After having competed three times in Glendive for Miss Montana, Glendive has begun to feel like home. I have met so many amazing people there and it was such a joy to have the chance to see them again. It was fun to visit with them when I wasn’t under the stressful circumstances of competing. It was also fun to return to Glendive as Miss Montana, having been there so often with the hopes of achieving that dream.
On Friday, I spent the morning and afternoon helping to hand out ribbons at the 4-H judging. It was great to see the kids showing their animals and seeing how all of their hard work and dedication to their projects had paid off.
That afternoon I performed a few dances and spoke at the community stage. I had a few special guests in the audience, my three Miss Montana Little Sisters, each from my past years of competing! It was so exciting to get to visit with them after my performance.
Friday evening I was driven into the rodeo arena on a horse-drawn buckboard. It was quite the bumpy ride! Once in the arena I drew the lucky raffle ticket for a trip for two people to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas!
On Saturday I helped out at the first ever Water Olympics at the Glendive pool. Kids were given the chance to compete in all sorts of fun water games at the chance to receive prizes and candy. Later in the day I was a judge in the diving contest. I saw some beautiful dives and some impressive cannon balls!
Saturday afternoon I again performed at the community stage. Once again I got to see some of my past little sisters! It has been so much fun to watch how they have grown up over the past three years!
Saturday evening I got to announce who had won the kiss the pig contest! The sheriff was the unlucky….I mean lucky winner! I applied a lovely shade of cherry red lipstick on his lips and in return got an imprint of that on my cheek! I then explained to him that the pig was in the other corner and that he had better hurry over or he’ll make the pig jealous! He then placed a lovely peck on the pig! I’m just glad that he didn’t decide to give me a kiss after that! I then helped with the livestock auction where I was a ring man ---woman---- during the auction.
I had such a lovely time in Glendive! While I was there I stayed with Ardie, who had been my host mom at last year’s competition. She is such an amazing and sweet lady. I enjoyed coming home and staying up late visiting with her. She is not only an amazing hostess but a wonderful friend. She lives by Mikoshika State Park, so in the mornings I go for runs through the beautiful badlands. I am always treated to breath taking sunrises and glimpses of deer and many rabbits.
Our program's photographer, Dorothy, was able to snap many photos for the local sponsors.
On Friday, I spent the morning and afternoon helping to hand out ribbons at the 4-H judging. It was great to see the kids showing their animals and seeing how all of their hard work and dedication to their projects had paid off.
That afternoon I performed a few dances and spoke at the community stage. I had a few special guests in the audience, my three Miss Montana Little Sisters, each from my past years of competing! It was so exciting to get to visit with them after my performance.
Friday evening I was driven into the rodeo arena on a horse-drawn buckboard. It was quite the bumpy ride! Once in the arena I drew the lucky raffle ticket for a trip for two people to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas!
On Saturday I helped out at the first ever Water Olympics at the Glendive pool. Kids were given the chance to compete in all sorts of fun water games at the chance to receive prizes and candy. Later in the day I was a judge in the diving contest. I saw some beautiful dives and some impressive cannon balls!
Saturday afternoon I again performed at the community stage. Once again I got to see some of my past little sisters! It has been so much fun to watch how they have grown up over the past three years!
Saturday evening I got to announce who had won the kiss the pig contest! The sheriff was the unlucky….I mean lucky winner! I applied a lovely shade of cherry red lipstick on his lips and in return got an imprint of that on my cheek! I then explained to him that the pig was in the other corner and that he had better hurry over or he’ll make the pig jealous! He then placed a lovely peck on the pig! I’m just glad that he didn’t decide to give me a kiss after that! I then helped with the livestock auction where I was a ring man ---woman---- during the auction.
I had such a lovely time in Glendive! While I was there I stayed with Ardie, who had been my host mom at last year’s competition. She is such an amazing and sweet lady. I enjoyed coming home and staying up late visiting with her. She is not only an amazing hostess but a wonderful friend. She lives by Mikoshika State Park, so in the mornings I go for runs through the beautiful badlands. I am always treated to breath taking sunrises and glimpses of deer and many rabbits.
Our program's photographer, Dorothy, was able to snap many photos for the local sponsors.
DQ & Miracle Treat Day: August 9
August 9th was Miracle Treat Day when Dairy Queen franchises give all the profit from their blizzards to help the Children’s Miracle Network. I got to help out with this fundraiser by visiting and helping at five Diary Queens in Billings! It was fun to visit with the customers and to bring them their delicious treats.
There were many people who came in and told me that they were getting a blizzard just for Miracle Treat Day. It was so encouraging seeing people eager to help out this worthy cause. I was also given a special treat at the end of the day, a cookie dough blizzard…my favorite!
There were many people who came in and told me that they were getting a blizzard just for Miracle Treat Day. It was so encouraging seeing people eager to help out this worthy cause. I was also given a special treat at the end of the day, a cookie dough blizzard…my favorite!
Shakespeare in the Park
Ooops, I almost forgot, one of my first and very special events this year.....Shakespeare in the Park…July 5th
It was a warm summer evening perfect for an evening outside. There was quite the group gathered to be entertained by the work of Shakespeare, still enchanting even right now in present day in Lewistown, Montana. The play was held at the fairgrounds in Lewistown and had quite the turnout. It was fun to gather under the big cottonwood trees and enjoy a beautiful summer evening while watching the Shakespeare players put on a wonderful performance!
After the play I attended the cast party. My neighbor Kitty put together quite the feast for all the players and guests. It was fun getting to know that real people who had so exquisitely played their Shakespearean characters. What a fun evening!
It was a warm summer evening perfect for an evening outside. There was quite the group gathered to be entertained by the work of Shakespeare, still enchanting even right now in present day in Lewistown, Montana. The play was held at the fairgrounds in Lewistown and had quite the turnout. It was fun to gather under the big cottonwood trees and enjoy a beautiful summer evening while watching the Shakespeare players put on a wonderful performance!
After the play I attended the cast party. My neighbor Kitty put together quite the feast for all the players and guests. It was fun getting to know that real people who had so exquisitely played their Shakespearean characters. What a fun evening!
Monday
Girls Rock! August 4th
On Saturday I was in Columbus where I was given the opportunity to be at the Girlz Rock event. I had such a great time there! I am still a little shaky about public speaking, but I can feel it getting easier with each event that I attend. Plus the positive attitudes of the girls and volunteers in attendance helped to quiet my nerves!
After I was done speaking I got to watch the fashion show put on by the young ladies of Columbus and the Stillwater area. There were some adorable outfits! But really the smiles and fun that the models were having outshined what they were wearing.
Mrs. Montana, was also a speaker at Girlz Rock. I got the chance to get to know her a little better. It was lots of fun getting to visit with Leah. After the event we signed autographs and took pictures with the girls. It was a blast!
I not only had a lot of fun, but was also very encouraged to see so many girls attending such a great event.
Girls truly rock!
After I was done speaking I got to watch the fashion show put on by the young ladies of Columbus and the Stillwater area. There were some adorable outfits! But really the smiles and fun that the models were having outshined what they were wearing.
Mrs. Montana, was also a speaker at Girlz Rock. I got the chance to get to know her a little better. It was lots of fun getting to visit with Leah. After the event we signed autographs and took pictures with the girls. It was a blast!
I not only had a lot of fun, but was also very encouraged to see so many girls attending such a great event.
Girls truly rock!
Richland County Fair
On August 2nd, I flew to Billings to work with Cami, pick up photo pages at Alphagraphics, and have a have a session with Laurie at Guccione Salon and Spa. I then continue by flying on Big Sky Airlines to Sidney to be able to participate in the Richland County Fair. That night Avice picked me up and was kind enough to let me be a guest at the Hoff Ranch. The next day we returned to Sidney where I helped the Co-Ops with their root beer float give-away. I also gave out autographed pictures and did several interviews. The Richland County fair has beautiful seed pictures done by each community.
I had two pleasant surprises while I was there. Bridget Clawson was working at the fair and I had the chance to visit with her. Bridget was a fellow contestant with me in the Miss Montana Scholarship Program and was selected to be the Miss Congeniality scholarship award winner. Getting to visit with her reminded me just how deserving she is of that award. Bridget truly has a heart of gold and is able to put a smile on anyone’s face. I also saw Gillette Vaira, another fellow contestant, and her parents. We got to visit more while I enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger at the 4-H food booth! Of course there were several radio and TV interviews that took place.
I had a great time in Sidney, especially having gotten the chance to see some amazing friends and also meet Sophie Steinbeisser’s mom and grandmother, and some of her teachers. Sidney loves Sophie.
Friday, Avice and I traveled to Billings to put the final touches on my presentation and to practice. I got in several great runs….one in the country and one in Billings.
I had two pleasant surprises while I was there. Bridget Clawson was working at the fair and I had the chance to visit with her. Bridget was a fellow contestant with me in the Miss Montana Scholarship Program and was selected to be the Miss Congeniality scholarship award winner. Getting to visit with her reminded me just how deserving she is of that award. Bridget truly has a heart of gold and is able to put a smile on anyone’s face. I also saw Gillette Vaira, another fellow contestant, and her parents. We got to visit more while I enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger at the 4-H food booth! Of course there were several radio and TV interviews that took place.
I had a great time in Sidney, especially having gotten the chance to see some amazing friends and also meet Sophie Steinbeisser’s mom and grandmother, and some of her teachers. Sidney loves Sophie.
Friday, Avice and I traveled to Billings to put the final touches on my presentation and to practice. I got in several great runs….one in the country and one in Billings.
Ride for Hope ... July 28
After my duties at the fair were completed I hurried over to the highway department to participate in my second parade of the week. However, this parade was of a different nature! In this parade I rode on the back of a Harley Davidson!
The Ride for Hope is an annual event to raise money for the Montana Hope Project. Motorcyclists from all over the state raise money to benefit the Hope Project. They then have a rally at a different location every year. This year it happened to be in Lewistown.
After the parde everyone met at the Yogo Inn for the banquet. I gave a short speech on how I would be acting as the spokesperson for the Hope Project throughout this year. I then got to help out with the silent auction, which raised even more funds to grant wishes to Montana children.
Being at the Ride for Hope made me even more excited about the Hope Project. It was so amazing seeing these leather clad volunteers with hearts of gold who jump at the chance to make dreams come true for children.
The Ride for Hope is an annual event to raise money for the Montana Hope Project. Motorcyclists from all over the state raise money to benefit the Hope Project. They then have a rally at a different location every year. This year it happened to be in Lewistown.
After the parde everyone met at the Yogo Inn for the banquet. I gave a short speech on how I would be acting as the spokesperson for the Hope Project throughout this year. I then got to help out with the silent auction, which raised even more funds to grant wishes to Montana children.
Being at the Ride for Hope made me even more excited about the Hope Project. It was so amazing seeing these leather clad volunteers with hearts of gold who jump at the chance to make dreams come true for children.
Fergus County Fair
Since I was a little girl the highlight of the summer has always been the Fergus County Fair. When I was younger I looked forward to the riding the rides with my aunt and cousins and as I grew older I began to lose interest in the rides and instead looked forward to the night show, rodeo, and socializing with friends. This year’s fair was different than any I had ever attended. This year I was Miss Montana!
I started out the fair week by attending the night show. I was first introduced to the comedian act Willams and Ree. They were both very nice and extremely funny. It was fun getting to meet them and then sit and the stands and roll with laughter during their performance. Before intermission I had to head back to meet the next act, but they noticed my exit and pointed me out during the middle of their performance. We had visited about my past jobs, including firefighting, so as I was leaving they yelled, “Hey there’s Miss Montana, she’s headed out to burn out the Californians.” I was rather embarrassed but pleased that they had remembered who I was! I then went out for intermission and was given the chance to meet the Bellamy Brothers.
Thursday was “Lewistown Days” so there was a parade down Main Street. Earlier I had been out at the fairgrounds to watch my cousins receive blue ribbons for their showmanship with their pigs. I then headed back into town to help the Boys and Girls Club decorate their float. We did a summer fun theme with sports equipment and a baby pool on the float. I rode with them for the parade as they threw out water balloons and sprayed squirt guns all down the street. Needless to say, I ended up a little wet by the end of the parade!
Thursday and Friday I signed autographs at the Snowy Mountain Development booth and then helped greet and hand out programs at the rodeo. It was a great chance to visit with people I had not seen in a long time!
Then Saturday morning I had the fun chance to be in the Pie Eating contest to raise money for 4-H! The 4-H leaders had been a little worried if I would actually want to participate, but I was ready to try out my first Pie Eating contest! Unfortunately I did not win, but I must say that I held my own!
After the Pie Eating contest I hurried over to the free stage where I performed my talent. The Dance Syndicate was also performing. The Dance Syndicate is where I grew up dancing so I was excited to see some of their new dances and my instructor, Janet. My little sister is now a member of the Performing Arts Team so I was very excited to get the chance to see her perform. She did an amazing job, I am so impressed with how far her dance skills have come!
It was a busy week at the fair, but also a week full of friends, family, and fun!
I started out the fair week by attending the night show. I was first introduced to the comedian act Willams and Ree. They were both very nice and extremely funny. It was fun getting to meet them and then sit and the stands and roll with laughter during their performance. Before intermission I had to head back to meet the next act, but they noticed my exit and pointed me out during the middle of their performance. We had visited about my past jobs, including firefighting, so as I was leaving they yelled, “Hey there’s Miss Montana, she’s headed out to burn out the Californians.” I was rather embarrassed but pleased that they had remembered who I was! I then went out for intermission and was given the chance to meet the Bellamy Brothers.
Thursday was “Lewistown Days” so there was a parade down Main Street. Earlier I had been out at the fairgrounds to watch my cousins receive blue ribbons for their showmanship with their pigs. I then headed back into town to help the Boys and Girls Club decorate their float. We did a summer fun theme with sports equipment and a baby pool on the float. I rode with them for the parade as they threw out water balloons and sprayed squirt guns all down the street. Needless to say, I ended up a little wet by the end of the parade!
Thursday and Friday I signed autographs at the Snowy Mountain Development booth and then helped greet and hand out programs at the rodeo. It was a great chance to visit with people I had not seen in a long time!
Then Saturday morning I had the fun chance to be in the Pie Eating contest to raise money for 4-H! The 4-H leaders had been a little worried if I would actually want to participate, but I was ready to try out my first Pie Eating contest! Unfortunately I did not win, but I must say that I held my own!
After the Pie Eating contest I hurried over to the free stage where I performed my talent. The Dance Syndicate was also performing. The Dance Syndicate is where I grew up dancing so I was excited to see some of their new dances and my instructor, Janet. My little sister is now a member of the Performing Arts Team so I was very excited to get the chance to see her perform. She did an amazing job, I am so impressed with how far her dance skills have come!
It was a busy week at the fair, but also a week full of friends, family, and fun!
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