Elks Rodeo Queen Candidates Sought for 2014 Rodeo

Area non-profit organizations are invited to select a young lady as their queen candidate to represent their organization and to participate in this year’s Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Contest, in conjunction with the 71st Annual Elks Rodeo and Parade, May 29 to June 1, 2014.

For information, representatives may contact Peter Sterling at 805-868-6809. The first Contest information meeting for organizations interested will be held at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge, 1309 North Bradley Road, on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 6:30 pm, in the Ladies Lounge. Reservations are required by calling the Elks Recreation Office at 805-925-4125.

“As in the past, the contest will benefit youth organizations and programs,” according to Peter Sterling, Contest Chairman. Queen candidates serve as ambassadors for your group at many community and Rodeo events, including Rodeo weekend itself with the Parade on Saturday morning, 9:00 am, May 31, 2014, featuring the Queen Float and community youth groups, bands, equestrian units, and much more! Over $10,000,000 has been raised in past years by Rodeo Queens and has been returned to the various community youth groups they represented.

Candidates will receive scholarships and the organizations participating will share in the proceeds of the contest, as Sterling says. Excited to return as Elks Queen Contest Chairman of this important yearly Rodeo activity, he served as Queen Chairman from 2000 – 2005, after working as assistant chair from 1997 – 1999.

The contest will begin with the traditional Queen and Rodeo Kick-off Dinner, Saturday, April 19, 2014, at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge. The organizations and the candidates will then have about six weeks to sell give-away tickets. “The grand prize will be announced soon” according to Sterling.

The Queen Candidates must be between the ages of 16 – 21. No horsemanship or rodeo experience is required, and western outfits will be provided. Sterling expects at least six organizations to participate, with one already announced to participate. “Any non-profit group can enter a candidate, even FFA groups,” says Sterling. Service groups such as Altrusa, Rotary Club, Lions Clubs, Veterans’ Associations, etc. are also encouraged to consider sponsoring a candidate.