Past Rodeo Queens

2006 Royalty:

My hope was to inspire others to hold a piece of our Western Heritage, but I did not realize that through the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, and the title of Miss Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo Queen, I would be the one to receive the spirit of the West in my travels. Through the hospitality, generosity, community and encouragement I encountered from the members of the Posse and friends along the way, I have realized this opportunity has inspired me more than I could ever hope to return.

With the honor of having represented the “Biggest Little Town of Bakersfield” at parades and rodeos, I am assured that after this year has passed, rather I be continuing my college education toward my degree, horse camping with my family, or teaching riding lessons, I will forever make reference to the experiences and opportunities I have been blessed with this past year.

I plan to promote the preservation of the equestrian lifestyle on a local level and continue representing the sport because after all, rodeo is a sport and a way of life, but it is also a people, and a family which I am proud to be a part of!

“To see a world in a grain of sand
And a Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.”
– William Blake

Over the past year Maegan, Mandy and I have been roaming throughout the state of California representing Bakersfield. We’ve been to parades and rodeos, alongside the Kern County Sheriff’s Posse. It’s amazing how fast the year went by, but it really reminded me of how precious life is. This past year has been an incredible experience and I want to thank everyone who helped me get here. Every ticket buyer, every sponsor and every friend, thank you. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity I was given, and that I was able to share it with a wonderful group of guys and two amazing girls. I am disappointed that it is all over, but I hope the next girl will realize how lucky she is.

Always,
Kara Wilbanks

“it is good to have an end to a journey, but it’s the journey that matters in the end.”

It has been a wonderful experience to go to parades and rodeos with the Sheriff’s Posse as Stampede Days Rodeo Princess. I will miss being with all the kind and caring people. This experience has encouraged me to someday run for Junior Queen and Queen. I will never forget this awesome year as your Princess. I hope to someday run for Miss Rodeo California or Miss Rodeo America.

Yours truly,
Mandy Trammell

2005 Royalty:

“Always treat others as you wish to be treated yourself, for if you do, a world of possibilities will open up before you.”

Brittany’s trail has been a long and enjoyable one, from viewing her first rodeo in her parents’ arms full of excitement, through her pony years and into the Hesperia Wrangler’s, Brittany developed her talents as a horseman.  As the Hesperia Wrangler’s Petite Rodeo Queen in 1993, Brittany soon set her sights to achieve a seemingly impossible goal of becoming the first girl in San Bernardino County to win the coveted title of Miss Rodeo California.  As Brittany has traveled down her trail, she has achieved many of her goals.  From being a lead-liner with Daddy in tow, to winning the championship saddles in the most competitive divisions of several horse organizations in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003, winning the 2000 NBHA Youth 1D Open Championship Award, to competing and winning several rodeo queen titles including: 2001 Hesperia Rockin Bar H Rodeo Jr. Queen, 2002 Barstow Rodeo Stampede Queen, 2003/2004 Norco Mounted Posse Rodeo Queen. 

In May of 2005 she won the title of Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo Queen and during this past year she has enjoyed making new friends with the members of the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse,  her Jr Queen Tyana Hawkins, and her family as well as many others throughout Kern County.  Brittany and Tyana have enjoyed participating in fundraisers, team penning, parades, rodeos and other special events throughout their year. 

After graduating from Sultana High School in the top eighth percent of her class, Brittany went on to California State University in San Bernardino where she is majoring in Kinesiology to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.  Upon graduation, Brittany would like to attend California State University in Fresno where she will also pursue a career in the Equine field.  She wants to eventually have her own physical therapy practice, as well as, a large animal veterinary/chiropractic clinic.  Brittany is currently working in the Western Marketing Industry so that she can stay current with the western wear industry and its fashion trends.

In September 2005 Brittany had the honor of representing the Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo and the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse at the 2006 Miss Rodeo California Pageant where she was chosen from an impressive field of 11 contestants to represent the state of California as Miss Rodeo California 2006. In winning this title Brittany took home top honors in the categories of Horsemanship, Speech, Appearance, and Personality.

All of these accomplishments in horsemanship, sportsmanship and rodeo have helped Brittany to become the person she is today and she would like to personally thank everyone involved with the Bakersfield Stampede Days Rodeo and Pageant, especially the sponsors, for without their support this great event could not happen.

“Along my trail there have been many fine people who have assisted me throughout my journey.  I would like to take the time to thank all of them for their wonderful support, for without the gift of their true friendship, my dream of achieving this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to represent and promote the sport of rodeo and my western heritage throughout California and beyond would not have been possible.”

Brittany Renée Nuckols

“In a universe of opportunities, always stay true to yourself, and your future will be bright.”

I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. Since I was crowned Stampede Days Rodeo Princess last May, I have been gone almost every weekend representing this outstanding rodeo at parades, rodeos, and other functions. I am so honored to have been able to represent the Stampede Days Rodeo and the incredible Kern County Posse. Thank you so much for this opportunity- I know I will never forget it.

Stampede Days Posse- you boys always made the trip worthwhile. I had such a blast being around you all and getting to know each and every one of you. I’ll be sure to keep in touch. Thanks for all of your effort and love you put into this pageant.

Brittany, Roy, and Diane- thank you so much for always helping me and my family with rides, clothes, and basically being at my beck and call. Roy and Diane, you two are so lucky to have such a beautiful and intelligent daughter, I have learned so much from Brit and I really do up to her so much.

To all of my sponsors- I would definitely not be where I am today if not for each of you- thank you so very much for all of the last minute sponsorships and for always being there whenever I need you.

To the contestants of 2006- It’s here!! All of your work is about to pay off- it has been so nice to get to know all of you and I hope the new girls enjoy the fun times with the posse as much as I did- and believe me, those boys feed you GREAT! Have an awesome year and always remember that you are representing one of the best rodeos in California!

And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my incredible parents, DJ and Randy, for all of their time dedicated to not only me, but to my horses and clothes, and just everything else I’ve ever needed. You both have put up with me even as I’m yelling at you to give me my hat before flying into that arena. I could never ask for more than what you two give me. I am honestly so proud to be called your daughter.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who is here tonight, watching our 21st annual Stampede Days Rodeo. Without each of you, none of this would have been possible.

Thanks again,
Tyana Hawker
Your 2005 Stampede Days Rodeo Princess

2004 Royalty:

Kayla Spurlock lives in Ramona, California. She is currently attending California State University San Marcos majoring in Business Administrations with an emphasis in Finance. Her goal is to achieve a Master in Business Administration and utilization her education to make a difference in both the equine and agriculture industries.

In High School Kayla spent many hours working with her 4-H horse project, Regional Horse Judging Team, and was Assistant Coach of an Equestrian Vaulting Team. In college she is active in the University Accounting Society, Palmar Speech and Debate Team plus spend time working with Toastmasters International. Kayla is a avid horsewoman, she has won numerous awards in many disciplines of horse back riding, including Equestrian Vaulting, dressage, hunter over fences, western pleasure, reining, barrel racing and team sorting. When not riding her horses Kayla enjoys, underwater diving, traveling, camping, surfing, running, hiking, sky diving and scrape booking.

Melissa Kristen Payne attends Liberty High School in Bakersfield. She plays on the Liberty High Junior Varsity Softball team. In middle school she organized a Community Service Club receiving recognition from both Rosedale Middle School and Bakersfield Optimist Club. She aspires to become a large animal Veterinarian specializing in the care of Pro Rodeo horses and livestock.

Melissa has been competing in the Kern County Gymkhana Association where she is excelling rapidly. She has won show hi-point and reserve hi-point on several occasions this year. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family both on and off their many horses.

2003 Royalty:

With my trusty steed, “Jerry the rope horse,” my new two-horse Trails West trophy trailer, and a rodeo queen wave, down the road I went. I had the opportunity to attend many parades and rodeos, and assisted the K.C.S.M.P in raising funds to benefit the special needs of children in Kern County. Over the years I have been a huge supporter of the Special Rodeo program, which enables special kids to experience rodeo in a way especially designed just for them. This year was no exception and it was a privilege to be involved with the children and the community of Kern County. Another aspect of my year was representing the sport of rodeo and the heritage and traditions it embraces. Some of the finest people in the world are in the livestock, ranching, and rodeo business. This lifestyle is about preserving a way of life that at times is hanging by a thread, and this lifestyle is how one day I would hope to raise my family like generations before.

As the dust settles on my year, I reminisce on the challenges and the experiences that have brought me to where I am today. I am blessed to have had two wonderful parents who gave me a strong foundation and high moral values that have helped me become the young women I am today. Whether it was ballet or FFA show pigs, softball or rodeo, they have always been my biggest fans. Thank you to the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me to be a part of your lives and your families. The support I have received throughout the year is breathtaking and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Good luck to all of this year's contestants and may you find this experience as fulfilling and rewarding as I have.

Miss Mattie Bronson captured the title of Miss Stampede Days 2003 Rodeo Princess on May 3, 2003. In addition to brining home the Title and crown of the 2003 Stampede Day Rodeo Princess, she won first place in the categories of Speech and Rodeo Knowledge as well as garnered the title of Miss Congeniality and Miss Personality.  

Mattie is thrilled and honored to promote the sport of rodeo and the great state of California. In addition to making formal appearance at various rodeo events, Mattie is in the process of completing High School, with plans of attending UC Davis where she will study to become a Veterinarian. In her spare time, Mattie competes in gymkhana and enjoys riding her horse.  

Mattie thanks her many sponsors for helping her achieve this dream, with special thanks to all who supported the pageant and to the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse for making this event possible for a spectacular year filled with many special memories.

2002 Royalty: