The Val Marie Rodeo Queen Committee has officially opened their applications for 2023 contestants. 

The contest, which serves as a fundraiser for the Val Marie Rodeo, requires contestants to sell tickets in the community, explained Committee Member, Shelby Laturnus. 

“For the Queen portion, they have to sell books of tickets,” she stated. “So, they're $20 per book and then whoever sells the most tickets is crowned Queen. Then we have a separate horsemanship competition for it also.” 

The contest is open for females aged 14 to 19, located in southwest Saskatchewan. 

Laturnus added that the fundraiser has been an integral part of the community for over half a century. 

“Next year will be the 58th annual rodeo,” she elaborated. “This year at the rodeo, the contestants brought in almost $7,000 for our community.” 

She stated that the committee is hoping to have the 2023 contestants finalized before tickets are distributed in February. 

Once crowned, the Queen is asked to attend the ceremony the following year in order to crown their successor. 

Val Marie’s 2022 Rodeo Queen, Cassidy Thick, who was crowned in September, was able to raise $2,704 for the community with ticket sales. 

For more information or to sign up, you can contact Laturnus at (306) 298 7819 or visit ‘Val Marie Rodeo Queen’ on Facebook.