No stranger to successfully serving on the rodeo circuit as rodeo queen the past few years, Kyla Lightfoot has been named Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025.
Selection Day was on April 7 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.
Lightfoot, 21, who hails from Cochrane, was up against Jaicie Baudin from Hinton.
"This is incredible," said Lightfoot, moments after the announcement of her win was made.
"I've put a lot of work into being able to come here, and to me the Ponoka Stampede is - by far - the best stampede in the world. I cannot wait for this upcoming year - to be able to represent it to the very best of my abilities. I will do everything in my power to fulfill my role."
The contestants were indeed put through their paces. Following an introduction first thing, there was a Facebook Live test of their public speaking skills to kick things off. This was followed by a horsemanship demonstration, lunch, and a judged interview.
Lightfoot's crowning will be held at her first official public appearance at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction, to be held May 2, at the Stagecoach Saloon, starting at 6 p.m.
In the meantime, Lightfoot said first and foremost, she is super excited about being part of this year's Ponoka Stampede.
"I'm also looking forward to travelling across Alberta this summer with my 'sash sisters,' and being able to represent Ponoka at many different rodeos," she said, adding she's excited about attending a range of community events and doing hospital and school visits as well.
Lightfoot already has two reigns as rodeo royalty under her belt, serving as Miss Rodeo Airdrie in 2022-24 and Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen in 2022-23. She has experience with training horses, working with rescue horses, and is a competitive equestrian rider.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Communication in journalism at Grant MacEwan University, Lightfoot also has a goal of promoting Western heritage and rodeo to audiences worldwide.
Having attended the Ponoka Stampede numerous times, Lightfoot said she is inspired by its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
Baudin is a three-time Brule Ruff Out Rodeo All Around Champion and two-time River Valle Summer Series Champion. With work experience as a sales associate and a visitor services attendant at the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, she counted communication, self-motivation and public speaking among her skill set.
Meanwhile, Lightfoot noted her past rodeo experience indeed helped her in landing the Miss Ponoka Stampede title.
"Although Ponoka's competition was different from the other two I have competed in, I think they both helped me with knowing a bit about what to expect. They also definitely helped with my confidence level with horsemanship, too."
Bruce Harbin, Ponoka Stampede board vice president, said the Miss Ponoka Stampede aspect of the overall event is an honoured and long-standing tradition.
"Miss Ponoka Stampede is a very good ambassador for the Stampede - she travels to local events all around Central Alberta - and beyond," he said.
"We have been blessed with a lot of talent coming our way over the years. A lot of our past Miss Ponoka Stampedes have gone to be Miss Rodeo Canada, and then onto bright careers from there, too."
Harbin noted in chatting with past Miss Ponoka Stampede title-holders, he's heard very positive feedback when they've reflected on their experiences.
Contestants are typically gifted young women to begin with, but their service in the role is - time and again - beneficial in so many ways.
"They are able to network with a lot of people, and a lot of sponsors," he said. "It seems like they all find their way in the world after their title."
Also in attendance at the event was current Miss Ponoka Stampede Olivia MacLennan, who was pleased to chat with guests and cheer on the ladies through the judging process.
"When I talk about my experiences, all of my memories just kind of blend together. But when you are in the moment, you are making best friends and making the greatest connections," said MacLennan.
"It also taught me a lot about myself. It taught me about confidence."
She said at times it was almost overwhelming to consider the amazing role that she had obtained. But then she would realize that she had definitely worked hard for it.
"It's cool to look back and see how much you have grown. There is also such a supportive board; having such a huge rodeo support you."
For the newest Miss Ponoka Stampede, MacLennan said that her advice about the year ahead would be to try and "slow it down, and really enjoy the small moments."
It's important to just savour the entire journey, she said.
"Enjoy the drives to the rodeos, enjoy taking your boots off after the rodeo - enjoy having coffee in the morning with your friends. Just sit down and enjoy the experiences, because it goes by so quickly!"
