MEET THE QUEEN

80th Annual Miss Cavalcade Rodeo—Jenna Jenkins

The cavalcade
QUeen contest information

I am Jenna Rae Jenkins, proudly representing the world’s largest amateur rodeo as your 80th Annual Cavalcade Rodeo Queen!

At just 15 years old, I am the fourth generation of my family to compete in the Ben Johnson Arena. While not everyone in my family has come out with a custom Yocham’s saddle; several have won buckles and prize money. Cavalcade is a deeply rooted tradition in my family and in my heart—68 years worth, to be exact.

I can remember being young enough to barely walk when my mom would take me to the Kiddo Days put on by the Added Money Club. They even let me go into the “big arena” when I was just five years old, and I remember thinking I was really doing big things.

Every year, I would sit in the box grandstands with my mom and grandma and watch the Queen Horsemanship Competition. Laughing and joking, they would tease me and say, “That’s going to be you one day.” I would always reply, “No way! My goal is to win the pole-bending buckle!”

And now, here we are.

I am the 80th Annual Cavalcade Queen. What an honor it is to wear the Cha Tullis Crown, ride in a custom Yocham’s saddle, and wear my chaps while representing the Cavalcade Rodeo throughout this year.

I was told something this past year that has stayed with me: “You are in charge of you.”

Those words ring true to me every day. This journey may take me to rodeos, introduce me to new people, and teach me things I never expected to learn. But through it all, I am the one in charge of who I am. I will stand up for my beliefs, my heritage, and who I am as an individual. I will be genuinely and unapologetically myself, day in and day out.

No one will remember the fancy shirts, the pretty makeup, the Queen hot laps, or even my horse’s name. But what I hope they remember is my heart, my knowledge, and the time I gave to them.

If I make a difference to just one person I come in contact with, it matters. That picture, that autograph, that hug—it matters. That smile makes it all worth it to me in the end. I have done my part. I was in charge of making their day a little brighter.

Life is like a clock, and all of our time is borrowed. So take the time to enjoy the journey.

Be kind. Be respectful. Be true to yourself.

As your 80th Annual Cavalcade Queen, I challenge you to be in charge of yourself.

Thank you to our gracious sponsors, board members, clubs, and spectators who make Cavalcade Rodeo such a special tradition. Without each and every one of you, Cavalcade would not be the World’s Largest Amateur Rodeo.

With love and gratitude,

Your 80th Annual Cavalcade Rodeo Queen,

Jenna Rae Jenkins

The Cavalcade Crown

In January, 2012, the Cavalcade Board of Directors commissioned local artist and jeweler, Cha Tullis, of Hominy, Oklahoma to design and create a custom silver crown for the Cavalcade Queen. He finished the piece in late June, just in time for crowning the 66th Cavalcade Queen!

The former traveling Cavalcade crown’s rhinestone-design had to be replaced every 5 years, and the design was becoming more difficult to purchase, it was decided that a custom design, significant to the World’s Largest Amateur Rodeo would well represent the event’s uniqueness. During the creation process, it was obvious that if the Cavalcade were hosted somewhere other than Pawhuska, Oklahoma, it would not be the same event! The Board knew the piece should reflect the deep appreciation for the history of the state, county, and rich heritage that has shaped the community which hosts the rodeo.

the center of the crown focuses on our appreciation for the great state of Oklahoma. The unique state shape rests inside the Osage Shield as is depicted on the Oklahoma flag to respect Pawhuska’s rich Osage history. The centerpiece shape of Oklahoma holds the outline of the beloved Osage County where the Cavalcade calls home.

Cavalcade is known to be one of the last great events to host a Wild Horse Race, so we chose two Wild Horses to frame the custom design. In every competitive Cavalcade event, horses always steal the show.

Small cut-outs dancing through the background that give depth to the design, offer a nod to the event’s tradition of Cavalcade’s Dance Under The Stars, and represent the 24 Cavalcade events. Rope borders frame the piece of art for all the lariats tailed in this great Osage County Fairgrounds Arena.

Set with 16 gorgeous pieces of Kingman Turquoise along the band, and made of over 100 pieces of sterling silver.

This is the Cavalcade Crown.