Covy Moore/Rocky View Publishing

Airdrie Rodeo Royalty contestant Nicole Briggs, 2011 Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess Rebecca McKay, 2011 Miss Rodeo Airdrie Gillian Shields and contestant Samantha Bilsborrow pose for a photo after the public speaking portion of the 2012 Royalty Pageant at the Over 50 Club, June 13.

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Airdrie Pro Rodeo Royalty Pageant underway

As the Airdrie Pro Rodeo draws closer, two new women are vying for the honour of representing Airdrie for the next 365 days.

Nicole Briggs, of Gibbons Alberta, and Sam Bilsborrow, from Leduc, entered this year’s royalty pageant after hearing glowing reviews of the Airdrie Rodeo Committee and the community.

“I am here for them,” said Bilsborrow. “They have had some glowing reviews by past queens. I told (the committee) even if they were on the far side of Calgary, I would still drive to be with them.”

Bilsborrow, 20, is not new to the Rodeo Royalty world, as she grew up participating in grand entries at different rodeos throughout Alberta.

“I got to see the queens from behind the scenes, and that got me interested in this,” said Bilsborrow. “They are just so elegant and just so beautiful, and they know what they are doing and are just so confident.”

Briggs on the other hand, also 20, grew up with family competing in team roping events in rodeos around Alberta.

“I have been involved with horses and rodeo since I was six years old,” said Briggs.

“I competed in high school rodeos and got involved in the pageants through high school.”

Briggs held the Miss High School Rodeo Alberta crown in 2008 and has since been interested in holding a pro rodeo title.

“I love it down here. Every time I travel down, it’s beautiful,” said Briggs. “Everything is well-kept, the people are very friendly and great to talk to.”

The girls find themselves in an interesting situation in which there are only two contestants running for two positions.

Bilsborrow says she is OK with whatever the outcome is and looks forward to the year with Briggs.

“My goal is to run for Airdrie and be here for Airdrie,” said Bilsborrow. “We are very much the same, we have a lot of mutual friends and a lot of mutual interests. It will be like two good friends going down the road.”

Briggs agreed and added that knowing she will be representing Airdrie after July 1 makes it easier to plan her busy summer.

“We will have a good idea of how our summer will unfold,” said Briggs.

As the current royalty’s year winds down, both Bilsborrow and Briggs say the outgoing royalty have been very helpful.

“They have been amazing, they are so fun to hang out with, they have done a fantastic job,” said Briggs.

“They have had a lot of advice to pass on.”

Briggs and Bilsborrow added they hope to see full stands supporting the 44th edition of the Airdrie Pro Rodeo on April 27.

“I am very excited to be a part of it, hopefully everybody comes out and supports the rodeo and the royalty and has a great time,” said Briggs.