Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle

By Jayson Taylor

Medicine Hat Stampede Royalty competition begins Thursday

Jul 13, 2023 | 4:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The quest for Medicine Hat’s new Stampede Queen and Princess begins tonight here in the city. The first event to open off Stampede Royalty competitions is a horsemanship competition held at Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds at 7:30 p.m.

Lori Siedlecki, one of the lead organizers of the Medicine Hat Stampede Royalty competition says that contestants will compete in three key events. The horsemanship event on Thursday, speeches on Friday evening, and finally a fashion show on Saturday to wrap the competition.

The 2022 winners were Shaylyn Hunt (Queen) and Kearra Borthwick (Princess). For the past year, they have travelled around the region attending various events representing the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. They reflected on their time as Stampede Royalty as a time in their lives that they won’t forget.

“The last year has been a complete whirlwind of a year, it’s been super fun making new connections and doing so many events and having the opportunities that we have had. It’s been a dream come true and I am so happy that I have been able to have such a great partner to experience the whole year with,” 2022 Stampede Queen Shaylyn Hunt reflected on Thursday.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Firefighters take win over Police Service in Medicine Hat sledge hockey game

1h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Treblemakers' gives learning musicians courage in Medicine Hat

19h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Diverse personal stories shared at 'Pecha Kucha' in Medicine Hat

Jan 17, 2025

“The whole year has been an incredible opportunity and I feel like I have learned so much about myself that I really didn’t know about before, and I have just developed so many skills and I have become just who I am as a person which is an incredible experience and I am so thankful that I have had this opportunity and it’s been an honour really,” 2022 Stampede Princess Kearra Borthwick added.

Hunt and Borthwick both noted that being in the Calgary Stampede parade just a few days ago was one of the biggest highlights of the past year.

“I had never really watched the parade let alone be in the Calgary Stampede parade before, so that a surreal feeling,” Hunt said.

“I really did love our spring indoor rodeo that we had in April as well, that was my favourite rodeo to watch growing up. We had our Princesses for a Day join us for the Saturday of that rodeo which was awesome to hang out with them as well,” Borthwick said looking back on her favorite event.

Hunt and Borthwick said that being crowned the Stampede Royalty for 2022 was a feeling that was beyond description, a moment they will never forget.

Hunt and Borthwick also want to inspire the next generation of Stampede Royalty by motivating them to work hard, be confident, and just be themselves.

“If there are little girls out there that want to become a queen or princess one day, I would say, never give up even if life throws you in a different direction, anything is possible,” Hunt said.

“Be yourself, know who you are, and just take that into the competition if you do decide to run one day, and just be confident and take every stride with courage,” Borthwick added.

The queen and princess won’t be crowned until July 28 at Summer Show Rodeo when the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede is underway. More details can be found on the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s website or social media.