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Stampeders introduce 2008 rodeo court
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Stampeders’ President Hoby Wilhelm gave an opening address followed by 2007 Queen ChrisTina Montgomery’s introduction of the 2008 rodeo court. Among the princesses are Josey Kohlhepp, daughter of George and Amy Kohlhepp of Joseph; Brenda Laber, daughter of Cliff Laber and Missey Horn of Elgin; and Victoria Gibson, daughter of Gayle and the late Larry Gibson of Enterprise. The three princesses are competing for 2008 Elgin Stampede Rodeo queen title and crown. Josey Kohlhepp lives with her parents and younger siblings, Jesse and Daniel. She is a 16-year-old sophomore at Joseph High School and enjoys participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, FFA and 4-H. “I’ve been involved in rodeos and ranch work for as long as I can remember,” she said. “In the summer, I usually rodeo and work up at the Eagle Cap Pack Station at Wallowa Lake for Marlene McDowell.” Josey said she is proud to represent the Elgin Stampede at upcoming summer events along with Queen ChrisTina Montgomery and her fellow princesses. This year, she will be riding Fritz, her quarter horse gelding. “I have been to the Elgin Stampede rodeo many times and to represent it as 2008 queen would be an honor and privilege,” she said. “I think it is a great way to represent the sport of rodeo and keep our wonderful tradition alive.” Brenda Laber is a junior at Elgin High School where she is involved with FBLA, FFA and volleyball. During the summers, she works as a certified lifeguard at the Elgin Community Center pool. “I’m very excited to represent my hometown rodeo this year,” said Brenda. “I’ve been involved in rodeo since I was about 5 and have been on rodeo court for the past three years.” Competing for the 2008 Stampeders’ rodeo queen, Brenda will demonstrate her equine skills with her partner, a 12-year-old dun named Shania. “She had a colt last spring and had to take some time off, but now we’re back and ready to represent our hometown rodeo, the 62nd annual Elgin Stampede,” said Brenda. Victoria “Tori” Gibson is a 2007 graduate of Enterprise High School where she participated in FFA, 4-H and choir. She and her mother live on a 60-acre cattle ranch and keep five horses. She has five years of riding experience, and she is a member of Wenaha Muzzle Loaders. She fires black powder and can handle a .50-caliber rifle and .45-caliber pistol. Her handle is “Honey Bear.” Victoria has a strong passion for the western lifestyle. In 2006, she had the honor of traveling as one of the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show’s rodeo court members. This year, as a member of the Stampeders rodeo court, she will be riding Calgary, a 12-year-old quarter horse paint owned by Judy and Earl Sharrod of Joseph. “To be the Elgin Stampede queen is not only a title and a crown, but a job position,” Victoria said. “It is a responsibility and a commitment to represent not only the Elgin Stampede but the sport of rodeo and the values it embodies. “Rodeo promotes key values in America’s society that we are slowly losing, such as a strong work ethic, passion, dedication, integrity and a camaraderie that is rarely found elsewhere. I have a true desire and would be greatly honored to pass those values on to the next generation because that is what keeps the best sport in dirt going strong.” The Elgin Stampede will kick off its activities at Family Night July 10. Admission is free this evening only. Lara Moore, a spokeswoman for the Elgin Stampede, said, “The Community Bank in Elgin increased their sponsorship enough to allow this to happen for this year.” Tickets for the remaining rodeo weekend events (July 11-13) became available starting May 14 and may be purchased through the court princesses. For advance sales, call Brenda Laber at 541-805-8339; Josey Kohlhepp at 541-398-2300; or Victoria Gibson at 541-429-1232. Tickets are $7 for children and $12 for adults.
July 10 - Family Night, 6 p.m., free admission July 11 - Mark Nichols Memorial Bull Riding, 7 p.m. Queen’s coronation ceremony Dance follows at the Stampede Hall July 12 - Kids‚ Parade, 10 a.m. downtown Elgin PRCA rodeo, 7 p.m., dance follows at Stampede Hall July 13 - Grand Parade, 11 a.m., down town Elgin Stampede Challenge Horse Race, 1:45 p.m. PRCA rodeo, 2 p.m. |
