A new cowgirl has become rodeo royalty in Okotoks.
Grace LeFresne, hailing from Creston, B.C. and currently living in Airdrie, was crowned Miss Rodeo Okotoks 2024 during the Okotoks Pro Rodeo on Aug. 25.
"It's pretty amazing," said the 24-year-old. "It's definitely been a dream of mine to become a rodeo queen."
LeFresne, who runs an equine massage therapy business called Healed by Grace, looks forward to bringing her passion for the rodeo to her reign.
"I've been born and raised around horses my entire life," said LeFresne, an accomplished barrel racer well-versed in both English and Western riding disciplines.
"The rodeo is a place that feels like home to me always."
LeFresne eagerly awaits getting involved with the Foothills community in her new role, and hopes to one day vie for Miss Rodeo Canada.
"I'm so excited for the year ahead," she said. "Being part of such a great community and just putting out my love for rodeo and sharing that with everyone around."
LeFresne takes the reins from Avery Moore, who was crowned Miss Rodeo Okotoks 2023 exactly one year prior.
"I want to express my deepest thanks to the incredible community of Okotoks for welcoming me with open arms and allowing me the honour of representing this vibrant and spirited town and rodeo," said Moore during a farewell speech before LeFresne's crowning.
"As I pass on the crown to the next ambassador of Okotoks, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride."
Mis Rodeo Okotoks began in 1997 and entered a hiatus in 2014 before returning with Moore's crowning in 2023.
"We're very excited to get the program up and running again," said Kenna Lockwood-Erwin, executive director of Miss Rodeo Okotoks. "It's very exciting, Avery's done a fantastic job this year."
