No need to roll out the red carpet for the Top ‘O Texas Rodeo’s special guests this year, as they’d much rather get their boots dirty and dig their heels deep in the age-old tradition right here in the Texas Panhandle.
Miss Rodeo USA, Megan Kelly, and Miss Teen Rodeo USA, Violet Camerino, have traveled extensively all over the United States to attend numerous rodeos and functions, and this weekend, they have graced Pampa with their presence at the 78th annual Top ‘O Texas Rodeo.
Both Megan and Violet come from California and admit they had never really spent time in our smaller slice of the big Texas pie, but in just the few days they have been here, they collectively agree that there’s something truly special about this place we call home.
“I personally think it’s the biggest honor and privilege to be brought to the Pampa, Texas Rodeo,” Megan said. “I’ve always heard about the Pampa Rodeo and I always wanted to come, so I truly feel thankful that I have the opportunity to be here. I’ve been able to see so many great places, but so far nothing can even compete to the Pampa community. I’ve met with a couple of the local sponsors as well, and they’re just such great people. The community is built up of incredible individuals and I’m personally very excited to meet them this weekend and get to know everyone. Overall, it’s been an honor and a privilege, and I’m very, very thankful.”
“For such a small town, I’ve truly seen the community come together,” Violet said. “Even at Wayne’s Western Wear, the people there were so cool and so excited for the rodeo, and I love to see that, especially in a town so small. The community is so rich and dense with people who have so much love and passion, and it’s so refreshing to see. It’s been really great.”
Megan got her start in the rodeo through a community program she developed a passion for, attending rodeos held by the local optimist club in her hometown.
“I thought what better way to combine my love for horses and the equestrian world, but also pageants, than to be a rodeo queen and represent the rodeo,” she said. “I became a rodeo queen about five years ago and that has led me here, but I’ve remained even more involved in that rodeo association and equine community back home. It really all started with involvement in the community and supporting our local youth. I learned rodeo and fell in love with it and now you can’t get me out of the sport!”
Since February, Megan has traveled from Missouri, down to Oklahoma, all the way to Tennessee and now in Texas, representing her love for rodeo and inspiring the younger generation to become more active in the highly-rewarding activity.
“Doing this has brought me to all kinds of states, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing a lot of the country. It’s really been amazing.”
Violet discovered her love for rodeo when she began riding hunter jumper horses, and when a friend she had been boarding with became a rodeo queen, it inspired her to compete in her first pageant. Although she didn’t win the first time, she was hooked on the rodeo scene. She would become more involved in western events such as barrel racing, building her confidence to compete the next year for her first title and ultimately winning. Shortly after, she would compete for Miss Teen Rodeo USA, and on July 11 of this year, she was crowned, hitting the road with Megan.
Both Megan and Violet agree that it’s important to get the kids involved at an early age because not only does it introduce them to the agricultural side of rodeo and teaches them essential social skills, it also builds character and self-confidence. The Mutton Busting event is one of their favorites in that it teaches the kiddos that when you hit the dirt (and you will), just dust yourself off and take pride in the fact you held on and gave it your best.
“I’d like to give a shoutout to all the parents who bring their kids to the Mutton Busting because it’s such a fun event for the kids to get their feet dirty and to really see what rodeo is like from inside the arena,” Megan said. “I think it’s great that the parents are signing them up and putting that effort forward to get their kids involved in something that allows them to grow and learn within the rodeo and agricultural industries. I’m just thankful for the parents who are willing to give that extra step, even if their kid may get dinged up a little bit, it’s going to be great for their growth, and we’re thankful from a rodeo perspective. We all want to see this sport grow, and Mutton Busting is one of those many avenues that we have.”
“I think all the world’s best bull riders and bronc riders started in Mutton Busting,” Violet said. “It’s really cool to see them build up the next generation. You never know if the kid you’re picking up in the dirt is going to be the next world champion, so it’s really great to see.”
Today is the last day of the Top ‘O Texas Rodeo, with the parade starting at 10:30 AM at the M.K. Brown parking lot where it will make its way down Somerville and down to Cuyler. The final rodeo performance will start at 7 PM, where you will be able to see Megan and Violet carry the American and Texas Flags around the arena to kick off the event.
The Mutton Bustin’ Extravaganza finals will be held during the final performance and at 9 PM, head on over to the Top O’ Texas Norris Rodeo Pavilion for live performances of Rhett Uhland & The Morning Shakes and Chad Miller & The Good Fortune.
Ticket prices for tonight are $25 for adults, children ages 7-12 are $10, and children 6 and under are free.
