Santa Maria Elks announces Queen candidates for upcoming Rodeo and Parade
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- With the 79th Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade fast approaching, Elks Recreation announced Friday afternoon this year's Rodeo Queen Contest candidates.
“I always look forward every year to the queen contest. That’s actually what’s closet to my heart" said Elks Recreation President, Peter Sterling.
A press event was Elks Event Center Arena, where the names of the candidates and their sponsoring non-profit organizations were revealed.
The 2022 Elks Rodeo Queen Contest candidates are:
- Rylie Halsell - St. Joseph High School
- Ashley Palin - NSBC United Way
- Primavera Rosales - Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe
“It’s definitely a dream come true especially to help my community and be able to give back" said Rylie Halsell.
Rylie’s funds will go towards the st. Joseph high school scholarship fund.
“Honestly seeing everything that our campaign puts back towards our community is super exciting and I’m really honored to be able to put some contribution toward that and help our community" said Ashley Palin.
Ashley’s funds will support AmeriCorps and help provide service dogs for disabled veterans.
“I’m a latina and full fluent spanish speaker so I am happy to be repressing my community, my hispanic community” said Primavera Rosales.
Primavera will be raising funds for students in need of scholarships and sports equipment.
Typically, the Queen Contest candidates are not announced until mid-April. However, Elks Recreation wanted to provide the candidates more time this year due to ongoing COVID-19 related issues.
The head start will provide each campaign added time to raise funds for the contest, which culminates with the Queen Coronation, which is scheduled this year for June 3.
“We raised one million nine thousand dollars last year and that was a record for us" said Elks Recreation President, Peter Sterling.
The official start will be the annual Queen Contest Kickoff and Auction Dinner, which is set for April 16 at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge.
Tickets to the beloved Santa Maria tradition are $30.00 and are available the Elks Recreation office, which is located at 2325 Skyway Drive, Suite H, or by calling (805) 925-4125, or online at elksrec.com.
Also at the press event, Elks Recreation released additional information about this year's Rodeo and Parade, including the attractions and personalities have been lined up.
Most of the traditional favorite events will return. However, due to COVID-19 complications, a trio of long-running events will be postponed and not take place, including the Minetti Mini Rodeo, Beard-A-Reno contest, and the golf tournament fundraiser.
Elks Recreation added all three events will return in 2023.
The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade is scheduled for June 2-5, 2022.
"We are thrilled to be back to our weekend after Memorial Day and just excited to be back together again and doing what we all love to do," said Rodeo spokeswoman Johnna Clark.
As of Friday, only 83 days remain until the start of Santa Maria's showcase event, which returns to its traditional place on the calendar.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Rodeo and Parade was cancelled for the first time ever. Last year, it was moved to Sept. 2-5.
For more information on the 79th Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, click here.
