Miss Rodeo America goes Australia

Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo

Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo America, from Mississippi, USA is on tour with the APRA Australia Professional Rodeo Association. Australia is home to many top rank world Champion Cowboys and home to several cattle ranches called “Cattle Stations” that are ten times the size of the renown King Ranch of South Texas. Rodeo enthusiasts will have a chance to see Australia's top riders in action and to meet celebrity guest, Miss Rodeo America, Kellie Jackson. Kellie's first stop is the Mt Isa Rodeo where Kelli will be available for autographs.

Miss Rodeo America will also be a guest celebrity to the Darwin Rotary Sponsored Rodeo. She will also have stops at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday August 12th and a visit to some lucky Darwin schools where she will meet and talk to students about the history of Rodeo along with her role in promoting the sport of Rodeo around the world.

While asked about her trip, she stated "First and foremost my visit to Australia is to promote the sport of Rodeo. While here I will have the opportunity to talk about rodeo through my experiences at Australian Professional Rodeos and promotional activities for the Miss Rodeo Australia Pageant."
"So how was your flight from the USA, Kelli?" "My flight to Australia was great! I left Abilene, Kansas on Thursday morning in the United States and with the time differences arrived in Australia on Saturday morning."

While Rodeo Queens have been reigning over rodeos for many years, their role has evolved from a pretty girl on horseback to a "total package" public relations ambassador for the sport. The trip to Australia will last for about two weeks where Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo America will have the opportunity to attend several of Australia’s best Rodeos’s and assist promoting the up coming Miss Rodeo Australia Pageant.

Steve Hilton, General Manager and Lisa Jones, Miss Rodeo Australia official organizers are ecstatic with Kelli’s visit. Australia’s Miss Rodeo pageant is making a come back after a decade of absence. Lisa visited the United States last year with stops in several states including a trip to Texas. Lisa said, “The San Antonio River Walk is perhaps one of the prettiest places to see in the world.” Lisa further added, “What a great diversity of young woman who compete for and represent us as our Rodeo Queens. They are lovely girls each with special gifts. I am so honored to meet with Miss Rodeo America and get to know all of these young women competing for Miss Rodeo Australia who are so dedicated to the world of Professional Rodeo.”

"So what opportunities have you had to talk about Rodeo since arriving in Australia."
Kelli stated, "Well, after arriving that morning, Saturday night I attended the Mt. Isa Rodeo where I interacted with Australian Rodeo fans and talk with them about the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos. Plus meet two of the young women-- Reegyn and Caitlyn-- who will be competing for the title of Miss Rodeo Australia."
Australia also plans to take Kellie to the OUTBACK for a spectacular sigh seeing trip to the Currumbin Wildlife Sancturary, Gold Coast Hinterland and Mount Tamborine. Kelli’s last destination will be a visit to the APRA Rodeo Heritage Center at Glengallen Homestead with host Tracy Vellacott before Kelli’s return flight home on Qantas Airlines.

"So Kelli, tell me what you think about the upcoming Australian Miss Rodeo Pageant?" T" I am so excited for their upcoming pageant on September 29 through October 2 in Texas, Queensland, Australia. Unfortunately, my schedule will not allow me to attend; however, I am sure that it will be a fantastic pageant." "Well good luck on your tour and we hope to hear more about this trip back home in the USA." "Thank you," replied Kelli.

Kelli Jackson is the first cowgirl from Mississippi to be crown Miss Rodeo America. Kelli is from Eupora , Mississippi. Just 22 years old at the time of her crowning, Kelli is an avid Rodeo Fan and competitor. She has a BA major in History and Political science and plans to attend Duke University for her Masters after completing her duties as Miss Rodeo America.

During the title competition, Kelli won the speech, appearance, and personality competitions were she prevailed over 29 other contestants. Kelli has a huge schedule ahead wrapping up the Australian tour next weekend before heading back to the USA. We look forward hearing more about her trip and posting photos as they come available.

Story by: Roger Edison