Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Callie Brown, left, and Carissa Radtke are this year's Cheyenne County Rodeo Court. Radtke returns as Fair Queen and Brown will be recognized Saturday as Lady in Waiting.
Carissa Radtke is in her second year as Cheyenne County Fair Queen and Callie Brown is days from coronation as Lady in Waiting.
"It is kind of representing Cheyenne County," Brown said. "Its been amazing for me. Its been my dream since I was five years old."
As Cheyenne County Fair Queen and Lady in Waiting, Radtke and Brown are the public faces of the county fair. They attend fairs and rodeos representing Cheyenne County, hand out ribbons at 4-H events and promote the fair.
"It taught me a lot. I learned a lot about responsibility," said Radtke. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
She may not be the typical cowgirl, riding a horse before she could walk, more boots than tennis shoes and can explain tools of ranching better than some of her guy-friends. She started through 4-H, a friend of the family, Travis Secrest, allowed her to use a horse for 4-H, which later led to her being encouraged to compete for the Lady In Waiting title.
Competing for Lady in Waiting and Queen both require taking a test; modeling; writing, memorizing and presenting a five to seven-minute speech; and trail and reigning (horse riding skills). To qualify a contestant must score a 360 or higher. The highest a contestant can score is 600.
Brown will be the Fair Queen next year after serving as Lady in Waiting.
"I have watched about every Cheyenne County rodeo since I was four," she says.
She got her first horse when she was about eight. After a few years in 4-H, competing for Lady in Waiting was a logical next step, she says.
"It teaches a lot of people skills," she says.
"It is really fun," Radtke said.
Brown said that in addition to the duties representing the county and the fair, the Queen and Lady in Waiting are expected to be be respectful in their behavior.
"We are very honored to have the opportunity," Brown said.
Brown and Radtke's first official appearances will be a Saturday, July 14, luncheon with Miss Nebraska, followed by the PRCA Rodeo that night when Brown will be officially crowned Lady in Waiting.
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