The sixth annual Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Queen Pageant was recently held in Moultrie. Georgia and welcomed a record number of contestants. Twenty-seven girls from two states participated in the day-long event, which crowned six new rodeo princesses and a queen. The winners will serve as ambassadors of the Sunbelt Ag Expo and will help promote a positive image and awareness of the importance that the equine industry plays in the state of Georgia. These queens will form a connection between loyal horse owners and enthusiasts, the media and the general public’s perception of horse events such as rodeos, horse shows and other equine events.
The contestants started the day with interviews with four judges. Next, they participated in a western fashion show and modeled western outfit of their choice. After lunch they headed to the arena for the Horsemanship competition. In addition to interviews, modeling and horsemanship, contestants in the Princess and Queen divisions also took a written test on rodeo knowledge, equine science and agriculture. They also gave three-minute speeches and answered impromptu questions.
Judges for the pageant includes; Jodie McBee from Quitman, Georgia, Liz Rossman from Senatobia, Mississippi, Brianna Littreel from Lake City, Florida and Billy Hodges from Leesburg, Georgia.
The Horsemanship Division winners included; Teeny Miss — Sawyer Kate Brannan, Tiny Miss — Liddie Harrell, Little Miss — Elle Fugate, Junior Miss — Kristen Anderson, Princess Division — Jamie Parker and Queen Division — Malerie Whitehurst.
Sophia Cork was named Miss Congeniality and Sarah Larson was the winner of the Speech Award. The Miss Photogenic Award winner was Sawyer Kate Brannan.
The overall winners include: Teeny Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Sawyer Kate Brannan from Register, GA Tiny Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Liddie Harrell from Kathleen, GA Little Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Chloe Crawford from Pavo, GA Junior Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Gracie Davis from Patterson, GA Miss Spirit of Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Bronlin Willow Reddock from Leesburg, GA Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Princess: Jamie Parker from Bonaire, GA Miss Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Queen: Sarah Larson from Leesburg, GAThe newly-crowned princesses