Stonyford Rodeo Queen crowned

Alyssa Skinner of Wheatland will reign over the 66th annual Stonyford Rodeo May 2 and 3.

The 19-year-old competed against nine other girls from Lake, Glenn and Colusa counties Saturday during Western Days.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to promote rodeo,” Skinner said. “I’ve been doing rodeo a long time. I’m very excited.”

Skinner is the daughter of Kim and Allen Skinner. She attends Sierra College in Rocklin and plans to become a veterinarian.

Shelena Lee Stewart crowned Skinner following a three-hour competition during Colusa Western Days.

As 2008 Stonyford Rodeo Queen, Stewart attended more than 20 rodeos throughout her reign.

“It’s been a great year,” Stewart said. “I’m a little sad to be give it up but I had a great opportunity to promote Stonyford. It was all good.”

First runner-up was Krissy Wilson, 18, of Stonyford.

Wilson is the daughter of Dennis and Donna Wilson and a 2008 graduate of Maxwell High School. 

“Rodeo and Stonyford are my two biggest passions,” Wilson said. “This is a good way to promote both.”

Wilson attends Butte College and plans to get a degree in sports medicine.

Claire Crites of Elk Creek was third runner-up and Tracy Harvey of Colusa was selected “Miss Congeniality.”

Harvey competed against her sisters Brittany Cunningham-Womble and Brianna Fry, both of Colusa.

It was the first year the contest contained three sisters, said event organizer Christy Rudolph.

Rounding out the remainder of the Stonyford Rodeo court are Emily Knistel of Clear Lake, Ashley Hammond of Elk Creek and Nicky Phillips of Clear Lake.

The contestants were judged on horsemanship, knowledge of rodeo events and poise.

Rudolph said it was one of the closest competitions in the history of the event.

“The top three girls were incredibly close,” Rudolph said. “We had them change horses for a runoff.”

The Stonyford Rodeo, organized by the Stony Creek Horsemen’s Association, will get underway with a dinner May 1 at Stonyford Community Hall.

A parade through town is held the morning of the rodeo, May 2. This year’s parade theme is “Rawhide and Rodeo.” Grand Marshals are Darrel and Rete Dalton.A full rodeo breakfast will be held Saturday and Sunday before the rodeo and a dinner will be held Saturday night.

Professional rodeo events include bull and bronc riding. Amateur events include barrel racing and team roping. Children can participate in the mutton busting event.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.