Press Releases

For Immediate Release November 2023

Brawley Cowgirl, Cailee Roper, Crowned Miss Rodeo California 2024

Photo credit: Libby Wendt Photography

San Luis Obispo, California; November 4, 2023 – Cailee Roper, 23, of Brawley, California was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2024 after a two-day pageant in San Luis Obispo, California.

The competition included the following categories: Horsemanship, Speech, Personal & Horsemanship Interviews, Test, Raffle Ticket Sales, Photogenic, Personality & Appearance. Along with the title of Miss Rodeo California 2024, Cailee was the winner of the written test, personality, appearance and horsemanship categories that count for points as well as congeniality and speech categories that do not count toward points. As the newly crowned state rodeo queen Roper received a $6,750 educational scholarship, buckle, saddle, perpetual chaps, perpetual crown, and other various awards provided by our generous sponsors from the western industry. This year’s pageant awarded $8,250 in educational scholarships.

Roper is no stranger to state titles as she held the tittle of Miss California High School Rodeo as well. Starting January 1st she will have the prestigious opportunity to represent California traveling the state and nation representing rodeo and the western industry. She will also end her rein while competing in the Miss Rodeo America 2025 Pageant. The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held in December each year in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“This year we were blessed to have three talented contestants compete for the title of Miss Rodeo California 2024. Each young lady brought their A-game, skills, and kind hearts to SLO to give it their all. The Miss Rodeo California, Inc. board and I couldn’t be more proud of each one of them. As the pageant director and sponsorship coordinator, I look forward to working with Miss Cailee Roper as she takes the reins as Miss Rodeo California 2024 on January 1, 2024.” Jessica Schmidt, MRC Pageant Director.

“It was an honor to attend the Miss Rodeo California pageant in a new role, having been a contestant, title holder and committee member in the past. The caliber of contestants made me so excited of the future of our program and the western industry. Crowning Cailee Roper MRC 2024 is a proud moment, she will represent our state with grace and I am thrilled to watch as she continues to touch the lives of everyone she meets,” Brittany [Slaton] Walker, former Miss Rodeo California and judge at this year’s pageant, said.

“It’s hard to put into words the way it feels to accomplish this lifelong goal of mine, but more than anything I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. It is an incredible honor to bring the Miss Rodeo California crown back to Brawley for the first time since 1997! This was no easy task, and was only made possible by the incredible support of my friends, family, coaches, and community. I am so appreciative of each and every person who rallied around me to help me represent my absolute best self in San Luis Obispo. I cannot wait for the year ahead! California, let’s ride!” Cailee Roper, Miss Rodeo California 2024

Cailee Roper’s Biography:

Nestled in the southeast corner of California’s desert is the agricultural community of Brawley, where Cailee Roper and her family proudly call home. Growing up, Cailee was an avid dancer and a cheerleader, but her greatest enjoyment was time spent with horses. Her riding career began at 7 years old in the show arena, she then made the switch to rodeo while she was in middle school. Cailee has a heart for agriculture education; she serves her community as a 4-H leader and is an active member of the Imperial Valley Chapter of California Women for Agriculture. A 23-year-old recent graduate of Montana State University, Cailee has just begun her professional career in Marketing Research. She is excited to utilize her education to further promote the rodeo industry across California and the United States. As the second oldest of Charles and Kari Roper’s 5 children, Cailee has always aspired to be a positive role model for those around her. She is honored to have the opportunity to inspire the future generation of rodeo queens as Miss Rodeo California 2024.

About Miss Rodeo California

Miss Rodeo California is a young lady who strives to promote the State of California and the sport of professional rodeo. In doing so she also endeavors to promote the great western way of life with its strong morals and values. Miss Rodeo California will be a talented, personable horsewoman with a vast knowledge of the sport of rodeo, the equine industry, and the State of California. She is a young lady who enjoys travel and has a sincere interest in garnering educational experiences that will assist in laying a solid foundation for her future. As an ambassador to the sport, Miss Rodeo California promotes the western way of life and professional rodeo. She is well versed on the sport of rodeo, horsemanship skills, has a wonderful personality and is an excellent speaker.

For more information, press only:

Markie Battaglia 760-390-4131 Markiemarie88@gmail.com

For more information on the pageant or organization

http://www.missrodeocalifornia.com

To become a sponsor of the Miss Rodeo California Pageant:

Jessica Schmidt 951-533-1206 MRCsponsorships@gmail.com

Miss Rodeo California 2024 Sponsors:

Ariat, Arrowhead Now, Ashley Corkery, Baja Jerky, Bear Saddle Ranch, Bex Sunglasses, Boot Barn, Brittany Walker, Buck Wild Wild Rags, Cindy Cayford, Circle Y Saddles, City of San Luis Obispo, Colors of a Cowgirl, Dan Post Boots, Empire Leather Company, Friends of Ellen Kleinbeck, Haute & Polished Cowgirl, Jackie Scarry, Kittie K Ranch & Co, Libby Wendt Photography, L.L. Threads Custom Embroidery, Madonna Inn, Markie Battaglia, Melloworks, Montana Silversmith, Morgan Easel, Mountain Valley Ranch, Nutrena, Professional Choice, Rachel Fail Custom Tack, Rain Dance Designs, Resistol Hats, Rhinestone Lipgloss Earrings, Rockin’ Spur Boutique, Ropes Galore, Rowdy Silver, Rusty Roan, Skyline Silversmith, Sweetlove Designs, The Branded Vaquero, The Cowlot, The DeGrace Family, The Hensley Family, The Nuckols Family, The Scarry Family, The Schmidt Family, and Western Reflection Originals.

Photo credit: Libby Wendt Photography