Calgary – Following an intense, month-long, competition, filled with riding, speeches and hosting, three young ladies were crowned the 2016 Calgary Stampede Queen and Princesses. The Agrium Western Event Centre hosted the final riding competition and the ultimate crowning of Stampede Queen Maggie Shortt and Princesses, Chelsey Jacobson and Bailee Billington.
Maggie Shortt– Calgary Stampede Queen
Maggie is from Strathmore, Alberta and has been riding for 10 years, both English and Western riding. She spent four of those years as a Calgary Stampede Showrider.
Chelsey Jacobson – Calgary Stampede Princess
Chelsey is 23 years old from Drumheller, Alberta. She recently graduated from Olds College in the Equine Science Program and is now taking her bachelor’s of social work at the University of Calgary. Her hobbies include riding and hunting.
Bailee Billington- Calgary Stampede Princess
Bailee is 23 years old and is from Calgary. She graduated from Mount Royal University last year and currently works for the City of Calgary. In her spare time, she enjoys riding, dancing and watching football.
The new 2016 Stampede Royalty will begin their reign with one of their first major appearances at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.
The Stampede Royalty competition began on August 31 with 21 contestants. The contestants participated in riding skill competitions, speech competitions and a number of unique events where the ladies were able to mingle with VIPs to showcase their social skills.
The Stampede Royalty act as official ambassadors of the Stampede by promoting western heritage and values in the community and around the world, making more than 400 appearances during their reign. The winning three contestants must embody the Stampede values of integrity, pride of place, western hospitality and commitment to community.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.