Rodeo royalty, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo names 2024 rodeo queen & princesses
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH – (Release from Chief Joseph Days Rodeo) The dust has settled, the confetti has been swept away, and the glitter has faded, but the excitement lingers as the 2024 Chief Joseph Days Rodeo royalty takes center stage! Amidst fierce competition and spirited enthusiasm, we proudly announce Queen Lauren McBurney, Princesses Karly Baremore, and Colbi Cunningham as the esteemed representatives of this year’s rodeo court.
Queen Lauren McBurney: At just 16 years old, Wallowa County native Lauren McBurney has already left an indelible mark on her community. A sophomore at Joseph Charter School, Lauren’s love for riding horses began at the tender age of six, inspired by her mother’s own reign as CJD Queen in 1988. This deep connection to her roots fuels Lauren’s commitment to tradition and service. Currently serving as the FCCLA Oregon State President, JCS Interact Club Co-President, JCS ASB Vice President, FFA member, and JCS FBLA Chapter President, Lauren’s dedication to leadership and involvement knows no bounds. When not in the saddle, you’ll find Lauren on the sports field, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and track. As she dons the crown of Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Queen, Lauren’s next goal is to hone her riding and public speaking skills while proudly representing her cherished family and community.
Princess Karly Baremore: Eighteen-year-old Karly Baremore embodies the spirit of the rodeo both in and out of the arena. A senior at Wallowa High School, Karly’s roots run deep as a lifelong rancher and Junior Rodeo participant for five years. Her leadership shines through her roles as FFA Secretary, Livestock Manager, and as an active member of ASB and Student Government, where she holds the position of Historian. Karly’s passion for rodeo extends beyond competition, as she proudly served as a Tuckerette at Chief Joseph Days Rodeo in 2023 and as a flag carrier for the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show & Rodeo. Now, as she takes her place as a Princess of the CJD court, Karly eagerly anticipates deepening her rodeo involvement, forging lasting friendships, and infusing her infectious energy into the rodeo world.
Princess Colbi Cunningham: Hailing from her family ranch between Joseph and Enterprise, sixteen-year-old Colbi Cunningham epitomizes the spirit of the West. A sophomore at Joseph Charter School, Colbi’s upbringing amidst cattle, horses, hay, and Christmas trees has instilled in her a love for the land and its traditions. Her equestrian prowess is evident through her participation in various rodeo circuits, including NW Youth Rodeo, Western Horsemen Of Oregon, and the BRN4D. Beyond the arena, Colbi’s academic achievements and dedication to her community shine through her 4.0 GPA, honor roll status, and active involvement in FFA and 4-H. With her horse Kenai by her side, Colbi eagerly embraces her role as an ambassador for Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, aspiring to inspire youth and uphold the values of the Western lifestyle.
These remarkable young women captivated audiences and demonstrated unwavering dedication. Competing in three areas for the determination of Queen—Riding, Speaking, and Ticket Sales—each candidate won a category, making it a tight race. Selling an astounding $172,600 in tickets during the competition, their remarkable efforts have earned them well-deserved commissions totaling over $25,000. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these talented ladies, their supportive families, our generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers who make Chief Joseph Days Rodeo shine.
As we prepare to embark on the rodeo road this summer, we invite you to join us in cheering on Queen Lauren, Princess Karly, and Princess Colbi as they proudly represent Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and embody the spirit of the West.
Tickets for the 78th Chief Joseph Days Rodeo are officially on sale at chiefjosephdays.com and the Main Street Rodeo Office located at 401 N Main Street, Joseph, OR 97846.
