Mangone is lassoin' her dreams, one rodeo at a time.
Outgoing Miss Rodeo Okotoks Karina Mangone is taking her passion for rodeo to the next level by competing for the Miss Rodeo Canada 2027 title.
Mangone, who wore the Okotoks crown for the past year, fell in love with being a rodeo queen and the community connections she built during her tenure.
“I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to end this,’” said Mangone. “I want to keep going, I want to make more connections, I want to meet more people, and I want to represent rodeo on a bigger scale.”
To become Miss Rodeo Canada, Mangone will be evaluated in various judging categories, including public speaking, modelling, a written exam, a personal interview, and horsemanship. The winner will be crowned at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton on Oct. 9.
Mangone is competing against five other contestants, and she is looking forward to getting to know them and celebrating rodeo during the CFR.
Mangone’s journey to becoming a rodeo queen began two years ago when she purchased her first horse, Clifford. She was encouraged to apply for Miss Rodeo Okotoks, and although she initially thought it was impossible, she eventually submitted her application and won the title.
During her year as Miss Rodeo Okotoks, Mangone learned valuable skills, including public speaking, which has helped her in her career as a Grade 2 teacher.
The CFR gets underway in Edmonton from Oct. 7 to 10.
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