Rodeo Queens Reign Over Delbert Days

Rodeo event coverage sponsored by Big O Tires Lake Havasu.

By Nicole Matheson

Queens graced the Delbert Days Rodeo grounds Saturday as they helped carry on a deep tradition in the West. Tradition runs deep in the sport of rodeo as well as its representative – the rodeo queen.

Jessica Smith, the Lake Havasu City Rodeo Queen of 2020, gave a common response when it comes to understanding why she is active in the rodeo.

Rodeo queens wave to the crowd during the GCPRA Rodeo Saturday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“It’s a family thing that just goes on, it’s like tradition,” and with this particular tradition comes a healthy amount of work. “You have to be really dedicated and want to go out and work every day for it. It’s a lot of work,” she said.

Codey Humphrey, the Andy Devine Team Queen, also agreed that both of them have been involved with rodeo all of their lives and tradition plays no small part. “It’s something we grew up with.”

Duties Of A Rodeo Queen

Both queens are from the Kingman area and travel regularly with the duties that come with their positions. This particular day, Smith and Humphrey were seen assisting with the mutton busting and calf riding events. Young children outfitted with safety gear and mouth pieces were saddled on either a sheep or a calf depending on the age of the young cowboy or girl. After a brief ride and dusting themselves off, Humphrey and Smith help the young children to their feet at and give them a ribbon for their effort.

Cody Humphrey hands a ribbon to a mutton bustin’ participant, Declan Roberts, Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Duties aren’t limited to just helping out around the ring and being an ambassador of the sport. These Rodeo Queens present sponsor flags, take pictures, sign autographs and tend to their own horses. There are times when they are also asked to shag cattle for the event.

The Little Delbert Days rodeo features all manner of activities for children, who are admitted free if they are under 15. The GCPRA Rodeo takes place at 1 p.m. The event continues today through today at 4 p.m.

Here are photos from Saturday’s Delbert Days.