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Miss Great Northern Rodeo crowned

The 2014 Miss Great Northern Rodeo passed on her crown at the coronation at Great Northern Fairgrounds Thursday.

Paige Raty, a Montana State University-Northern student and rodeo team member, was crowned the 2015 Miss Great Northern Rodeo at the Great Northern Fair.

"Surprising," Raty said about being crowned. "I didn't see that coming at all. It feels great."

This was Raty's first pageant and competing in it was a last-minute decision, she said.

"It went extremely well," she said. "Everyone was great and I met so many good people. The other contestants are just amazing. It's an amazing experience."

She said she has been a part of rodeos her entire life and thought that this would be a different way to be a part of one.

"This has a little more class to it," she said. "It's a good opportunity to get out there and represent the rodeo in a brand new way."

The pageant had the four contestants competing in categories like horsemanship, speech and impromptu questions, and modeling.

Sheridan O'Neil won the pageant last year and Rachel Bartlett, this year's runner-up got the runner-up place again this year.

Miss Rodeo Montana National Director Jaye Dee Han said that the pageant is coming along. Last year, there were two contestants and this year, four.

Brandi Johnson and Amanda Milton also vied for the crown.

"Every year, if we get a couple more, that's what we're looking for," Han said. "We want stability in the program and by having an extra $1,000 scholarship added right at the last minute - (the contestants) didn't even know that. That's a big incentive to the girls."

Montana State University-Northern gave the scholarship, which can only be used at that college. The Great Northern Rodeo Committee also gave a $250 scholarship that can be used anywhere. Sponsors of the event also donated prizes for the contestants.

Tana Johnson, the Miss Great Northern Rodeo director this year, said she hopes to get more scholarships donated for next year's competition.

"That was amazing, that we were able to get that," Johnson said.

Han said this pageant is a great stepping stone to compete in Miss Rodeo Montana and then Miss Rodeo America.

"The sky's the limit with these pageants," Johnson said.

For those interested in competing in next year's competition, they can do so by contacting Johnson and Han through the Miss Great Northern Rodeo Facebook page or by calling Johnson at 406-694-2118.

 

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