By Marcia Love
Meghan MacRae is looking forward to an active year of representing Medicine Hat at events throughout the area.
The Maple Creek native was crowned Medicine Hat Stampede Queen on July 24.
The competition began on July 18, when the contestants were judged on horsemanship, public speaking, congeniality and overall personality. MacRae shone in the congeniality portion of the competition, which was voted on by fellow contestants Kaitlyn Barnes of Medicine Hat, Heather Mills of De Winton, Alta. and Heather Sarah Thomson of Medicine Hat.
MacRae, who is going into her third year of paramedic studies at Medicine Hat College, said she is looking forward to meeting many people in the city and attending the Medicine Hat Stampede’s evening performances.
“I thought I knew a lot of people (in Medicine Hat), but now everyone is coming up to me and asks how I am and I actually get to know people more than I do now,” she explained.
Competing in the stampede queen contest is something MacRae said she has always wanted to do.
“This year just seemed like the perfect year to do it,” she said.
MacRae moved to Medicine Hat in 2006 to begin her post-secondary schooling. Since then, she has made the city her home.
Kathy Webber, Miss Rodeo Medicine Hat co-ordinator, said MacRae and Barnes, the rodeo princess, will have a busy year ahead of them.
“Last year the girls did 96 events, so we’re looking at something like that,” Webber said.
Events for the rodeo queen and princess will include visits to local businesses and nursing homes, radio interviews and appearances at rodeos throughout the area. As ambassadors for the city, MacRae and Barnes will also be assisting the United Way and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
“They seem very much interested in doing as much as they can and are looking forward to a busy year,” Webber said.
MacRae is excited to attend public relations functions and learn more about organizations throughout the community.
“To be able to represent Medicine Hat and the rodeo is just a great honour,” she said.

Meghan MacRae was crowned Medicine Hat Stampede queen on July 24.         Photos by Gary Houston