05/27/2026
What an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend! I spent the weekend making memories, enjoying rodeos, and being surrounded by amazing people, I also found myself reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day. This weekend is about so much more than gathering with friends and family. It’s about honoring and remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Because of them, we get to enjoy moments like these, travel the country, celebrate traditions we love, and spend time with the people who mean the most to us. I’m incredibly grateful for their courage and sacrifice, and I’ll never take that freedom for granted.
Friday night kicked everything off in Tonasket at the Founders Day Rodeo, and I truly had the best time. A huge thank you to Natalie Brownlee for being such an incredible host and making the whole experience so special. It was the perfect start to the weekend! Then bright and early Saturday morning, we loaded up and headed over to Coulee City for the Last Stand Rodeo, and the fun just kept going! I met with Eryne Anderson and the other visiting royalty at an amazing luncheon, then we all went and saddled up for a fantastic night of rodeo.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to help with the mutton busting and the stick pony races. Watching all the kids having the time of their lives, cheering them on, and being part of those moments was so rewarding and so much fun! I loved getting to meet so many new friends while also catching up with old ones I haven’t seen in awhile. The rodeo community really is one big family, and weekends like this remind me why I love it so much. I’m so grateful for all the memories made, all the laughs shared, and every person who made this weekend one to remember. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to keep these traditions alive and these communities strong. I’m already looking forward to the next rodeo adventure!
