By Katie Williams
The iconic Cracker House backdrop was the set, and the lights shined on an Osceola County tradition for over 62 years Thursday night, as the Silver Spurs Riding Club crowned its 2023 lineage of queens.
As 2022 Miss Silver Spurs Raelynne Kempfer handed over her reins, she rode in on a horse carrying an American flag and demonstrated what it takes to be a true Queen. And, after an intense competition enriched with heritage, glitter, grace, talent and a whole lot of charisma, Riley DeRosa was crowned Miss Silver Spurs, Lindsey Yma Junior Miss Silver Spurs and Ivey Rousch Little Miss Silver Spurs. They also earned the Miss Photogenic award for their divisions, and DeRosa and Yma earned the Miss Aileen “Bill” Chapman Horsemanship Award.
The rodeo queens will make their first appearances at this weekend's 151st Silver Spurs Rodeo, held Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. They will serve as ambassadors of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, promoting its rich traditions, values, and Western heritage at various events throughout the year. They will engage with the community, volunteer for charitable causes, and inspire others with their remarkable accomplishments.
Bailee Jeannin (Miss), Ava Boisclair (Junior) and Sloan Leonardo (Little Miss) were named First Runners-Up. The Miss Congeniality Award Winners were Hailey Wall (Miss), Josie Rae Cain (Junior) and Nora Laughrey (Little Miss). Wall also earned the Doug Partin Spirit Award.
All the 2023 Contestants will walk away with friendships, memories, and much earned confidence that they will cherish for years to come.
Information from the Silver Spurs Riding Club used in this story, we thank them for their partnership.
