Thursday, Dec. 5, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Before a capacity crowd at the Flamingo Hilton Show Room, Miss Rodeo Utah, Tanya McKinnon, stood momentarily stunned when she heard her name announced as the 1996 Miss Rodeo America.
"I couldn't believe it was my name that they called," McKinnon said. "I couldn't believe that I was called for the top five, and then to have this honor. It's indescribable."
From a group of 33 state title holders McKinnon's dream of becoming Miss Rodeo America became reality when she was crowned at the 40th anniversary pageant in early December 1995. The women participated in a weeklong competition that showcased their beauty, grace, horsemanship and knowledge about the sport of professional rodeo.
The contestants also made public appearances, and rode in the opening ceremony at the National Finals Rodeo on Dec. 1, 1995, marking the first time all Miss Rodeo America contestants participated in that ceremony.
McKinnon, 22, attends Utah State University, where she is majoring in bioveterinary medicine with a minor in communications. She hopes to earn her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, fulfilling her ambition of becoming a veterinarian, specializing in large animals.
McKinnon, an only child, enjoys snow skiing, jet skiing, bungee jumping, writing, making porcelain dolls and working cattle on the family ranch. She got involved in rodeo "because it was either that or practice the piano, and I hated the piano," she said.
She grew up on a ranch in northern Utah and has been riding horses and working on the ranch all her life.
"I am a cowgirl, born and raised on a cattle ranch. The Western way of life is my life and my heritage," McKinnon said. "I'm proud to be able to represent it."
Her role as the 41st Miss Rodeo America will take her to hundreds of rodeos, and requires her to make countless public appearances, down untold back roads and through major airports.
"There's a difference between being a queen and representing rodeo," McKinnon said. "The cowboys are busy with their events and all their work. They need someone to talk to the press and other media, sponsors and fans. Someone who is knowledgeable about the sport of rodeo and who can answer their questions. It's also important that it be someone who can relate to the cowboys. I guess that's going to be one of my big roles."
McKinnon concluded, saying, "On behalf of professional rodeo and the Miss Rodeo America Pageant I will give whatever help and assistance I can. As Miss Rodeo America, I consider it a privilege and honor to represent professional rodeo and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association."
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