The queen of the Calgary Stampede was taking a break from her busy schedule to visit the Coast last week.
Lauren MacLennan, 21, was crowned in March after a rigorous six-week competition of horsemanship, public speaking, interviews, tests and an informal dinner. Throughout the year, she will be representing the outdoor show in 400 events, taking her across the country and to a Las Vegas rodeo.
"It's a big commitment and a lot of work but definitely the opportunity of a lifetime," MacLennan said.
She hopes to stay on part-time at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal College, where she is studying public relations and communications. She met her boyfriend at school and was here visiting him while he's home for the summer. She spent her time camping and hiking and hoped to go boating, fishing and kayaking. She said she loves the outdoors and grew up with horses. She was in her high school and college rodeos, as well as a rural riding club for kids. She was a show rider in the Calgary Stampede for three years, doing group manoeuvres to music.
She is sharing her royalty with two stampede princesses, Justine Milner and Coleen Crowe.
"We just have an absolute blast," MacLennan said.
On top of her duties as queen, she works for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association in the summers. Originally from outside Calgary, MacLennan now lives in the city. She expects to travel extensively throughout the year to various rodeos and events.
