Rodeo Queen selected

Amorita Patterson of Prineville was crowned as the queen of the 58th Annual Sisters Rodeo on Sunday, March 22.

The 18-year-old Southern Oregon University student put on a fine display of horsemanship in the rodeo arena to cap her winning performance.

The rodeo runs in the Patterson family. According to Amorita, her dad "used to be a bull rider in his younger days."

Patterson told the Sisters Rodeo Association that she was "raised with good down-home values - as a cowgirl."

Patterson was selected from a field of five young women, who were judged on the basis of an interview, a speech before association members, and on their horsemanship.

"There was some tough competition out here today," said a surprised and happy Patterson. "I was a little nervous coming inside (for the announcement of the winner.)"

As Sisters Rodeo Queen, Patterson will represent the Sisters Rodeo at other rodeos, fairs and events throughout the summer.

As rodeo season officially swings into action, the new Sisters Rodeo poster by Dennis McGregor has been unveiled. Part of an eight-piece series featuring the different rodeo events, this year's poster is a dramatic depiction of bareback bronc riding.

The poster is a departure from previous works, focusing exclusively on the rider in the arena, with no background scenery.

"I just got this picture of a dusty red sky with this guy way up in the air with the sky behind him," McGregor said.

McGregor takes inspiration for his images from the photographs of Wendy Robinson, a local Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-approved photographer.

"While I don't copy any one photograph, I look at many and take elements I like," McGregor said.

According to Bert Murray, who heads poster distribution for the rodeo association, proceeds from poster sales ($5 each) and program sales help to fund two Sisters High School scholarships offered each year.

The Sisters Rodeo is scheduled for June 12-14.