A note from Sisters Rodeo...

The Sisters Rodeo association is very excited to present to you our new Queen for 2023. We are very confident that we have picked a winner in Miss Sadie Bateman and she will be a fine ambassador for the Sisters Rodeo Association and our community. We invite you to get to know her through a copy of her speech given during the competition:

"Walking into a room full of people holding out my hand, sporting a welcoming smile and engaging in conversation is empowering. Even though I am just 20 years old, and an impressive 4-feet-11-inches, the importance of communication and connecting with others, especially in the rodeo arena, is not lost on me. My name is Sadie Bateman and I am here to tell you a little about how hardworking, passionate, and goal-oriented I am, and what I could bring to the Sisters Rodeo.

I am a goal-setting hard worker, and I know in the sport of rodeo the job isn’t over until it’s over, even after the sun goes down. Three years ago, I was the Northwest Youth Rodeo Queen. To encourage more participation in our future court program, I put together a queen saddle fundraiser. I raised enough money to not only purchase a saddle for myself, but also for the next year’s queen. I made sure every future queen after me, had a sustainable fundraising program to keep that tradition going.

With each rodeo I represent, I try to make a difference. This year, I arranged and organized a Rascal Rodeo at the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo. My youngest brother is on the autism spectrum, and to see how his face changes when he gets to ride the horses with me is something I want everyone to enjoy. His disability inspired me to make a difference for others. I wanted to give the community with disabilities an opportunity to learn and know the Western way of life, and most importantly how it feels to experience the Cowboy Dream.

My horse Whiskey carried me through all my years of competition in junior and high school rodeo. My trusty friend has taught me many things over the years, but most importantly, he has taught me to enjoy the journey between man and horse. From learning how to swing a rope, queen competitions, and growing up together, we have pretty much done it all. Whiskey may be 24 years old, but don’t let that fool you. He is still out there roping calves and turning steers with me in the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association to this day.

I’m passionate about rodeo and what it has taught me. I’ve learned how to take care of my horse and to make sure my horse comes first before I go off and have fun. I’ve learned how to be classy but punchy, and to be graceful in the arena but also how to be competitive and confident.

This year was the first time I was able to experience the famous Sisters Parade and The Biggest Little Show in the World. The rain and the mud only made the Rodeo that much more of an experience and I will never forget! It was the best feeling to have the excitement of the crowd seeing me on horseback. Each performance was an adrenaline rush leaving me wanting more. And the best part was being able to return back to my trailer with the warm mini-donuts in tow.

I am ready for the challenge of a new title, and more importantly, I am ready for the title of Sisters Rodeo Queen, working hard with committee members to ensure our rich Western heritage is alive and well at Sisters Rodeo."