Royalty contestant checklist

This is a five-page application, and there is a list of the five pages at the bottom of every page.

1. Essay – “Why do you want to be a part of the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo Royalty?” (minimum 100 words)
2. Speech topic – be prepared to give a short introduction about yourself, no longer than 2 minutes
3. Contestant bylaws and application – signed and dated
4. Royalty expectations (within bylaws) – signed, initialed and dated in each space indicated.
5. Royalty application (within bylaws) – signed and dated
6. Release and waiver – signed and dated
7. One color photograph (in western attire) – 4” x 6”
8. Proof of Garfield County residency (copy of school ID or license, etc.)

1.1 Welcome

Welcome to the Garfield County Royalty Program, we are happy to have you as a potential candidate!
The Garfield Board of County Commissioners, the Garfield County Fair Board (“Fair Board”) members, and all the county staff are proud of the annual Garfield County Fair & Rodeo, which began in 1938. Together, we work to continue the strong tradition that it holds in our community as a valuable community event. The royalty program is an integral part of the fair and rodeo experience and we are happy you are hoping to join us in the experience!

1.2 Royalty Mission Statement

The Garfield County Fair & Rodeo Royalty program is dedicated to provide an opportunity for young women to be spokespersons for the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo, the sport of rodeo, the western way of life, and their community of Garfield County. The royalty program utilizes teamwork, organizational skills, public speaking, community service, and relationships to prepare participants in becoming future community leaders.

1.3 General Information

The Fair Board and its representatives reserve the right to hold a judged contest to select participants at its discretion in accordance with the royalty bylaws and application. The Fair Board has the ultimate authority over the royalty contest, contestants, crowned royalty and all others involved.

a. Please read all paperwork thoroughly. You are responsible for knowing and following the royalty bylaws.
b. Handwritten, not typed, signatures and initials are required.
c. Please keep a copy of the Royalty Bylaws for your own reference.

2 Royalty eligibility requirements

a. To qualify for all royalty positions, you must be 12-20 years of age, and no older than 20 as of January 1 of the reigning year.
b. Judges, royalty committee, and the royalty coordinator will decide contestant levels: Queen, Junior Queen, and Princess.
c. Contestants may not be in the immediate family of the royalty coordinator or assistant coordinators. Contestants in the immediate family of Fair Board members must have that Fair Board member recuse themselves from royalty-related matters and decisions.
d. Contestant must be a legal resident of Garfield County for the period of at least one year.
e. Contestant must reside in Garfield County during their reign.
f. Contestant must not have a criminal history.
g. Contestant must be of sound moral character.
h. Contestants cannot hold additional titles during their reign. Current Garfield County Fair & Rodeo Royalty is allowed to tryout consecutively.
i. Parents and participants must comply with Garfield County Fair and Rodeo Royalty Program Bylaws for the full year of reign.
j. Fair budget and other circumstances permitting, winners are required to attend the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows (CAFS) royalty clinic, or similar training approved by the royalty subcommittee in November of their reigning year. The dates and place of clinic are subject to change. Garfield County will pay for the cost of registration and hotel rooms for the royalty members and the royalty coordinator. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend and must pay for their registration and hotel rooms.

3 Contest rules and proceedings

a. The application must be completed and turned in to the Garfield County fairgrounds & events manager at 1001 Railroad Ave., Rifle CO 81650 or by email by the last Friday in October.
b. The royalty contest is held on the first, second, and third Mondays of November from 6-8 p.m. at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.
c. If there are not enough applicants, the contest may be postponed until there is at least one qualified applicant. The royalty coordinator and the Fair Board reserve the right to appoint qualified applicants to fill available positions.
d. The new royalty court will be crowned at the next fair board meeting by the royalty coordinator.
e. The year of reign begins December 1 of the competing year and continues until November 30, the following year. If a contest has to be postponed due to lack of contestants, the reign will continue from the time of crowning until the following year’s contest is completed. The previous royalty will not make appearances after the new royalty begins its reign.
f. Equipment and saddle drapes purchased by the Fair Board are to be returned to the royalty coordinator at the end of their reign, no later than October 1. If these items are missing or damaged, the original cost of the item will be charged to the person legally responsible.
g. If not participating in the present contest, current royalty is expected to assist with tryouts.
h. Contestants will be judged and scored in the following categories:

• a. Application
• b. Appearance
• c. Personal interview
• d. Current events
• e. Horsemanship knowledge and riding ability
• f. Written test
• g. Speech presentation
• h. History of the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo

i. Contestants must be able to ride and have access to a suitable horse for the contest, rodeos, and all other approved events. Suitability will be determined at the contest and is left to the discretion of the royalty coordinator, assistant coordinator(s), and royalty committee throughout the year.
j. All contestants, parents/guardians and royalty are expected to comply with these bylaws, be friendly, courteous and respectful at all times. If there is any questionable behavior, the royalty coordinator will report it to the royalty committee, who may report it to the Fair Board. The first offense will be documented by the royalty coordinator and may result in a verbal warning or other action. The second offense will be documented by the royalty coordinator and may result in a written warning or other action. The third offense will be documented by the royalty coordinator in writing and may require an appearance before the Fair Board or other action. The Fair Board will decide penalties and/or dismissal from royalty and scholarship eligibility.
k. Contestants and parents/guardians must submit all questions and/or concerns in writing to the royalty coordinator. If questions and/or concerns are not answered satisfactorily, then contestants and parents/guardians may submit the same questions and/or concerns in writing to the Fair Board.
l. Contestants must know the basic rules and history of the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo events. Contestants should be familiar with and be able to explain these topics and aspects to anyone attending the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo.
m. During the contest, if a contestant is in need of assistance, she may ask permission from the judges to obtain parental/guardian help. If permission is granted, a parent or guardian may assist. Otherwise, the parents and/or guardians are to remain in the stands as spectators.
n. Parents and/or guardians of contestants are responsible for arrangements of horse and participant transportation to all events. Contestants must be on time and fully prepared to participate in the contest.
o. Abuse to horses or people is not tolerated. Any hitting or jerking on a horse during the contest will result in elimination from the contest. Inappropriate verbal abuse to anyone during the contest will also result in elimination form the contest.
p. If there is evidence that royalty, contestants or their parents and/or guardians do not follow these bylaws as set by the Fair Board and the Garfield Board of County Commissioners, titles may be revoked by the Fair Board at any time. If this occurs, all Garfield County royalty items issued, as county property and documented in writing, must be promptly returned. These items include chaps, crowns, sashes, saddle blankets, and leg warmers. The royalty participant will not be eligible to be a contestant in future Garfield County Fair and Rodeo royalty contests.
q. A tentative schedule of royalty appearances is on page 17 of this packet. The times and locations are subject to change.

4 Royalty responsibilities

Royalty members act as official Garfield County Fair & Rodeo spokespersons and also represent the sport of rodeo and all other Garfield County Fair events. Because they attract much publicity, they are easily recognized on a daily basis. Therefore, royalty and parents/guardians must always be respectful, organized, helpful and friendly. As changes in plans and events occur, sometimes with short notice, each person is expected to handle situations in a courteous manner. The following duties are examples and may not include all that may happen throughout the year.

4.1 Queen

a. To be a role model and mentor to the Junior Queen and Princess(es)
b. To assist the royalty coordinator organizing appearances and encourage open communication of
ideas with the royalty team.
c. Flag carrying at events requested by the royalty coordinator.
d. May invite royalty from other fairs and rodeos to royalty coordinator-approved functions.
e. May accept invitations to other appearances approved by royalty coordinator.
f. Assists royalty coordinator with rodeo performances.
g. Arrives early to prepare for all appearances and performances.
h. The queen will follow instructions of event organizers and the royalty coordinator.
i. Sign autographs during the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo and other royalty coordinator-approved
events.
j. Participate in approved interviews with assistance of the royalty coordinator or Fair Board
members.
k. 24-hour notice is required if unable to attend scheduled functions.
l. Participate in riding practices as scheduled by the royalty coordinator and other meetings as
necessary.

4.2 Junior Queen

a. Assists and communicates with the other royalty
b. Serves in the role of the Queen when, and if, she is unable to attend an event
c. Flag carrying at events requested by the royalty coordinator.
d. Helps with most events throughout the fair & rodeo.
e. Signs autographs during the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo and other royalty coordinator-approved events.
f. Assists the Queen and Princess (es) in educating spectators about fair and rodeo events and in answering questions.
g. Participate in royalty coordinator-approved interviews as they arise.
h. Participate in riding practices as scheduled by the royalty coordinator and other meetings as necessary.

4.3 Princesses

a. Works closely with the other royalty.
b. Flag carrying at events requested by the royalty coordinator.
c. Helps with most events throughout the fair & rodeo.
d. Helps the Queen and Junior Queen in educating spectators about fair and rodeo events and in
answering questions.
e. Participate in royalty coordinator-approved interviews as they arise.
f. Participate in riding practices as scheduled by the royalty coordinator and other meetings as necessary.
g. Signs autographs during the Garfield County Fair & Rodeo and other royalty coordinator-approved events.

4.4 Royalty Coordinator

a. Works closely with the assistant coordinator(s), Garfield County Fair Board, designated county staff, Queen, Junior Queen, Princess(es) and their parents/guardians.
b. Royalty coordinator may not be a parent or guardian of current reigning royalty.
c. Plans appearances for the royalty. Prepares and sends in all entry forms as required and assists at each rodeo, coordinating all participants for each event.
d. Plans and organizes photographs, printing of slicks, magazine, and newspaper articles with the Garfield County Fair Staff.
e. Orders clothing, crowns, sashes, and buckles that have been approved by the Fair Board. Will make sure all royalty clothing will be modest and fit properly, with no clothing fitting too tightly or being too large. Royalty coordinator will be sure that all clothing is adequately cleaned and pressed, and that all accessories worn by royalty are within pre-approved guidelines for all events.
f. Confirms that all equipment is in good condition at all times and follows up as needed.
g. Coordinates the royalty contest each year with the royalty committee. This includes preparing judge’s sheets and scheduling judges required.
h. Works closely with the royalty committee to plan, organize and address situations, questions and/or changes that need to be made in the program. Communicates to Fair Board as needed.
i. Responsible for reporting any behavior issues to the royalty committee, who may bring it to the Garfield County Fair Board. These reports will also be documented by the royalty coordinator and sent to the Garfield County fairgrounds and events manager to keep on record.
j. Delegates royalty duties as needed.
k. Coordinates royalty activities with the various Garfield County Fair event leaders to ensure the fair events run smoothly, and that royalty members are prepared to carry out duties efficiently.
l. Mentor royalty members in public speaking, event behaviors, manners, horsemanship, and proper etiquette, seeking assistance as needed.
m. Will conduct meetings and riding practices as needed with all royalty.
n. Coordinate the attendance of one or more royalty members, at Fair Board meetings. This appearance will require a brief report on the past month’s royalty calendar of events, meetings, riding practices. This will aid in royalty members’ public speaking experience, keep the Fair Board familiar with royalty members, and build the relationships for open communication.
o. Coordinate the annual “Princess for a Day and Little Buckaroo Day” events with the royalty committee. This will include setting the agenda for the day, coordination of responsibilities, communication with the Fair Board and county staff to ensure good marketing and coordination with all other events.

4.5 Royalty Coordinator Assistants

a. Works closely with the royalty coordinator, Garfield County Fair Board, designated county staff, Queen, Junior Queen, Princess(es) and their parents/guardians.
b. Royalty assistant coordinator(s) may not be a parent or guardian of current reigning royalty.
c. Works closely with the royalty coordinator and royalty committee to plan, organize and address situations, questions and/or changes that need to be made in the program. Communicates to Fair Board as needed.
d. Responsible for reporting any behavior issues to the royalty coordinator and Fair Board members as necessary. These reports will also be documented by the royalty coordinator and sent to the Garfield County fairgrounds and events manager to keep on record.

4.6 Parents/guardians

a. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may assist the royalty coordinator during events as needed.
b. Siblings or friends are not allowed in the contestant area or arena gates without royalty coordinator authorization.
c. Assists with appearances as requested by the royalty coordinator.
d. Ensures that royalty is early and properly prepared for each appearance.
e. Responsible for getting their child and horse to each event.