Dazzle, charisma and expert horsemanship won sparkling crowns for eight talented riders in the Cedar Fort 2009 Rodeo Royalty competition at the Cedar Fort Rodeo Arena on June 13.

In addition to reigning over Cedar Fort's children's rodeo on July 18 and Pioneer Day parade and rodeo on July 24, the royalty represented Cedar Fort in summer events including the Lehi Stock Parade and grand entry at the Lehi Round-up Rodeo and will be in the Days of '47 All Horse Parade in Salt Lake City.

In the queen contest (ages 11-16), Kandice Black rode away with the queen's crown, with Amber Wright as first attendant, Kristy Westergard as second attendant, and Samantha Jackman as third attendant. Princess (ages 10 and under) honors went to Destiny Strickland. Riding with the princess will be first attendant Jenna Peterson, second attendant Rylee Warnick, and third attendant Cheyenne Manning.

The contestants impressed judges with their horsemanship as they rode patterns in the arena. The young cowgirls had a chance to demonstrate their poise, personality and knowledge of horses during the interview segment of the competition. Modeling their finest Western wear, the competitors displayed queenly beauty and grace throughout the contest.

Queen Kandice Black of Fairfield is the 12-year-old daughter of Kole and Krista Black. She competes in rodeo barrels, poles, goats and roping and loves everything about horses.

First attendant Amber Wright of Lindon, age 14, enjoys horseback riding and playing fiddle music. Amber is the daughter of Mark and Teresa Wright.

Second attendant is 15-year-old Kristy Westergard of Cedar Fort. Kristy loves to ride her horse, hike in the mountains and work with her parents, Stacey and Jason Westergard.

Samantha Jackman of Cedar Valley, age 15, won third attendant honors. She enjoys riding horses, cooking, hunting and fishing and is the daughter of Lisa McCoy and Daniel Jackman.

Princess Destiny Strickland of Cedar Fort, age 10, enjoys riding horses and would love to be a jockey. She is the daughter of Rashell and Tony Strickland.

First attendant Jenna Peterson is the 7-year-old daughter of Robert and Kim Peterson of West Valley City. Jenna's hobbies include barrel racing, 4-H, playing the piano and dancing.

Second princess attendant is 7-year-old Rylee Warnick of Lehi, who enjoys riding horses and bikes. Her parents are Russ and Tiffany Warnick.

Cheyenne Manning of Cedar Valley, age 9, will ride as third attendant. Besides riding horses, she enjoys swimming, playing soccer and basketball. Cheyenne is the daughter of Jeannie and Texas Manning.

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