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Fiesta Days contestants compete for crown

Durango Fiesta Days royalty contestants are, from left, Izzy Riley, 17, Mickey Canterbury, 11, and Hannah Looman, 16. Izzy is the daughter of Jeff and Julie Riley, Mickey is the daughter of Kendra Canterbury and Hannah is the daughter of Philip Looman.

The 2014 Durango Fiesta Days royalty will be crowned at 6:30 p.m. today before the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” rodeo at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Contestants Hannah Looman and Izzy Riley are competing for the 2014 Fiesta Days queen title, while Mickey Canterbury is putting her effort toward the title of junior princess.

Royalty contestants participate in several events throughout the Fiesta Days celebration to earn their titles.

Kristy Stahl, Fiesta Days royalty coordinator, said that after they fill out a royalty application, they must take a written test including questions about Durango history, the history of Fiesta Days and horse knowledge.

They go on to compete in the modeling stage of the competition, where contestants give speeches, showcase their horsemanship skills, answer impromptu questions from a panel of judges and model clothing from Kelly’s Cowboy Co., she said.

“It’s really stressful but also really exciting and totally worth it,” Izzy said.

Hannah and Mickey say they are excited to be in the parade and enjoy the rest of the Fiesta Days celebration.

Title holders receive a banner, belt buckle and crown. The queen also will receive a saddle from Gosney Ranch and a scholarship for school. The queen attendant will receive a scholarship as well.

There are a total of six royalty titles, but this year because there are only three competitors, three titles will be vacant. In 2013, five of the six titles were filled.

The 2014 Fiesta Days royalty will be crowned at the fairgrounds by the current court, Stahl said.

The girls who assume each of the royalty positions make a yearlong commitment.

Royalty will participate in the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo, the Fourth of July parade and many other commitments throughout the year, including the Toys for Tots program and the blanket drive in December.

“We try to work with the locals and help out in the community,” she said. “The girls are very active. They are the faces of Durango Fiesta Days.”

tferraro@durangoherald.com



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