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“I split my time between Killdeer and Mandan over the Fourth and presented the colors in Killdeer on the Third.”
[Photo: 4-C Photography]
Since my last article, I have traveled nearly 25,000 miles both across our state and the Midwest. As I write this article, it reminds me that not only is rodeo season winding down, but there is a little over four months left in my reign as your Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2023.
Many folks are beginning to think of new school supplies and fall weather. However, my mind is filled with the thought of Las Vegas. Come December not only will our world-renowned rodeo athletes vie for a World Championship gold buckle, but each respective state titleholder (state rodeo queen) will pack up her best cowgirl duds to compete for the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo America. I am especially looking forward to this time myself, as well as the opportunity to represent the great state of North Dakota on such a spectacular national stage. One might become saddened thinking of how the year is coming to a close, but instead I am using it as a time to reminisce on a remarkable year of humbling experiences. Please enjoy a small photo diary of where my travels have taken me over the course of my summer rodeo run.
“Our 2024 Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant was held in Medora, ND. We crowned Grace Stanke as our 2024 representative.” [Photo: Lindsey Miller]
“I had the opportunity to go back to my very own county fair and carry the American flag for their Badlands PBR event. Talk about full circle!” [Photo: Joann Ellis]
“I had the privilege of leading all the rodeo royalty and Mandan Rodeo Days Committee in the 4th of July Parade in Mandan, ND, on Independence Day.” [Photo: Denise Miller]
“This year I have collaborated with the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame on the selling of my published children’s book, The Girl in Lime Green Jeans. They graciously invited me to hold a couple book signings throughout the Summer, to promote my book.” [Photo: Lindsey Miller]
“All of the state rodeo queens and Miss Rodeo America gathered in front of the iconic Casey Tibbs on Necktie statue outside of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Induction weekend was absolutely wonderful in Colorado Springs.” [Photo: submitted]
“The Caldwell Public Library in Caldwell, ID received word I was coming to town and reached out for me to read The Girl in Lime Green Jeans.” [Photo: Denise Miller]
“I felt a wealth of emotions as I flew around the yellow chutes of the Snake River Stampede to the words ‘Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Lindsey Miller.'” [Photo: Thomas C. Duncan Photography]
“Each year the state titleholders have the opportunity to sign the very well known, Chute 9. ‘Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Lindsey Miller’ can now proudly be spotted on the counter top piece.” [Photo: Lindsey Miller]
“Although, my time at the Daddy of ‘Em All flew by, this moment of flying down the track will forever be etched in my heart.” [Photo: 4 Bar C Photography]
“After being in various states the weeks prior to this, I was so excited to be ‘home’ in the Badlands Circuit. The Days of ’76 is a very historic rodeo and it was intriguing to learn all about it and play a small part in it, this year.” [Photo: Lindsey Miller]
“Five state titleholders (Miss Rodeo Kansas, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, and I) made the trek to Deadwood, where it only felt fitting to all be pictured in a refurbished stagecoach in the Days of ’76 Museum.” [Photo: Lindsey Miller]
I have not only traveled heaps of miles this year but created memories and connections to last ten lifetimes. From the beaches of Cheyenne, Wyoming to Independence Day at the brand-new Dale Pahlke Arena in Mandan, North Dakota. I can’t help but smile. Smile for the young girl who dreamed of living a year as Miss Rodeo North Dakota. Smile for the eager rodeo queens, aspiring to be in this position one day. Smile, most of all, for the girl in lime green jeans, who stayed true to herself and achieved her dream.
I look to the rest of my reign with excitement and anticipation for what God has set out for me, but until then, you can find me heading to the next rodeo or sharing the story of The Girl in Lime Green Jeans, while racking up another 10,000 miles before 2024 sets in! Catch you down the rodeo trail!
Lindsey Miller, 22, resides in Flaxton, North Dakota on the family farm with her parents, Steve and Denise, and three younger siblings.
Lindsey graduated from Dickinson State University with an Associate degree in Agriculture Business. While at DSU, Lindsey was highly active in the DSU Agriculture Club, in which she worked alongside her peers to host events for 4-H and FFA youth, as well as educate those without an agriculture background.
In her free time, Lindsey participates in cowboy mounted shooting, barrel racing, announcing at local youth rodeos and horse shows, sewing, or searching for unique, vintage western finds at thrift stores.
As a rodeo queen, Lindsey strives to use her influence to encourage others to ‘find their light.’ With the help of her published book, The Girl in Lime Green Jeans, Miller aims to share her personal story to reach those outside of our everyday communities in hopes of enticing them to learn about and become a part of our great western heritage.