As her reign as Calgary Stampede Princess winds down, Breanna Correia says it’s been a year she’ll never forget.
“There are so many highlights, from riding my horse into that iconic Stampede arena to meeting Shania Twain and even the Prime Minister,” Correia said. “It’s been a pinch-me experience the whole way through.”
Correia represented the Calgary Stampede at hundreds of events, from parades and rodeos to community initiatives. Over the 10 days of Stampede alone, she attended more than 250 appearances.
“You don’t realize how much community power is behind these programs until you’re right in the middle of them,” she explained. “And on a global level, people recognize the Calgary Stampede as this massive party and cultural celebration.”
The role has also been physically demanding. “I lost my voice, and even the feeling in my toe during Stampede,” Correia laughed. “But it was worth it to bring joy to so many people.”
Through it all, she’s kept close ties to Cochrane. She still volunteers on the Cochrane Lions Rodeo board, ropes locally, and calls the annual rodeo her “home event.”
“It was really special to be back in Cochrane this year, not just as a volunteer but also as Stampede Princess,” she said. “My community welcomed me with so much pride, it honestly made me tear up.”
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While she admits it’s bittersweet to pass on the crown, Correia says she’s excited to join the Stampede Queen’s alumni and continue volunteering.
Next up, she plans to head back to school, buy another horse, and stay rooted in agriculture and rodeo.
“I’ll always carry this experience with me,” Correia said. “It’s been the adventure of a lifetime.”
