Riley Larsen's time as the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen is about to come to an end.
The 24-year-old said the year was filled with amazing highlights and experiences that she'll take with her forever.
"We were heavily involved in the community throughout the winter, so I think all year I was truly fulfilled with roles and responsibility, and it was really great because I built some really cool connections throughout the entire year. It has really been an opportunity of a lifetime, and I'm sad to see it go, but I'm really excited for the next chapter andfor the next Queen to take it over and have the same experience."
Larsen said she knew Cochrane was an amazing town before being crowned but she was was able to see the community through a different lens over the past year.
"When you're in a role like the the royalty and walking through the streets of Cochrane, when you're wearing a crown you see a different side of it. Seeing the community come together for so many cool events like Stuff-A-Bus and Cochrane Light Up and seeing how exciting the community is and how happy people are to be here, it's really cool to see them come together in that aspect outside of being just someone who lives in Cochrane."
As for what's next for Larsen?
"After the rodeo weekend, I will actually be moving out of town. I will be heading up to Grande Prairie. So a bit of a trek up north, but, you know, next chapter and kind of adulting a little bit more. I'm excited for the move, but it'll be tough to leave a community like this."
Larsen is a Veterinary Technologist and has a job lined up in Grande Prairie.
Larsen was crowned at the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo last year, and it's where her reign will end this year. Besides rodeo season, she appeared in more than 30 events to represent the Lions, and, in many ways, served as an unofficial ambassador for Cochrane.
