By ANNISTON WEBER
Hays High School Guidon

Hays High School junior Kelli Buxton was crowned Ellis County Rodeo Queen last year during her sophomore year of high school. Now, as a junior, Buxton is preparing to retire her crown and hand it off to a new queen.

“I’m sad to see this end,” Buxton said. “But I’m excited to move on to something different and new.”

Buxton said she has been involved with the Ellis County Rodeo Pageant for quite a few years. “Some girls from my 4-H club were involved and it looked fun,” Buxton said.

As Rodeo Queen, Buxton had to secure a sponsorship, make two Ellis County appearances and two out-of-county appearances.

“The experiences of the appearances depend on the event,” Buxton said. “I went to ones where they introduced me and I signed pictures. During other ones I went to nursing homes, modeled an outfit and signed pictures.”

Buxton was also involved in many pageant activities.

The Miss Ellis County Rodeo Pageant will begin Sunday, July 10,  at 8:00 a.m. at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, Hays.  The winners will be announced at the first performance of the rodeo at the Ellis County Fair, Tuesday, July 19.

The Ellis County Fair runs July 16-23.