Q & A with Queen Kimberly Ernst of the St. Paul Rodeo

How Long have you been Attending the St. Paul Rodeo?
I have been attending the St. Paul Rodeo since I was a year old; my father was a Wild Horse Racer, known today at the Professional Team Bronc Riders Association.

What is your favorite event at the St. Paul Rodeo?
My favorite event at St. Paul is the Professional Team Bronc Riding. I'm biased because it was my dad's event when he was a young cowboy. Although that's not the only reason I love this event, because at St. Paul they save it for last, and to do this event a cowboy must be able to mug the horse and keep him steady for the rider to saddle and mount the wild horse, then cross out the gate line before the time is up. This not only takes strength and skill but it takes a certain mannerism with the horses. It's a great chance for a team to earn money, take home a few buckles just like my dad!

What is your horse's Name?
My horse's registered name is 'A Costly Diamond.' His name for short is Gordy! The name fits him will I'd say. He is a pal and my buddy, we are there for each other and have a very strong bond.

What's your favorite Country Song?
I Got Friends In Low Places - by Garth Brooks. This has been one of my favorite songs since I was a kid. I would sing it at the top of my lungs in the back of my dad's pickup!

People who know you best would say you are....
I would say my mother knows me best and her answer would be - kind, considerate and jovial! I'm a good listener and at my age it is important to be responsible to my peers, set a good example and knowing that I am a trusted and respected friend is very important to me.

When can people see you during the St. Paul Rodeo
After each rodeo event my Princess' and I run a victory lap around the entire St. Paul Rodeo arena with one of our sponsor flags. The winning cowboy is saddled up and joins us in his victory lap right behind us. We will also be at various locations outside the arena for autographs, during family day and also at the new BBQ area.

What makes the St. Paul Rodeo different from other rodeos?
St. Paul is different to me than any other rodeo because I grew up in this wonderful little town of 300. My aunt Virginia Ernst was the rodeo Queen when the St. Paul Rodeo started back in 1936, I'm proud to be carrying on the family tradition as Queen in 2009. I have traveled up the road from my driveway many times over the years, just a mile and a half, to see some thrilling rodeo action, smell the wonderful aroma of BBQ chicken; kettle popped corn and freshly plowed dirt inside the arena. St. Paul is a family oriented town, we like to have fun, but we are very loyal to our jobs, we work hard to put meals on our tables and the rodeo unites the entire town. The rodeo was founded in 1936 by 8 farmer/businessmen and they did everything they could to create a world class rodeo - and we are still here today as one of the top Fourth of July rodeos in the country 74 years later!