29/07/2025
RODEO QUEEN TO BE CROWNED THIS SATURDAY 👑
It's been four years since Mount Isa crowned a Rodeo Queen and anticipation is high ahead of the return of the traditional ball and ceremony this year.
The Zonta Club of Mount Isa stepped up last year to take on the Queen Quest. Coordinators Loretta Gladstone and Debbie Huddy say it’s been a rollercoaster ride, with lots to organise in a short amount of time.
“It’s been a transition period for us – a very big learning curve,” said Loretta.
“We’ve grown together, both the girls and us as coordinators.
“It’s definitely very positive – there is a real vitality around the time because of the girls, who are all making their mark and doing great things for their charities.”
Five young women were picked for the return of the Zonta Mount Isa Rodeo Queen Quest and on Saturday night there will be two winners crowned – the Rodeo Queen and the Charity Queen, for the entrant who raised the most money.
Amy Kuhne chose the Queensland Country Women’s Association, Ashla-Paige Butterworth raised funds for Paws, Hoofs and Claws, Chloe Kalbfell dedicated her fundraising to the Mount Isa Hospital Auxiliary Committee, Julie Hannaford chose the Mount Isa State Special School P&C, and Krystal Wright raised funds for Mount Isa Rural Fire Brigade
Earlier this month, the entrants were put through their paces with a panel of judges, where they were scored on their knowledge of Mount Isa, their knowledge of rodeo, and a little bit about Zonta.
“It was very hard in a small town to find three judges who hadn’t had contact with the entrants,” Loretta told North West Weekly.
Debbie said the amount of new events on the North West calendar that popped up as a result of the Queen Quest made it worthwhile.
“It’s really been quite special,” she said.
“I coordinated it many, many years ago but there wasn’t social media back then, it was all face-to-face.
“These girls we have this year are just lovely and they’re very nice and respectful.
“Sometimes I wonder where they get the energy because they haven’t stopped since we started eight months ago.”
With tickets all sold out, about 400 people will attend the Zonta Mount Isa Rodeo Queen Quest Ball, sponsored by Bell & Moir Toyota, on Saturday at the Buchanan Park Entertainment Centre.
“We haven’t had a ball for the last two years so it’ll be great to get that back,” Loretta said.
“There’s a lot of positivity in the air for this year’s rodeo week.”
📷 Zonta Mount Isa Rodeo Queen Quest coordinators Loretta Gladstone and Debbie Huddy with this year’s Queen Quest entrants – Amy Kuhne, Julie Hannaford, Chloe Kalbfell, Krystal Wright and Ashla-Paige Butterworth.
