Jeremy Broadfield / Great West Newspapers

Lexie Courtney and Dalyce Gagnon were crowned as the Cochrane Lions Club's new queen and princess, respectively. The duo is pictured above during the intermission of the final day of Labour Day rodeo action, Sept. 3.

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Cochrane rodeo royalty crowned

It was a shining moment for the newly crowned 2013 Cochrane Lions Club Rodeo Royalty, Queen Lexie Courtney and Princess Dalyce Gagnon, who were presented with their honourary titles at the final day of the 45th Annual Lions Rodeo on Sept. 3.

“Congratulations to both Lexie and Dalyce,” said Rodeo Royalty committee member and spokesperson, Cheryl Hardy.

“I think they will represent the Lions Club and the Cochrane community very well. Our program is just continuing to grow.”

Outgoing queen Kelsey Reinboldt-Lynch and princess Shannon Black wished their successors all the best in the year to come.

“I encourage them to enjoy each event, meet as many people as they can and take this experience with grace and knowledge,” said Black.

“A huge congratulations to the 2013 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty,” added Reinboldt-Lynch. “I know they will do the Cochrane Lions Club and the community proud this year, as they represent at numerous events.”

Courtney admitted the whole experience, while thrilling, was quite overwhelming.

“It’s a little surreal,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to traveling to all the rodeos next summer. Dalyce and I have become pretty close and I think we’re going to have a lot of fun together this year.”

Gagnon agreed, adding she is excited about meeting members of her community.

“This will be a huge opportunity to grow as a person and improve our public speaking skills,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being a role model for younger girls.”

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