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Miss Gem State Stampede

2022 Miss Gem State Stampede

Brianna Hoekstra, is the 19-year-old daughter of Jonathan and Jennifer Hoesktra of Athol, Idaho. Brianna was born right here in Coeur D’Alene and has spent many years living in Idaho, but growing up her father was in the military so she got the opportunity to live in many places, even in Okinawa, Japan. She is happy to have finally settled back down in the place she truly calls home; she only wishes that there was less snow and ice so she could ride her horses all winter.

Brianna graduated high school in 2020 with honors and took college classes both her junior and senior year towards a business degree. She is currently starting her own business specializing in horse training and teaching people how to ride which is her true passion. She loves teaching everyone from small children to adults how to ride and watching them become more comfortable around the horses. She hopes with her training business she can be the voice for the horses she works with and help as many people as possible. Her dream is coming true with starting her own business later this spring.

From the time Brianna could crawl, she had always been riding her grandpa’s appaloosa gelding Danny, which is where her passion for horses began. Since then, she has competed in almost every type of equine competition, from 4H, show jumping, western pleasure, extreme trail, and barrel racing. Her love of training her horses and experiencing new disciplines has exposed Brianna to many different riding styles and made her a widely versed rider.

Brianna is honored to represent the Gem State Stampede at all of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos she will be attending during her year reign. She is looking forward to meeting all of the amazing fans and supporters of the rodeo and cannot wait to be a role model for our community. Her goal for her reign is to inspire young girls to follow their dreams because anything is possible if you put your mind to it.You can follow along with her journey right here on the Miss Gem State Stampede facebook page or on our instagram page.

For the latest updates on her travels check out our facebook page:
Miss Gem State Stampede

Queen Committee:

Greg Bennett

Tawnya Bennett
Haley Best
Hayle Carver
Katherine Merck
Dorine Souther

Ashley Bennett, Past Queen Advisor

Thank you to our program sponsors!

Our Past Queens

2020/2021 Miss Gem State Stampede

Ashley Bennett is the 18-year-old daughter of Greg and Tawnya Bennett. She lives in Hayden, Idaho, with her horses right outside her front door. She is currently attending North Idaho College, and is working towards a degree in medical billing and coding. Aside from that, she works at a local coffee shop, where she has the pleasure of meeting many new people from our community. On the rare occasion when Ashley is not spending time with her horses you will find her doing other things she enjoys like; swimming in the lake, playing volleyball, hiking, and helping others in any way possible. Ashley also devotes time as a volunteer for a local youth group as a small group leader.

She grew up and flourished in 4-H, once her dad convinced her that horses weren’t as scary as she thought they were. Her parents have always supported her with all the different horse activities she wanted to participate in.

2019 Miss Gem State Stampede

Maranda Montgomery spent her year as Miss Gem State Stampede 2019, promoting rodeo and making each community better. She earned quite a list of adoring fans that would drive across the country to attend rodeos she was attending. The Kindest cowgirl you will ever meet, she carried on the prestige of the title as she traveled to over 60 appearances.

2018 Miss Gem State Stampede

Alex Sheets followed her dream and became the 5th young lady to wear the crown as Miss Gem State Stampede 2018. Alex’s love for the Fair & Rodeo showed as she shared her passion with others. Her attendance to events across the Northwest brought her great adventures and friendships. Miss Alex did an excellent job during her reign.

2017 Miss Gem State Stampede

Taylor Hill represented the Gem State Stampede in 2017. She was focused on her job to promote our rodeo and the importance of agriculture by visiting many youth camps and clubs in our area. Her travels across the Northwest provided opportunities to attend almost 40 events. Taylor’s genuine personality had a profound impact upon everyone she encountered.

2016 Miss Gem State Stampede

Cassy Ripatti was crowned Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo her reign was unique that she also carried forward the rodeo name change becoming Miss Gem State Stampede later in the year. Also a representative of the North Idaho State Fair, Cassy made 40 appearances throughout the year all over the northwest.

Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo 2014-2015

Haley Jackson Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo 2014-2015. Miss Haley was crowned during the fair in 2014 and held the reign for a little over a year. She attended over 30 functions including rodeos, parades, luncheons, community events and represented the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo during the Miss Rodeo Idaho Pageant, winning horsemanship and congeniality.

Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo 2013-2014

Jessica Norlander, Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo 2013-2014; Miss Jessica was the first young lady to wear the crown. Jessica was crowned during the taping of Chicks N Chaps for the Queen Latifah show at fair in 2013 and made over 20 appearances, attending rodeos, parades, luncheons, and community events.

2022 Miss Gem State Stampede Events

Queen Coronation

Join us for the 2023 Miss Gem State Stampede Coronation, February 26, 2022.

2023 Miss Gem State Stampede Pageant

Save the dates: October 8, 2022 for the 2023 Miss Gem State Stampede Pageant. More information to follow,