Kianna Darcey has been crowned the 2022 Mount Garnet Rodeo queen.
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The now Herberton local took out the title at the Mount Garnet Rodeo and Races event held over the May long weekend.
Ms Darcey grew up on a property in the Mount Garnet area with her family now based at Rocky Bluff Station near Mutchilba in the Mareeba shire.
"The Mount Garnet Rodeo is an event that my family and I went to every single year ever since I can remember," Ms Darcey said.
"It's a rodeo that holds a very sentimental place in my heart."
Ms Darcey currently works for civil construction company and helps out on her family property in the afternoons and over the weekends.
A horse enthusiast she regularly competes in barrel racing events.
A strong sense of community spirit is what prompted Ms Darcey to nominate in the rodeo queen quest.
"I've always really enjoyed getting involved in community events," she said.
"It's a great opportunity to do something different in the community to what you do every other day.
"I believe it's important to get involved in the community and see that what you are doing is actually having an impact right here where we live.
"I thought if there was any rodeo I was going to represent it would be Mount Garnet."
The weekend featured a mix of racing and rodeo action with the community and fundraising efforts of the queen quest officially concluding.
Ms Darcey was announced as winner during a crowning ceremony last Sunday. Anastasia Theochari took out runner up with Keeley Cotton winning 'Miss Fundraiser'.
Ms Darcey praised the other entrants for their commitment and hard work.
"All the girls did an absolutely amazing job," she said.
A Mount Garnet Rodeo spokesperson said the weekend was a huge success.
"Our girls rocked it on the weekend," they said.
"They all did an amazing job from start to finish and we're very proud of you all.
"Kianna, get your cowgirl boots ready. It is going to be a busy couple of months.
"We're looking forward to continuing this journey with you."
Ms Darcey will now represent the Mount Garnet Rodeo in the northern region.
"I am really excited," she said.
"I will go on to represent Mount Garnet Rodeo at as many local rodeos that I can get to.
"I will also be competing in the barrel racing events."
Ms Darcey also hoped to mentor young women for future queen quests.
"I would really love to get young girls in the community interacting and excited for next year's quest," she said.
"Holding events in the community to help raise funds and get awareness out there.
"It's not this pageant sort of thing where all you do is sit and look pretty.
"All of us girls got along so well. We had a great time and we worked really hard both individually and as a team to raise money.
"It was about being a part of the community and an event we all know and really love."
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Zoe Thomas
Northern based journalist at North Queensland Register and Queensland Country Life.
Northern based journalist at North Queensland Register and Queensland Country Life.
