As the 59th annual Cochrane Lions Rodeo approaches, reigning Rodeo Queen Lacey Blouin will pass on her crown but keep the lessons and memories of her reign for years to come.
Raised in Cochrane with deep roots in horse riding, farming and ranching, Blouin said her passion for rodeo began as a child.
“I’ve been going to the rodeo since I was very little and that’s when I saw my first rodeo queen,” she said. “When I was about five years old I said, ‘That’s what I want to be when I’m older.’”
She stayed true to that dream, volunteering in agriculture and local groups before competing in last year’s pageant and claiming the crown.
“I was very happy when I won,” Blouin said. “I’ve been fortunate to know a few former Rodeo Queens who guided me through horsemanship and public speaking.”
Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty hopefuls are evaluated on horsemanship, public speaking, appearance, knowledge and personality.
“Outside of strong horsemanship skills, the biggest thing we look for is somebody who can engage with the public and be welcoming,” said Monique Richardson, coordinator of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty Committee.
“She has to show a strong understanding of what makes Cochrane unique, because she is an ambassador for the rodeo, the Lions Club, and the town as a whole.”
Blouin embraced that role, championing Cochrane’s sense of community.
“We have the best group of people living in our community and wherever I go I’m met with friendly faces,” she said. “Our rodeo is backed by such a close-knit community, led by the Cochrane Lions Club, whose work helps so many people in town.”
During her reign, Blouin represented Cochrane at events outside town, including: Calgary, Taber, Ponoka and Medicine Hat.
“One thing that always brought me joy was inspiring kids,” she said. “Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve taken a moment to hang out with them, talk to them on their level. Hearing, ‘I want to be just like you when I grow up,’ reminded me of when I looked up to former queens. That made it all meaningful.”
As she passes on the title, Blouin is preparing to study agriculture at Olds College this fall. She said her experience has also sparked a passion for travel.
“Rodeo Royalty is also a youth development program,” Richardson noted. “We don’t expect them to come perfect and polished. We’re really trying to nurture these young women and give them opportunities to meet people in industries they might be interested in after school.”
Many past queens, Richardson added, have gone on to higher education and additional titles.
“We’ve had a wonderful group of young women who have gone on to represent their communities so well,” she said. “We’re very proud of how we’ve been able to help them throughout their journey.”
With the prestige of the title and opportunities that come with it, the possibilities are endless for the 2026 Rodeo Queen. One of three hopefuls: Alivia Carriere, Emily Stevenson or Sonia van der Burgh will have the chance to represent Cochrane for the next year. But as Blouin says, all of them will leave the competition with something invaluable.
“I saw Rodeo Royalty as a learning experience,” said Blouin. “You’re going to grow so much just by entering the competition because there are so many aspects of it that really help you grow as a person.”
The new Rodeo Queen will be crowned Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Grounds.
