A legacy of rodeo queens has been part of the Little Britches Rodeo for many years with the Wierzba family. In 1986, Carrie Wierzba was selected as queen and, in the 2000s, two of her daughters and a niece captured the title. “I guess you could say it runs in the family,” Wierzba told the Spirit.

“I got my first horse when I was 9 and got involved in rodeo when I was 12,” she said. “I ran for queen when I was 14. I loved the sport of rodeo, so I talked my parents into letting me run for queen. It felt good to compete and win.”

Wierzba added that she faced some challenges that year with her horse, so organizer Allen Peterson loaned her one of his to use.

The love of rodeo continues as Wierzba has returned to the rodeo every year. “I enjoy volunteering and watching the local kids compete,” she said.

Wierzba said her daughters needed no extra encouragement to join the sport. “They both love horses,” she added. “My daughter Kasey was selected as queen in 2008 and my daughter Mindy won in 2010. My niece, Heather Pearson, ran for queen and won in 2015.”