Miss Rodeo Queen Iowa Erika Harlan signs pictures for guests at the Mid-Day Optimist Club on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Harlan, who is the niece of Marshall resident Mary Ann Gilpin placed sixth in the nationwide Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas. [Click to enlarge]

The Marshall Mid-Day Optimist Club had a special guest during its weekly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Miss Rodeo Iowa 2006 Erika Harlan of Fairfield, Iowa, visited the group. Harlan was accompanied by her mother, and her aunt, Optimist member Mary Ann Gilpin of Marshall.

Harlan gave a short speech about her experiences as Miss Rodeo Iowa as well as her trip to Las Vegas where she competed for the title of Miss Rodeo America. The competition included a show of horsemanship skills and Harlan gave a speech highlighting her home state of Iowa. At the national competition, Harlan placed sixth overall and first in the central region.

Harlan brought some items to the meeting -- including a unique scrapbook bound with the leather chaps that she used during the rodeo queen competitions. Also on display were the various outfits that Harlan wore during the queen competitions, including a $6,000 all-leather dress that she wore during the fashion portion of the competition. All of the clothes items were designed by Harlan and custom-made for her.

Harlan, who has been competing in rodeo queen competitions for only a few years, said that she has always been around rodeos and horses.

"I've been going to rodeos since I was really little," Harlan said. "With my grandpa and my whole family."

Harlan said that competing and acting as Miss Rodeo Iowa has been a lot of work but it has been a very rewarding experience.

Her mothe, Andrea Harlan, said that she can see a change in her daughter since she began competing.

"I think she as matured a lot," Harlan said. "And learned so much."

Now as her reign comes to an end, Harlan has been helping the next generation of rodeo queens by acting as a competition coach for up and coming rodeo queens.

Harlan also is planning on going back to school to pursue her bachelor's degree in equine administration. The rodeo queen circuit, Harlan said, left little time for school and she took a year off to concentrate on the competitions which kept her constantly on the road.

Gilpin, who served as a sort of personal secretary for Harlan while she was on the road, said that all of the hard work was worth it.

"We're all very proud of her," Gilpin said. "She represented the state of Iowa very well."

Contact Zach Sims at

marshallbusiness@socket.net