The Airdire Pro Rodeo announced via Facebook this week that the Royalty program would be dissolved for 2025.
"We bring sad news that due to budget cuts and our Royalty Director stepping down, we have made the difficult decision to dissolve our Royalty program for 2025," the post read. "Sadly that means we had to release Kyla Lightfoot from her Miss Rodeo Airdrie duties. Please respect the people involved as we navigate through this tough time."
The post went on to thank Lightfoot for her representation and commitment to the Airdrie Pro Rodeo and wished her the best in future endeavours.
Darcy Munro, Media Relations with the Airdrie Pro Rodeo, further explained that this is hopefully just a temporary decision.
"The rodeo is a business, and like any business, it's necessary to move around the budget," Munro said. "The Royalty program the first thing to look at on our agenda for 2026."
The Royalty program has bestowed the title of "Miss Rodeo" on a young woman in the community since 1995. Winners assume the role of ambassador to promote the rodeo and Airdrie across the province at more than a 100 different events.
"If you rob Peter to pay Paul, it doesn't diminish the significance of Peter," Munro elaborated on the decision. "It simply means you focus priorities with Paul to grow and move forward."
The next Airdrie Pro Rodeo will take place June 27th to July 1st. More information can be found at www.airdrieprorodeo.com.