Meet the Royalty of the Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo

Saddle up for the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo with the Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Royalty! Rodeo Queen, Alexis Dubbs and Rodeo Princess, Willow Root are excited to welcome you along the rodeo trail as they prepare for the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo this November. Presented by the Pinal County Mounted Posse and the Town of Florence, The Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo is celebrating 87 years of junior rodeo action in the Grand Canyon State. With more than 70 potential future PRCA athletes competing, the performance is sure to be top-notch.

Representing the Oldest Junior Rodeo in the United States, you will find the talented Alexis Dubbs and Willow Root. As Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Royalty, these two ladies are kicking up dirt in the rodeo arena and beyond as they travel the beautiful state of Arizona as ambassadors to the sport of rodeo and the town of Florence, Arizona.

Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Queen, Alexis Dubbs has had a passion for all things equestrian since she was a young girl. While the speed and power of a horse may frighten some, Alexis fell in love with the thrill of riding from the very beginning. Well-versed in many riding disciplines, Alexis found her passion in the world of western horsemanship. An avid barrel racer, Alexis has earned great success in the rodeo arena. From buckles, to tack, to the Arizona State Championship, Alexis’ accolades as a barrel racer have been grand. So grand that Alexis’ success led her to Perry, Georgia where she competed in the National Barrel Horse Association Youth World Championship.

Alexis’ talents don’t stop when she turns the last barrel! Alexis is also a dedicated and vibrant student in the top 5% of her senior class at Florence High School. She is actively involved in the school’s theatre program where she shares her love of singing. Alexis is proud to bring her love of the western and agricultural lifestyle to her classmates. Currently serving as the Florence FFA Chapter President and 2019 AZ FFA South-Central District Vice President, Alexis is committed to her community and school. She also enjoys participating in FFA events such as Wildlife, Horse Evaluation, and Job Interview and Career Development Events. In the past year alone Alexis placed 2nd individually in her districts Wildlife CDE and 1st in her districts Job Interview CDE. This dedication has also carried into one of Alexis’ recent endeavors, establishing the Florence High School Rodeo Club and Competition Team. Alexis currently serves as the Rodeo Club Student Advisor.

When she isn’t in the classroom or in the rodeo arena, Alexis is an active member of her church where she volunteers in the children’s ministry. A singer on the worship team, Alexis is proud to share her talents and passions with her church and community. With a great respect for hard work and serving others, Alexis is grateful for her family who have greatly influenced her dynamic character. Alexis shares,

“The Florence Junior Parada has been my very first queen title. Despite it being something completely different than what I am used to, I enjoy participating in the community and rodeo events from this new perspective. I know many people think that being a rodeo queen is all about makeup, curly hair, and sparkly button downs but I don’t think this is entirely true. Since being crowned I have learned what it is to be an ambassador for my sport. I have gotten up earlier than the rest of the competitors to make sure my horse and I are presentable and while hairspray and sparkles may be a part of it, it is not what I believe is important. I think that the most important part of being a rodeo queen is respectfully serving my community and the hard work that is behind it all. Of course, I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and friends, and most importantly the love of God.”

Racing in next is the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Princess, Willow Root! This dynamic cowgirl calls Queen Creek, Arizona home and has made a huge splash in the junior rodeo world. Since the age of 6 Willow has been perfecting her equestrian skills and today she is an avid competitor in roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and breakaway. This all-around cowgirl has received many recognitions for her rodeo talents such as the 2017 CVSC All-Around Champion, 2018 AJRA Pole Bending Champion in the 9 through 12-year-old division as well as top five in barrel racing and winning all-around champion for the year! Let’s not forget to mention this impressive detail, Willow only began competing in 2017! In two short years Willow has seen thrilling success with each new rodeo endeavor.

Recently Willow was one of two winners of the Vet Set Go essay contest in which hundreds of essays were submitted nation-wide. Included in her win was a visit to Auburn University in Alabama, where she participated in a Jr. Veterinarian Program. During her visit Willow fell in love with the university and hopes to attend it one day as a veterinary student. She also developed a love for Falconry on her visit and hopes to one day join the Falconry Program! 2017 also presented another great honor for Willow as she was chosen as the Nobel Outfitters Child of Tomorrow. Willow was featured on RFD-TV where she spoke about horse rescue and rodeo. Willow was also chosen as the first Shoppers Supply Co. Live It Kid!

When Willow isn’t busy at school or at rodeo competitions, she enjoys helping her family rescue horses and ponies in need. Two of these rescues include Willow’s beloved rodeo horses Boone and Johnny Cash, who Willow helped train.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Alexis and Willow and getting the behind-the-scenes on their experiences as the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Royalty. Check out their responses below!

With a year of excitement and fun ahead of you, what are you enjoying most as the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Royalty?

A: “I love being able to represent my sport and talk to people about it. I like being a good example for other little girls to look up to because I remember when I was younger I loved seeing the queens. This has been a completely new experience for me and it has helped me grow in my community and helped my confidence. I love representing my hometown and I hope that seeing my journey through queening, more people will see how great of an opportunity it is for all girls.”

W: “What I am most enjoying about being a part of the FJPR Royalty is meeting all kinds of new people, attending the professional and Jr. Rodeos across the state, representing my title, and the family that has been acquired with the Pinal Mounted Posse.”

Why is the role of Rodeo Queen important to you?

A: “Being a rodeo queen is special because you are representing your sport and your rodeo. It takes a lot of hard work to be able to represent your rodeo well because, not only do you have to look the part of a queen, but you also have to be knowledgeable about rodeo, horses, and the rodeo you are representing. It also has helped me grow in my community and become more confident in myself and my skills. I hope that during my reign, I will encourage many young girls to show their inner queens and princesses because every girl has it inside.”

W: “Being a rodeo queen is important to me because it gives me a chance to be a great example for all the younger rodeo kids and to help show them that your dreams are never as far off as they seem.

Why is the Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo special to you?

A: “The Florence Junior Parada Rodeo is an amazing rodeo. The tradition of this rodeo goes back decades. This coming Parada will be the 87th year and it is the World’s Oldest Jr Rodeo. It is even part of the Town of Florence emblem. Living in Florence has taught me a lot about what a community is and how to do my part in it. The Florence Jr. Parada has been a part of this community for so long and I’ve competed in it for many years. It is an honor to represent my hometown and one of my favorite rodeos in the world.”

W: “Did you know that the Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo is the oldest Jr Rodeo in the World? I love being a part of history and what the FJPR stands for, “it’s all about the kids!”

What do you hope to accomplish during your reign as FJPR Royalty?

A: “As this year’s Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Queen, I hope to encourage girls across the state and in my local community to become more involved in the sport of rodeo. I would also like to bring well deserved attention to our rodeo so that we will have a great turnout out this coming year.”

W: “As the 2018-19 FJPR Princess I hope to make a difference in at least one little girls world, to show them that they can be anything they want to be and that you can wear a crown and still wrestle a steer!”

Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate the multi-talented and hardworking Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo Royalty on their titles and multiple successes throughout the year. Make sure to say howdy to Queen, Alexis Dubbs and Princess, Willow Root at rodeos across the state and especially this November at the 2019 Florence Jr. Parada Rodeo!