Sep 12, 2009 (The Lewiston Morning Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Rhinestones never go out of style in the rodeo world, especially in a room full of royalty.

Adorned in sparkling shirts, elaborate embroidered jackets and leather boots, 76 Lewiston Roundup queens and princesses gathered at the Elks Temple Friday for a luncheon and style show featuring royalty outfits from 1935 to 2009.

The event highlighted the 75th anniversary of the Roundup and the women who have represented the rodeo. Close to 200 people were in attendance, including past and present chaperones, Roundup directors and family members.

One of the models was Arlene Maynard Worley, 73, the 1955 Roundup queen. She wore her original jacket, which was designed by a tailor in California.

"This was really the cat's meow back in my day. I thought I was the second coming of Dale Evans when I was wearing this." Worley may be familiar to rodeo fans. The Lewiston resident rides around the Roundup arena carrying the American flag at the opening of each rodeo performance.

"I've stayed involved in rodeo all my life," said Worley, who also judges state rodeo pageants around the country and is a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as a rodeo secretary and timer. She served 22 years on the board of directors for Miss Rodeo America and said being crowned a rodeo queen is an honor and a privilege.

"It opens a lot of doors for you for the rest of your life. It's a prestigious title and you get to be a role model for younger girls." Many past members of the Roundup court echoed that sentiment, saying it was a wonderful experience they'll always remember.

The veteran of the group was Maxine Boggan Botts, 91, of Asotin, a 1936 Roundup princess. "She's still wild," Botts told the crowd before flashing a smile and taking the dance floor with her husband, Ivan.

Many of the women hadn't seen one another for years. Cameras flashed as hugs were exchanged and memories were shared.

Mardell West Schara, 83, of Butte, Mont., returned to Lewiston for the royalty luncheon after almost 60 years away. "Lewiston has changed so much since I lived here," she said, holding her original felt Roundup hat. "I don't recognize anything." Schara, the 1947 Roundup queen, was the first woman veterinarian in the state of Idaho.

Sylvia Nolt Scheurman of Clarkston, the 1960 Roundup queen, was decked out in a pink wool worsted suit and matching pink hat. She had two suits during her reign, both donated by the owner of Lee's, a men's clothing store in Lewiston.

"I can wear everything but the boots," said the 67 year old, who was carrying her pink kangaroo leather boots.

"I still have a horse, and he's getting old as well. He's 29, but he's still good-looking." Craigmont resident Dorothy Parkins Miller, 76, a 1950 Roundup princess, modeled her original outfit, a cream-colored wool pants suit with red piping.

"It was the greatest time of my young life," Miller said of her reign. "We were treated like royalty and it was just fabulous." Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264.

To see more of The Lewiston Morning Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lmtribune.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Lewiston Morning Tribune, Idaho Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

[ Back To Contact Center Solutions Community's Homepage ]

Roundup royalty never out of fashion: Past queens and princesses gather for show

The World's Largest Communications And Technology Community