
Nikki
Grandpre, Miss South Dakota and Marie, Miss Rodeo South
Dakota

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At the fair I was given the opportunity to judge the Miss SD
State Fair Pageant.I met Nikki Grandpre - Miss South Dakota,
and Emily Kerr - Miss SD State Fair 2004. The new Miss SD
State fair is Lexi Bonte from Beresford.
I had my trailer parked for advertising in the Spa and
Pool Headquarters, owned by my cousins Russ and Ryan
Hotchkiss. Double D Wester Wear is one of my large sponsors,
and they let me spend a couple days in their booth signing
autographs and selling raffle tickets.
I also met Jim Messina and Kenny Loggins...which led to
a funny story! Jim stopped in the Double D booth and, not
recognizing him, I asked him if he wanted my autograph and
if he would like to buy a raffle ticket on the saddle. He
took my autograph made "To Jim, Thank you very much for your
support of rodeo. God bless, Marie" and he had me put my
name on the raffle ticket he bought, saying that if I won to
send him a thank you note - I agreed and he gave me his
card. Then he asked if I had tickets to the show "tonight",
I said I didn't and he said he could get me some.
A few hours went by and I was greeted by a nice man
telling me tickets were ready for my at the box office. I
was thrilled, I didn't think he would actually get me
tickets.....later that night with the ticket and VIP pass he
had gotten for me, at the "meet and greet" I realize I had
met a celebrity and didn't even know it.
Jim Messina, of Loggins and Messina who performed at
the SD State Fair Sunday night, announces to the whole meet
and greet group, "She is the only person who has ever asked
me if I wanted their autograph!" It was fantastic! A very
memorable experience! I hope I am able to tell him I won the
SDRA saddle!!! |