Girls of the West
The Girls of the West story is about our young Rodeo Ambassador, and how she helps promote “the western way of life and the western-type American girl” at our Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and other events. Meet the Girl of the West:
Georgia Strimenos2022 Girl of the West2022 Girl of the West, Georgia Strimenos, is the 20-year-old daughter of George and Jenny Strimenos. Since the age of 10, she has been involved in the equine world, competing in 4H, Western and English pleasure, working ranch horse, and gymkhana. She has also served as an ambassador for other Colorado rodeos.
Georgia is a graduate of Arapahoe Community College with a communications degree. She is now continuing her education at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, earning her bachelor’s degree in communications. When she’s not at school, she spends her time riding her two horses and showing them in all-around competitions. She also works at a small animal vet clinic as a veterinary assistant.
The mission of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo holds a special place in her heart as her brother is currently serving as an Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army. She is honored to be a part of an 81-year Colorado tradition that gives back to local military and their families as Girl of the West.
Georgia rides a Paint Horse gelding named Rock.
Brooke Soltwedel2022 Aide to Girl of the West2022 Aide to Girl of the West, Brooke Soltwedel, is the 19-year-old daughter of Ray Soltwedel and Rachel Morgan. She grew up doing ranch work and competing in speed and show events under the Western discipline. She has also served as an ambassador for other equine organizations, and has worked with therapy horses.
Brooke is currently working toward a nursing degree at Pikes Peak Community College, after which she plans to work as a scrub nurse while attending medical school to study neurosurgery with a focus on children with special needs. In the meantime, she works and volunteers in the Colorado Springs community.
The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and its mission is near and dear to Brooke. Her sister figure, whom her family took in, is currently serving in the United States Air Force. Brooke is eager for the opportunity to give back to the military community and serve those who serve us during her time as Aide to Girl of the West.
Brooke rides a Quarter Horse gelding named Duke.
GOTW images above © 2022 Waldrons Family Studio; Hats by Greeley Hat Works; Buckles by Clint Mortenson Silver and Saddles
More About the Program Past Girls of the West
PPOBR 2023 Aide to Girl of the West Application
Schedule
The Girls of the West will be making appearances in the Pikes Peak region to promote the 81st Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Check back often for the latest updates to the schedule!
June 28 | 11:30 a.m.
Media Roundup at Norris Penrose Event Center
June 28 | 5:15 p.m.
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Ramrod Meeting
June 29 | 10:00 a.m.
Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard Retirement of Tank
June 30 | 7:00 a.m.
Radio Interview with Mountain Country 107.3 FM
June 30 | 10:30 a.m.
Northwestern Mutual Monthly Meeting
June 30 | 12:00 p.m.
Pikes Peak Club Meeting at MacKenzie’s Chop House
July 1 | 5:00 p.m.
Freedom Fest at Fort Carson
July 2 | 10:00 a.m.
Promote the PPOB Rodeo at Big R in Falcon
July 2 | 2:00 p.m.
Miss Rodeo Colorado Fashion Show and Coronation
July 3 | 8:00 a.m.
First Responder and Military Appreciation at Denver Polo Club
July 4 | 9:00 a.m.
Fourth of July Parade in Monument
July 4 | 11:00 a.m.
Monument Street Festival
July 4 | 4:00 p.m.
Fourth of July at the Broadmoor with Horses
July 5 | 12:00 p.m.
Garden of the Gods Rotary Meeting
July 6 | 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Kiwanis Club Meeting at Brakeman’s
July 9 | 10:00 a.m.
Grant Library at Fort Carson with Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo
July 9 | 12:00 p.m.
Promote the PPOB Rodeo at Constitution Big R
July 10 | 7:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremony Rehearsal at NPEC
July 11 | 7:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremony Rehearsal at NPEC
July 12 | 2:00 p.m.
Contestant Check-In and Welcome Reception
July 12 | 7:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremony Rehearsal at NPEC
July 13 | 4:45 p.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
July 13 | 5:30 p.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 13 | 6:45 p.m.
First Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 13 | 9:15 p.m.
Sign Autographs
July 14 | 9:55 a.m.
Television Interview for 11 Connects on KKTV Channel 11
July 14 | 4:00 p.m.
Fan Zone
July 14 | 4:45 p.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
July 14 | 4:55 p.m.
Television Interview for 11 Connects on KKTV Channel 11
July 14 | 5:30 p.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 14 | 6:45 p.m.
Second Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 14 | 9:15 p.m.
Sign Autographs
July 15 | 8:00 a.m.
2023 Aide Competition at NPEC
July 15 | 11:30 a.m.
Past GOTW Luncheon and Aide Speeches at NPEC
July 15 | 4:00 p.m.
Fan Zone
July 15 | 4:45 p.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
July 15 | 5:30 p.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 15 | 6:45 p.m.
Third Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 15 | 9:15 p.m.
Sign Autographs
July 16 | 10:15 a.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
July 16 | 11:00 a.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 16 | 12:15 p.m.
Fourth Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 16 | 2:30 p.m.
Sign Autographs
July 16 | 4:45 p.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
July 16 | 5:30 p.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 16 | 6:45 p.m.
Fifth Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 16 | 9:30 p.m.
Sign Autographs
July 16 | 10:15 p.m.
Celebrate in Coors Roadhouse Saloon
July 17 | 12:30 p.m.
El Paso County Fair Royalty Luncheon
July 17 | 6:00 p.m.
El Paso County Fair Barrel Race
August 20 | 4:00 p.m.
Back in the Saddle by Triple J Rodeo Productions