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!
May 16 | 6:30 p.m.
Monument City Council Meeting
May 17 | 9:00 a.m.
El Paso County Commissioners Meeting
May 17 | 6:00 p.m.
Manitou City Council Meeting
May 18 | 10:00 a.m.
Community Information Exchange Meeting at Fort Carson
May 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Soil Savers Meeting at Shriners Club
May 25 | 6:45 a.m.
Colorado Springs Executives Association Meeting
May 26 | 10:00 a.m.
Teller County Commissioners Meeting in Cripple Creek
May 27 | 8:00 a.m.
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Golf Tournament at USAFA
May 29 | 10:00 a.m.
Territory Days in Old Colorado City
May 31 | 11:30 a.m.
Headquarters Change of Command at Fort Carson
June 1 | 11:30 a.m.
Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast Token Presentation
June 3 | 11:00 a.m.
Elizabeth Stampede Royalty Luncheon
June 3 | 3:00 p.m.
Celebration of the Horse at Denver Polo Club in Sedalia
June 4 | 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of the Horse at Denver Polo Club in Sedalia
June 5 | 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of the Horse at Denver Polo Club in Sedalia
June 7 | 9:00 a.m.
El Paso County Commissioners Meeting
June 11 | 11:00 a.m.
Top of the World Rodeo Parade in Cripple Creek
June 11 | 1:00 p.m.
Top of the World Rodeo Performance in Cripple Creek
June 12 | 1:00 p.m.
Top of the World Rodeo Performance in Cripple Creek
June 14 | 10:00 a.m.
Colorado Springs City Council Meeting
June 15 | 5:15 a.m.
Street Breakfast in Downtown Colorado Springs
June 17 | 11:30 a.m.
Evergreen Rodeo Royalty Luncheon
June 18 | 10:00 a.m.
Evergreen Rodeo Parade
June 18 | 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen Rodeo Performance
June 19 | 5:30 p.m.
Range Riders After-Ride Dinner
June 24 | 5:00 p.m.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Fan Fest
June 25 | 9:00 a.m.
Pikes Peak Special Rodeo
June 25 | 6:00 p.m.
Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo Performance
June 28 | 11:30 a.m.
Media Roundup at Norris Penrose Event Center
July 4 | 9:00 a.m.
Fourth of July Parade in Monument
July 4 | 11:00 a.m.
Monument Street Festival
July 12 | 2:00 p.m.
Contestant Check-In and Welcome Reception
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 | 4:00 p.m.
Fan Zone
July 14 | 4:45 p.m.
Pre-Production Meeting
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 15 | 11:00 a.m.
Heritage Room at NPEC
July 15 | 12:15 p.m.
Fourth Performance of PPOBR | NFR Open
July 15 | 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