First Great Northern Rodeo queen crowned at fair

Katie Brurud, 18, was crowned as the 2012 Miss Great Northern Rodeo queen Thursday.

While the rodeo has been a major part of the Great Northern Fair for decades, this year there's a change in leadership.

As of Thursday at noon, Katie Brurud was named the first annual Miss Great Northern Rodeo Queen.

"It's pretty awesome, " Brurud said. "It was really a lot of work, but it's been a lot of fun so far. "

For a shot at the title, Brurud had to pass three tests: an interview, a speech and a demonstration of her horsemanship skills.

Though her family does not have much experience in traditional rodeo riding, Brurud said she passed her equestrian test with o-mok-see riding, a type of Native American-influenced agility-focused horseback riding competition.

"It's fun, really family-oriented and it's really easy, for people starting out to really experienced riders, " Brurud said. "It's just a really good time. "

The new royal office was largely created by J. D. and Jourdon Han, according to Brurud.

"Jourdon was Miss Rodeo Montana two years ago, " Brurud said, "so it's a pretty legit contest. "

According to Brurud the responsibilities of the office include representing the Great Northern Rodeo among the larger statewide rodeo culture, "getting the name out there. "