‘It was a great honour’
Outgoing stampede royalty reflect on their momentous year representing Medicine Hat
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Lacey Palichuk and Ava Padfield, who handed over the royalty reins Saturday evening to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s new queen and princess.
“In 2017, my dream finally came true,” said Palichuk, who has always wanted to ride into the MHES as queen. Fulfilling that dream during last year’s stampede was the top moment throughout her whole reign.
“I feel I’ve grown,” she said about what she’s taken from the past year. “I’m excited to see where that growth takes me.”
“I’ve had many highlights,” said Padfield, who has served as princess for the past year — with the most important part being the life advice shared with her by different individuals along the way.
“I think this year has taught me to love who I am, and find out about myself,” she said, adding that she’s also found a passion for volunteering that she plans to continue on with.
Since the initial competition, the pair have become close friends, calling each other “sash sisters,”
Palichuk emphasized how much of a family those with the MHES are — thanking them, the sponsors, and all who make the stampede and their time as royalty possible.
“We love this city, and it was a great honour,” said Padfield.
As for advice for the incoming royalty?
“I would tell them to be theirselves,” said Palichuk. “Speak from the heart and enjoy the ride.”
“To listen to what people want to teach them, and to educate others on what it means to be queen and princess,” said Padfield.
The future has a lot in store for the pair. Palichuk will be completing her Bachelors of Education through Medicine Hat College, while Padfield will be attending Mount Royal University with the aim of having a career in art therapy.