The Reno Rodeo roped in University of Nevada, Reno junior Melinda Cowan Friday, June 18, 2010. She was crowned Miss Reno Rodeo for 2011 after the final pageant ceremonies. The final pageant activity and final crowned was held at and hosted by John Ascuaga's Nugget. The competition lasted throughout the week and it culminated in an impromptu question asked by a pageant judge: “If you were to trade places with the Reno Rodeo President for a day, what would you do and why?”

“I would get Red Bull as a sponsor,” Cowan said. “Because Red Bull tends to sponsor extreme events and caters to a younger crowd.”

Melinda Cowan won the Miss Reno Rodeo pageant in the following categories: written exam, photogenic, speech, appearance and horsemanship.

Cowan has been involved with the Reno Rodeo since 1996 when she helped her dad and 2009 Reno Rodeo President Gordon Cowan. She has been affiliated with the rodeo since helping wherever she can and most recently, volunteering on the Cattle Drive committee.

Melinda Cowan is a native Nevadan and a graduate of McQueen High School. When not volunteering with the Reno Rodeo, Cowan is following her passion for animals by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science at the University of Nevada.

“I want a career in veterinary pharmaceuticals,” Cowan said. “I love animals and my favorite pastime is showing cutting horses. I look forward to the next year representing the greatest rodeo in America.”