Hey y’all my name is Alba Padilla, and I am your 2024 Gilbert Days Rodeo Princess. I am 11 years old. I am in the 5th grade, I always prioritize maintaining my good grades. My grandpa Bobby Padilla has been a part of the Gilbert Promotional Corporation since 1978 and my grandmother Cathy Padilla joined in 1984. You can say I have sort of been with the Gilbert Days Rodeo my whole life and have in fact assisted every year since I was born. In 2016 my dream of one day being a rodeo queen began when I got to participate as Gilbert Days Little Dudes Princess. In 2021 I got to be a Miss Rodeo Arizona Sweetheart. My heart is always with the Gilbert Rodeo and in 2022 I returned as Little Dudes Princess and even had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the Little Dudes Rodeo. My love for horses comes from both of my grandfathers. I started riding horses before I could even walk. I got my first horse Claire when I was three years old and so fortunate to have her still today, I am also blessed to have a baby horse named River and we hope to make him a pro barrel horse. Outside of queening I do competitive dance. I have been dancing competitively since I was 5 years old. This year I also did a season of flag football; I was fortunate to play the position of quarterback and defense. I hope to be able to grow in the sport and am considering playing on the all-girls flag football team in high school in a few years. I am also trying to pursue barrel racing. In the future I hope to become Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and maybe one day Miss Rodeo Arizona. While I grow up, I hope to grow my knowledge about horses and attend a rodeo college.

 

I hope to see you all at the Rodeo.

 

Love Alba