Over the weekend, three contestants competed for a chance to win the title of Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023! All three girls, Breanne, Kailyn and Ellen were fantastic, but only one could win - Miss Ellen Van Noordenburg.

Ellen is a 20-year-old cowgirl who grew up on a family farm east of Didsbury, Alberta. Like other farm kids, she grew up immersed in the western lifestyle. She is a dedicated advocate for all things agriculture related, with over ten years of active involvement in various agricultural operations. Naturally she knew that this was what she wanted to follow moving forward with her post secondary education. After high school, Ellen attended Olds College of Agriculture and Technology to pursue a diploma in Agriculture Management with a major in Agricommerce. In April of 2022 she completed her diploma and is now working towards obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Business.

Growing up Ellen was extensively involved in the 4-H program. She was a member of the Ropes and Reins 4-H club for nine years. Although she is no longer a member she continues to mentor youth in the 4-H program. Ellen enjoys showing horses competitively in both western and english disciplines, but also has an interest in breakaway roping and working cow horse. Aside from spending time with her horses she also enjoys curling. She curled competitively all throughout middle school and into highschool, playing in both the youth curling league and then advancing to the ladies league. These activities taught her many life skills including; public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. She believes each of these skills have translated into all aspects of her life and have built the foundation for the person she is today.

Ellen has a passion for teaching and inspiring those around her. She is excited to get the opportunity to be an ambassador for the western way of life, the sport of rodeo, the Town of Strathmore, Wheatland County, and the Strathmore Stampede as their Miss Strathmore Stampede 2023!

We’d like to thank everyone who came out to support all three ladies throughout the weekend and leading up to the competition! To Kailyn & Breanne - thank you for all of your hard work! We wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors!

Ellen will be officially crowned on Saturday, August 5th during the Strathmore Stampede rodeo perf!