Chicks n Chaps

This weekend, Paige and I, along with our friends Christy, Kristi, Denise and Cori, participated in an event called Chicks n Chaps at the Western Montana State Fair. Chicks n Chaps is part of a larger initiative called Tough Enough to Wear Pink (http://www.toughenoughtowearpink.com/), a nationwide fundraiser in support of research, awareness, education, screening and treatment of breast cancer.

Almost 175 women signed up to participate in the event, which brought real cowboys together to teach all us women how to rope and ride. After some appetizers and a few Coors Lights, we were split up into groups and taken to three stations: bull riding, bronc riding and roping. Paige was the first one to ride the fake bull and did a fantastic job – much better than her mechanical bull showing at the DirecTV company party – and we both roped the plastic bull.

The best part about this whole thing was that we were BY FAR the youngest ones there. The true Missoula Cougars were out in full force, throwing their money at the cause. The High Priestess Cougar even paid $2,500 for a handmade Chicks n Chaps belt buckle. I raised my hand at $250 and felt good about that.

12 Coors Lights later, we were watching our cowboys compete in the rodeo from our VIP seating in the stands and cheering on our favorites (i.e. the ones with the tightest pants). Fun was had by all and I even got to touch a little cowboy butt :).

If Tough Enough to Wear Pink comes to a town near any of you, I highly recommend participating. The next fundraiser we’ll be attending is Huddles and Heels, where the Missoula Griz football team teaches all us naive women the ins and outs of the game (all while drinking several martinis). Some more pics from the event below. Happy Tuesday!