by Patricia Duran and Tierra Garrett (Interviewed by Tierra Garrett, Adrian Perez, Kalynn Salazar, and Jerelynn Salazar)
Whether rain or shine, the ladies showed up and showed out at the Run to Raton Motorcycle Rally on Saturday, July 22, 2023. For the first time ever, Miss Run to Raton was held in the evening time to avoid the heat. Organizer Jenny Baca Mills commented that she didn't want anyone's makeup to melt this year.
Miss Run to Raton Top Three (Heather Marie, left, Sassy J, middle, and Baby Face Marie, right)
The Miss Run to Raton is one of the main events held every year at the rally and is the highlight of the day for locals and visitors. Throughout the day, eventgoers had the opportunity to hang out on Historic First Street, shop local vendors, and enjoy live music put on by the Tiffany Dawn Band and Secondhand.
Snapshots of Run to Raton 2023
At first, the pin up competition was delayed due to the weather, but went off without a hitch once the rain subsided and was emceed by Miss Run to Raton 2022 Jilli Jade.
After the contest, Bernard Trujillo took home the coveted title of the Men's Beard and Mustache Contest and Geronimo "Moe" from Tucson, Arizona won the bike raffle for the 1948 Pan Shovel.
Miss Run to Raton 2023 Amanda "Miss Sassy J" Bandfield
Amanda "Miss Sassy J" Bandfield was crowned the new 2023 Miss Run to Raton queen. Competing and reigning in pin up competitions in Colorado, she loves to compete and be an inspiration to other pin ups, and she can play three instruments.
Second runner-up was "Heather Marie" Thomason and first runner-up was TieAnna "Baby Face Marie" Lopez.
Let's learn a little bit about our beautiful and stylish contestants:
Mikayla "Miki Lin" Castillo - Contestant #2
What made you want to do this contest?
I enjoyed doing it last year and wanted to keep doing it.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Pueblo, CO.
How many years have you been doing this for?
Two years
What is your occupation?
Bartender and artist
What’s one thing that is most interesting about you?
I am very eccentric.
Cayla McDaniel - Contestant #3
What made you want to do this contest?
It seemed fun and my husband is from Raton.
Where are you from?
Denver, CO
How many years have you been doing this for?
This is my first year.
What is your occupation?
I work with disabled adults.
What is one thing that is most interesting about you?
I have a tarantella and pink snake as pets.
TieAnna "Baby Face Marie" Lopez - Contestant #4
What made you want to do this contest?
I've done this for 6 years and enjoyed every year that I have came out here.
Where are you from?
Raton
Why should you be Miss Run to Raton?
To give confidence to little girls and to make people join to see how much it fun it is!
How many years have you been doing this for?
6 years
What is your occupation?
Student
What is one thing that is most interesting about you?
I’m scared of needles but love to get tattoos.
Annie Lovato - Contestant #5
What made you want to do this contest?
I wanted to participate in a pin up competition.
Where are you from
Chacon, New Mexico
How many years have you been doing this for?
2 years
What is your occupation?
Pharmacist
What is one this most interesting about you?
I am a wild land firefighter and a truck driver.
LeeAnna Sisneros - Contestant #6
What made you want to do this contest?
I have done it every year. It's a tradition and is very fun.
Where are you from?
Raton
How do you feel about the contest?
I love it and have a lot of fun participating.
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
I am from Raton and someone from Raton should be the winner.
What is your occupation?
Barista
What is one thing that is most interesting about you?
I have been a barista for 7 years and didn’t like coffee when I started.
Johnie Blossom - Contestant #7
What made you want to do the contest?
I am a big lover of vintage fashion and style.
Where are you from?
Pueblo, CO
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
Because I love all things vintage.
How many years have you been doing this for?
This is my first year.
What is your occupation?
Surgical Technologist
What is one thing most interesting about you?
The love I have for 1960’s music.
Meagan Pacheco - Contestant #8
What made you want to do the contest?
I did it last year and had fun so I decided to do it again.
Where are you from?
Raton
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
I work with kids and have never been in any trouble, so I think I would be a good role model.
How many years have you been doing this for?
2 years
What is your occupation?
Educational Assistant at the Raton High School
What’s one thing that is most interesting about you?
I am a twin.
Victoria Gonzales - Contestant #9
What made you want to do this contest?
I did it last year and enjoyed it.
Where are you from?
Raton
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
To represent our small town.
How many years have you been doing this for?
2 years
What’s is your occupation?
Teacher for the Early Head Start.
What is one thing that is most interesting about you?
I always try to see the good in things instead of the bad.
Heather "Heather Marie" Thomason - Contestant #10
What made you want to do the contest?
I play too many sports and want to do something out of my confort zone.
Where are you from?
Raton
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
I am a contributor to the community.
How many years have you been doing this for?
First year
What is your occupation?
Behavioral Health
What is one thing most interesting about you?
My taste in music.
Darcy Riley - Contestant #11
What made you do the contest?
My friend.
Where are you from ?
Raton
How do you feel about the contest?
Something fun to do.
Why should you be Miss Run To Raton?
I am a cosmetologist and like makeup and [girly] stuff.
How many years have you been doing this?
2 years
What is your occupation?
Homemaker
What is one thing that is most interesting about you?
I love to watch the show Raised Ducks because I am allergic to chickens and eggs.
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