The “Whoopie Girl” began with the vision of Ogden City Mayor Harman W. Peery to create an iconic image that would help promote the Ogden Pioneer Days celebration. The original Whoopie Girl was a charming young woman named Lorene Donaldson, who won a contest to serve as the public face of the event. Mayor Peery’s original inspiration for the Ogden Pioneer Days Whoopie Girl, which was the original spelling, came from an image on the cover of Film Fun, painted by a popular artist of the times, Enoch Bolles. From that day on, the image of the Whoopie Girl has been the symbol of Ogden Pioneer Days, Utah’s biggest and best statehood celebration.
Interested candidates will be invited to a tryout, based on approved qualifications. To be considered for a tryout, please review the provided information and eligibility requirements and submit an application by 11:59 p.m. on April 22, 2024. Tryouts will be held on May 1 at 5:30 p.m.—location to be announced.
Today’s Whoopie Girls, seen only at Ogden Pioneer Days, are a far cry from being a poster girl for a celebration. The Whoopie Girls are amazing horsewomen and ride each night of the rodeo, flying the flags of our most valued sponsors. Members of the group are chosen by audition and provide and care for her own horses. The Whoopie Girls serve as goodwill ambassadors for Ogden Pioneer Days, making appearances and participating in many events and activities during the monthlong celebration.
Candace Gruber
Crystal Gruber
Erin Johnson
Gracey Larue
Savanah Theobald
Shyann Burnhope
Sonia Jewkes
Stephanie Kunz
Payton Johnson
Jaylee Rasmussen
Shelby Shaw
Katie Hansen
Jessica Watkins
Leah Frecker
Kenzlie Johnson
Faythe Yarbrough
Mia Phelps
Seirra Cheyney
Kenlie Tams
Blake Cook
Riley Heszler
Keyera Barton
Carly Cheyney
Kaydee Bearce
Shyann Burnhope
Mylee Dolan
Miyreya Flores
Leah Frecker
Candace Gruber
Crystal Gruber
Katie Hansen
Meghan Hayden
Sonia Jewkes
Erin Johnson
Kenzlie Johnson
Payton Johnson
Stephanie Kunz
Gracey Larue
Abi Lyman
Morgan Lyman
Jaylee Rasmussen
Madie Rhoades
Shelby Shaw
Savanah Theobald
Jessica Watkins
Faythe Yarbrough
Kaydee Bearce
Shyann Burnhope
Miyreya Flores
Candace Gruber
Crystal Gruber
Meghan Hayden
Bailey Howell
Sonia Jewkes
Erin Johnson
Payton Johnson
Chancy Kelley
Alaina Kruitbosch
Stephanie Kunz
Abi Lyman
Kennadie McFarland
Hannah Randall
Jaylee Rasmussen
Madie Rhoades
Sisalee Richins
Kylee Sides
Hailey Slone
Jemey Summarell
Savanah Theobald
Honorary Whoopie Girl
Payton Johnson
Kaydee Bearce
Shyann Burnhope
Candace Gruber
Katie Hansen
Meghan Hayden
Paige Holmes
Crystal Housley
Bailey Howell
Sonia Jewkes
Erin Johnson
Maddie Joiner
Chancy Kelley
Kristin Kingsley
Stephanie Kunz
Grace Larue
Kennadie McFarland
Hannah Randall
Madie Rhoades
Hailey Slone
Hailee Smith
Hannah Smith
Ashlee Vernon
Jessica Watkins
Kinlee Wooden
