It’s the Miss Lake County pageant, but country version. Instead of singing and dancing, Rodeo Queen contestants show off their skills in a horsemanship round, followed by modeling, interview, speech and test on CCPRA rules.
Rodeo Queen and princess are two roles that are a huge part of Rodeo History. The Rodeo royalty represent Lake county and the Lake Country rodeo association for a year all around the state of California.
“Every year the Rodeo Board looks for girls between the ages of 12-14 and 15-24 to run for the position of rodeo queen and princess,” said longtime rodeo queen coordinator Greg Scott. “Women run for Rodeo royalty for a variety of reasons.”
“It allows them to get involved in their community and be a role model for people all around them” added former Rodeo Queen Jocelyn Riddle
The ideal candidate would have knowledge of California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association (CCPRA) rules, excellent horsemanship, as well as be able to compete in a modeling session, interview, and a speech. Former Rodeo Queen Joy Bennett expressed the differences between a rodeo queen competition and a Beauty pageant as “to be a rodeo queen you need to not only be able to present yourself, but you have to present and work with your horse.”
Winning this competition gives you the opportunity to be a voice in the community.
“You get the chance to be a role model and gain professional contacts for later in life,” said Bennett.
The Rodeo Royalty is required to attend rodeo board meetings and town functions such as parades, or other major events.
“Running for Rodeo Queen was one of the best, and most rewarding experiences,” said Riddle. “You learn so much about your county, as well as yourself.”
When it comes to running for Rodeo Royalty “Just go for it, you learn a lot being rodeo royalty” explained Riddle.
“Think it through, and be fully committed to the job,” added Bennett.
Riddle and Bennett both expressed how much this title/competition helped them become the people they are today and encouraged any potential contestants to go for it and run.
