LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Rodeo Queen competition is much like the Miss Lake County pageant, only the country version.
Instead of singing and dancing, rodeo queen contestants show off their skills in a horsemanship round, followed by modeling, interview and speech, and test on rules from the California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association, or CCPRA.
Rodeo queen and princess are two roles that are a huge part of rodeo history.
Rodeo royalty represents Lake County and the Lake County Rodeo Association for a year all around the state of California.
“Every year the rodeo board looks for girls between the ages of 12 to 14 and 15 to 24 to run for the position of rodeo queen and princess,” said longtime rodeo queen coordinator Greg Scott.
He said young women run for rodeo royalty for a variety of reasons.
Jocelyn Riddle, who represented Lake County as its 2012 rodeo queen, offered ideas about why young women participate. “It allows them to get involved in their community and be a role model for people all around them.”
Scott said the ideal candidate would have knowledge of CCPRA rules and excellent horsemanship, be able to compete in a modeling session and interview, and give a speech.
Joy Bennett, who served as rodeo queen for 2013, explained the differences between a rodeo queen competition and a beauty pageant.
“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,” she said.
Riddle said winning the competition offers the opportunity to be a voice in the community.
Bennett added, “You get the chance to be a role model and gain professional contacts for later in life.”
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 queen or princess, Riddle advised, “Just go for it, you learn a lot being rodeo royalty.”
“Think it through, and be fully committed to the job,” said Bennett.
Both Riddle and Bennett expressed how much the competition and holding the title helped them become the people they are today, and they encouraged any young women interested in becoming contestants to take part.
Any interested girls should contact Greg Scott at 707-263-5350 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application.
Kimberly Fischer was born and raised in Lake County, and served as the 2010 Lake County Rodeo princess. She is studying communications at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock.
Rodeo royalty: An insider’s look at the Lake County Rodeo Queen competition
- Kimberly Fischer
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