Royalty Court 2026

Members of the Rodeo Royalty Court are leaders within the community with a passion for rodeo and western traditions. They are the face of the Kodiak Fairgrounds but especially the Rodeo and State Fair. They act as ambassadors to the sport of rodeo and the western way of life by connecting with the public. They promote events, interact with the public, act as mentors and role models to other young women, and educate and celebrate western traditions.

1. Complete an application and submit it by May 1st, 2026.

2. Review the judging score cards included in the application packet and on this website to prepare for try outs.

3. Interview and riding demo dates and times will be scheduled with all contestants.

4. Riding patterns will be sent out 1 week from the demonstration date.

5. Complete your interview and riding demo.

6. Attend coronation.

• Queen: 19-35

• Princess: 16-18

• Little Miss Queen: 13-15

• Little Miss Princess: 10-12

• Sweetheart: 7-9

May 1st, 2026.

• Must be between 7 and 35 years old.

• All contestants must complete the court application and submit it by the deadline (May 1st, 2026)

• All contestants must sign the statement of understanding that they are committing themselves to photo shoots, promotional events, appearances, and interviews during their reign (part of the application packet).

• Queen and Princess contestants must have access to a horse capable of completing the riding demonstration for try outs, capable of carrying a flag, and riding in a parade.

• Little Miss Queen, Little Miss Princess, and Sweetheart must have access to a horse for try outs. The horse does not need to be capable of carrying a flag or riding in a parade.

• Contestants do not need to own or lease a horse, but they must have consistent and predictable access.

• Interviews: To be announced.

• Riding Demonstrations: To be announced.

• Coronation: June 14th during the Summer Series’ Round up on the Rock at the Kodiak Fairgrounds.

Interviews are held at the Kodiak Fairgrounds.

A panel of three judges interviews each contestant individually.

Questions consist of general rodeo knowledge, Kodiak Rodeo specific knowledge, and personality questions.

An interview lasts roughly 30 minutes.

At the end of the interview, each contestant will have their photo taken as part of the judging process and to facilitate winner announcements.

Blank score cards are available for review to get a better idea of what judges will be looking for. The score cards can be found on this website as well as in the application packet.

All contestants are assigned a time slot, typically on the same date, to complete riding demonstrations. This is usually the same date as the interviews.

The riding pattern is selected from the list of Horsemanship Patterns through the American Quarter Horse Association.

A panel of three judges will be assessing each contestant on their control and skill at executing the provided pattern.

Patterns are sent out to each contestant one week before demonstrations.

A blank score card is available for review to better understand what the judges will be looking for. The score card can be found on this website and in the application packet.

A maximum of 100 points can be awarded:

• 35 points in Personality (confident, engaging, authentic, and memorable)

• 30 points in Rodeo Knowledge (general rodeo knowledge and Kodiak Rodeo specific knowledge)

• 20 points in Appearance (styling, grooming, poise, photogenic qualities, overall effect)

• 15 points in Horsemanship (riding demonstration completing an AQHA Horsemanship Pattern)

Review the scoring cards that are available on this website and in the application packet for more specific breakdowns of each category.