2026 Miss California Rodeo Contest Entry Info

(Horsemanship and Personality & Appearance Judging)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
8:15 A.M. Horsemanship judging begins at the Monterey County Sheriff's Posse Grounds.
Open to the public. No admission charges.
5:30 P.M. Doors open in the Rodeo Room (enter thru Tunnel 4).
6:00 P.M. Judging of on-stage Personality and Appearance in the California Rodeo Room begins.
Family and friends are welcome. Open to the public and no admission charges.

THURSDAY, JULY 2
ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2026 MISS CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS
Announcement will be made via carodeo.com and the Rodeo’s social media channels.

Each July, several young women converge upon Salinas to participate in the challenge of becoming the next Miss California Rodeo Salinas. Contest Chairman Laurie LaVelle and California Rodeo President Bob Eggers invite you to join the competition of the Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest and the celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the California Rodeo Salinas!

The contest winner will receive a $3,000 cash scholarship to be used at the college of her choice, a gold and silver trophy belt buckle, the use of a two-horse trailer for one year, along with many other lovely gifts and the honor of wearing the Miss California Rodeo Salinas gold and silver tiara.



Eligibility
Competition is open to young women 18 – 24 years of age. Contestants must be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2026 without having turned 25 by July 31, 2026. Contestants may enter the contest a maximum of three times, but may only win once.

In order to be eligible, contestants must represent either a recognized horsemen’s organization or another recognized community organization (not commercial). Miss California Rodeo 2026 will have numerous and rewarding opportunities and experiences during her reign. If any contestant entering the 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest currently holds a queen title representing another rodeo or horse organization, she will be eligible to compete in our contest with specific conditions outlined in the Contestant Contract. There is no entry fee for the privilege of competing.

Scoring
Contestants are judged on horsemanship (40%), personality (30%), appearance (20%) and scholarship (10%). Horsemanship will include a pattern that demonstrates your horsemanship abilities and a presentation run on your own horse. Each contestant will also participate in a draw for the exchange of contestants’ horses. The same pattern or one similar will be performed by each contestant on the horse selected in the draw. Personality and appearance judging will involve a brief private interview and friendly impromptu questions before an audience. The scholarship section will include a short examination.

Application Process
Applications will be accepted from February 14th to April 27th.

Once you have made the decision to compete for the title of Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026, you will need to fill out an online application including uploading an essay (between 350 and 500 words, .doc format) and one (1) color 8x10 photo (at least 300 dpi, jpg format) of a head and shoulder shot in western attire with hat and no personal crown or sash. Your photograph and any others taken in connection with the event may be used to publicize the California Rodeo.

Details on accommodations during the contest are in the contestant contract. All contestants must be accompanied by a chaperone.

Upon the approval of your application and followed by the receipt of forms with signatures for the CRS Liability Waiver, the MCSP Waiver and the Contestant Contract all by Docusign (via email and due by May 1, 2026), a detailed information packet will be sent to each contestant. The packet will include guidelines and rules for each category of the contest, a contest itinerary, a list of recommended attire, and more.

If you have questions regarding the application or the contest, please do not hesitate to call the Rodeo Office @ (831) 775-3100 and ask for Laurie LaVelle.