That tradition continues Saturday, Aug. 8, when the 2026 Miss Sanpete County and Miss Sanpete’s Teen competitions take place at 7 p.m. at the Snow College Eccles Theatre, 300 E. Center Street in Ephraim. Admission is $10 per person.

Affiliated with the Miss America Organization, the Miss Sanpete County program places an emphasis on scholarship, personal achievement, leadership and community service. While the competition provides an opportunity for young women to showcase their talents and accomplishments, organizers say the program is about much more than a crown.

The Miss Sanpete County organization strives to create a supportive sisterhood where young women can strengthen their communication and public speaking abilities, develop leadership skills, discover and share their talents, and make a difference through service.

The current Miss Sanpete County, Ava Jensen of Mt. Pleasant, is an example of that commitment to education and service. A Snow College graduate, Jensen is pursuing a nursing degree and has chosen emergency preparedness as the focus of her Community Service Initiative.

Her initiative, “Crisis Smart: First Aid and CPR Awareness,” promotes education in first aid and CPR while encouraging individuals and families to be better prepared to respond when emergencies occur.

As Miss Sanpete County 2026, Jensen receives a $2,500 scholarship and will spend the year representing Sanpete County at community events throughout the area. She will also advance to compete in the Miss Utah competition.

The Miss Sanpete County royalty regularly participates in Sanpete County Fair events, parades, community celebrations, school activities and service projects throughout the year. Through those appearances, the royalty helps promote volunteerism, leadership and community pride.

The Miss Sanpete’s Teen program offers similar opportunities to younger participants. Open to eligible young women ages 12 to 17, the program focuses on developing confidence, leadership and service skills.

The current Miss Sanpete’s Teen, Kate Craven of Fairview, is attending Mountainland Technical College. Her Community Service Initiative, “Fight Like Wyguy: Childhood Cancer Awareness,” is especially personal.

Craven created the initiative to honor the memory of her younger brother, Wyatt, while raising awareness about childhood cancer and supporting children and families affected by the disease.

Craven receives a $500 cash award and will represent Sanpete County at the Miss Utah’s Teen Competition.

Organizers emphasize that previous pageant or royalty experience is not required to participate. Eligible young women who meet the age and residency requirements are encouraged to consider the program as an opportunity to grow, learn and become more involved in their communities.

The Miss Sanpete County program has been a part of Sanpete County history for more than 71 years, with generations of young women representing communities throughout the valley.

The list of former Miss Sanpete County titleholders reflects that long history. Recent queens include Lakely Brotherson of Wales in 2025, Anna Johnson of Ephraim in 2024, Gracy Christenson of Gunnison in 2023, Ashtyn Childs of Centerfield in 2022, Lydia Madsen of Fairview in 2020, Ally Brotherson of Mt. Pleasant in 2019 and Bellamy Sorensen of Centerfield in 2018.

The tradition extends back decades, with former titleholders representing Manti, Mt. Pleasant, Ephraim, Fairview, Gunnison, Moroni, Centerfield, Wales and other Sanpete communities.

Among the earlier titleholders were Suzanne Christensen of Gunnison in 1990, Jill Petersen of Manti in 1991, Carolyn Finlinson of Moroni in 1992, Molly Petersen of Manti in 1994, Holly Kay Dyreng of Manti in 1995, Laura Finlinson of Moroni in 1996, Katie Anderson of Ephraim in 1997 and Charlee Alynn of Mt. Pleasant in 2000.

The historical list also includes Jeannine Howell of Ephraim, the 1970 titleholder; Debra Howell of Manti in 1971; Charlotte Lowry of Manti in 1972; Rebecca Anderson of Manti in 1973; Carolyn Bench of Fairview in 1975; Stacey Rasmussen of Manti in 1976; and Rae Ann Rasmussen of Ephraim in 1977.

The tradition began even earlier, with Jeannette Bench of Fairview crowned in 1965 and Janice Franks of Ephraim serving in 1964. The 2021 competition was not held because of COVID-19.

Behind the annual competition is a dedicated board working to provide contestants with a positive and supportive experience. The Miss Sanpete County Board is led by Director Kristyn Bore, with Kera Peterson serving as assistant director, Brandy Lux as secretary, Jessica Lund as judges chair, Kayla Olson as production director, Denise Kroff overseeing donations and Anna Pettit handling social media.

The organization invites Sanpete County residents to attend the Aug. 8 competition and support the young women who are stepping forward to represent their communities.

The evening will celebrate not only the talents and accomplishments of the contestants, but also the qualities that have kept the Miss Sanpete County tradition strong for generations: education, service, leadership and a willingness to make a difference.

Those interested in competing, volunteering, sponsoring the program or requesting an appearance by the Miss Sanpete County royalty can find more information at misssanpetecounty.com.