The annual tryouts are an opportunity for talented young women to demonstrate their horsemanship, communication skills, personality and ability to represent the Sanpete County Fair Rodeo and communities throughout the county.

Contestants will compete in several areas during the tryouts, including a horsemanship pattern and interview, a “Wow the Crowd” performance, a short speech and a personal interview.

The competition will determine the next Sanpete County Fair Rodeo Royalty team, who will spend the coming year representing the rodeo at events throughout the area.

The winning royalty team will receive a variety of prizes and opportunities, including saddles, tack, a crown, a buckle, a clothing allowance and scholarship opportunities.

While the competition is an exciting part of the process, serving as rodeo royalty provides young women with opportunities to travel, meet people, develop leadership skills and become more involved in their communities.

The outgoing 2025-26 Sanpete County Fair Rodeo Royalty has spent the past year doing just that, representing the rodeo at parades, rodeos and other community events throughout Sanpete County.

Serving as the 2025-26 Sanpete County Rodeo Sweetheart was Kenley Kelso, daughter of Kurt and Lindsay Kelso.

Kelso said one of her favorite parts of the experience was the opportunity to travel throughout the county and make lasting memories with the other members of the royalty.

“I loved getting to travel all over the county for rodeos and parades,” Kelso said. “I was able to make memories I will remember forever alongside some great girls!”

Her year of service also gave Kelso a greater appreciation for the community she represented.

“Serving as Sweetheart showed me how much heart our community has, and I’ll always be grateful I got to be part of it!” she said.

Serving alongside Kelso as the 2025-26 Sanpete County Rodeo Sweetheart Attendant was Oaklee Harwood, daughter of Joss and Caitlin Harwood.

Harwood said the year provided opportunities to meet new people and form new friendships while watching and learning from Kelso in her leadership role.

“I have loved meeting new people along with making new connections,” Harwood said. “Watching Kenley in the leadership role has taught me what it really means to be a rodeo queen. She shows passion and kindness everywhere she goes!”

Harwood said the experiences and friendships she made during the year will stay with her.

“I have made so many great memories I will never forget!” she said.

The 2025-26 Sanpete County Rodeo Princess was Whitlee Wignall, daughter of Zeb and Aimee Wignall.

Wignall said representing Sanpete County as princess alongside the other members of the royalty was an experience she will always remember.

She especially enjoyed attending rodeos and parades throughout the county and building friendships with the other members of the royalty. Fair week was particularly meaningful because of the time the group was able to spend together.

Wignall also said she looked up to Kelso during the year and hopes that her own experience will someday lead her to follow in Kelso’s footsteps as Sanpete County Rodeo Sweetheart.

Serving as the 2025-26 Sanpete County Rodeo Princess Attendant was Hadlee Crane, daughter of Brady and Bradie Crane.

Crane said one of her favorite parts of the year was getting to know and work alongside the other members of the royalty.

She particularly enjoyed fair week and the opportunity to participate in a “day on the farm.” Crane said the experience allowed her to try new things while pursuing her goals with determination.

“Serving this past year has been a wonderful experience, and she is grateful for the memories and friendships she has made along the way,” according to her reflections on the year.

Together, Kelso, Harwood, Wignall and Crane have represented the Sanpete County Fair Rodeo at events across the county, helping promote the rodeo and the annual Sanpete County Fair while building connections with residents along the way.

As their year of service comes to a close, a new group of young women will have the opportunity to step forward and take on those responsibilities.

The 2026-27 Sanpete County Fair Rodeo Royalty Tryouts will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. Contestants will be judged on their horsemanship, performance, speaking and interview skills as they compete for the opportunity to wear the crown and represent the Sanpete County Fair Rodeo during the coming year.

With prizes ranging from saddles and tack to a crown, buckle, clothing allowance and scholarship opportunities, the tryouts offer plenty of incentive. But for the young women who have served in previous years, the most valuable rewards may be the friendships, experiences, memories and connections made along the way.

The Sanpete County Fair Rodeo looks forward to welcoming the next royalty team and wishes all of this year’s contestants the best of luck.