Monday evening is the deadline for sign-up by those interested in participating in the 2026 Rodeo Queens contest.
The final organizational meeting for this year’s contest is set for 6 p.m. Monday, July 6, at the Sheriff’s Posse Arena. The arena is located on the west side of FM 115 between the I-30 South Service Road and the FM 21 intersection.
Each girl in the older four divisions will receive a study book, non-mandatory practices, and one-on-one help to meet their needs for the one-day competition. The contest is sponsored by the Sheriff’s Posse of Franklin County, with coronation ceremonies culminating at the organization's annual three-day Labor Day Weekend Rodeo.
“Our goal is that each girl walks away and can say they learned something, whether that be how to change a lead, give a speech, or walk with confidence,” stated Jocee Neal, contest organizer.
Contestants will receive 10 percent back of all money turned in from their fundraising efforts. In addition, the Queen contestant will receive a $1,500 scholarship to help with her expenses in representing the local organization at events throughout the year.
The registration fee or sponsorship is $100 per contestant, and multiple sponsors are allowed. Contestants will be required to sell $300 in tickets for a retail gift card to be given away. These funds are used to award prizes and honors to the contestants.
Titles will be awarded in five age divisions, including Sweetheart, ages 0-6 (a non-compete division based on ticket sales only), Junior Princess, ages two-six, Princess, ages 7-11, Teen Queen, ages 12-15, and Queen, ages 16-24. Contestants’ residences are not limited to any specific distance from the county.
Each contestant in the older four divisions will be judged in horsemanship, modeling, interview, and impromptu question categories. The Queen division competition will include extemporaneous speaking as part of the overall score. Separate awards will be presented in each division for each category.
Ms. Neal is handling the registration and non-mandatory practices for the contest. Requests for information may be sent via email to joceeneal@yahoo.com or texted to 903-588-6063.
