Gabe Shepherd, right, Benton County commissioner, Sierra Anderson, City of Corvallis emergency manager, and Leo Williamson, a forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry, pause for a photo during the Wildfire Readiness Fair in Corvallis on May 2.
Exterior construction progress is seen at the future Benton County Courthouse in Corvallis.
Benton County has announced the winning design for the official 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo logo after strong community participation in the countywide “Design Rodeo” contest.
The selected winner is “Cow Tag”, created by Cassandra “CJ” Judd of Corvallis. Judd’s design will be the official look of the 2026 fair and will appear on posters, social media, merchandise and other promotional materials.
The contest ran from November through February and invited artists of all ages to submit original designs based on the theme Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights. After reviewing entries, the Benton County Fair Board and fair organizers selected four finalists. Voting was then opened to the public online and through community outreach, with combined results choosing the winner.
Because of the strong response, the Design Rodeo will become an annual contest. Organizers hope it will continue to involve the community in shaping and celebrating the fair each year.
“I approached the contest with the goal of creating something that felt true to the roots of the Benton County Fair and Rodeo while still being adaptable across everything from merchandise to signage,” Judd said. “The Cow Tag concept was designed as a recognizable, story-driven badge that brings together the full scope of the event—from livestock and rodeo to the energy of summer nights—while holding up across a range of applications. As someone deeply connected to the rodeo and agriculture communities, it’s incredibly rewarding to see it selected, and I’m excited to see it leave its mark across the county.”
Judd is an independent creative director based in Corvallis.
As the winning artist, Judd will receive a share of proceeds from commemorative merchandise along with an “Ultimate Fair Experience” package.
The Benton County Fair and Rodeo is held each year in Corvallis and brings thousands of visitors for agricultural exhibits, entertainment, carnival attractions and rodeo events. Ticket sales for the 2026 fair open May 15.
The 4th Annual Spring Stampede, an all-girls rodeo set for May 16, 2026, at the Benton County Fairgrounds, returns for a full day of competition, community and celebration of cowgirls in the arena.
The event brings together female competitors of all ages for a fun, supportive and competitive day of rodeo, featuring events like team roping, breakaway roping, pole bending, barrel racing and goat tying. Spectators can expect fast runs, big rides and a chance to cheer on talented athletes from across the region.
In Benton County, rodeo is more than a one-day event, it’s a tradition built by volunteers and families with a shared passion for the sport.
Behind the Spring Stampede is the Benton County Rodeo Committee, a volunteer-led group that works year-round to organize rodeo events, build partnerships and create opportunities for competitors.
For committee chair Nicole Schrock, that work is rooted in a lifelong connection to rodeo.
Schrock grew up in Benton County as a 4-H member, raising rabbits and spending time at the fair, but it was the rodeo that captured her attention.
“I would sneak away to watch,” she said. “I was just enthralled by the athletes, both human and livestock, and the culture around it.”
That early fascination turned into years of involvement. Schrock was named Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 2007 and went on to serve as Miss Northwest Professional Rodeo Association in 2010 and Miss Rodeo Oregon in 2013. Over time, those experiences helped prepare her to take on leadership roles, including the integral part she played in launching Benton County’s all-girls rodeo events, the Spring Stampede and the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo that happens at the Benton County Fair & Rodeo each year.
Now in its fourth year, the Spring Stampede builds on that vision and the success of the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo at the Benton County Fair.
“It’s about creating a place where women and girls can compete and support each other,” Schrock said. “That camaraderie is something special.”
Support from sponsors and the community has helped the event grow, increasing participation and expanding prize opportunities for competitors.
Beyond competition, the Spring Stampede reflects a broader rodeo culture in Benton County that is grounded in family, tradition and a welcoming environment.
“It’s a unique community,” Schrock said. “There’s a lot of heart, a lot of support, and people really believe in what these events represent.”
Entries are now open for Spring Stampede competitors.
The event provides fun for the whole family, no matter your rodeo knowledge, so community members are encouraged to come support the riders.
“Join us for a day celebrating cowgirls in the arena,” said 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Jessica McClennan. “This all-girls rodeo brings together competitors of all ages for a fun, supportive and competitive day of rodeo. Come out to watch some great runs, big rides and cheer on these talented cowgirls.”
The Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo takes place at the Benton County Fair and Rodeo this year, continuing to expand opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
For updates and event details, follow the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen page, managed by this year’s Fair Queen Jessica McLennan, on Facebook or via email at corvallisrodeo@gmail.com.
Learn more about Jessica and the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Program.
Contestants compete during the 2025 Spring Stampede at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The event brings together riders from across the region for a day of competition and community. (Photos by Ladd Halupa)
TOP IMAGE: Nicole Schrock addresses the crowd from horseback during the 2025 Spring Stampede at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The annual event highlights opportunities for women and girls in rodeo. (Photo by Ladd Halupa)
In neighborhoods across Benton County, a quiet transformation is about to begin. It’s one that starts with as little as 50 square feet of soil and a willingness to try something new.
Nature Neighbors , a partnership of the Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Preservation District, is a new program in Benton County to help residents turn everyday spaces into thriving habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Through hands-on guidance, small grants and community support, the program empowers people to make meaningful environmental change where they live.
For Sara Roberts, the program is both a professional project and a personal mission.
Roberts, a community engagement coordinator with Benton Soil and Water Preservation District, leads outreach efforts that include public-facing programs, K-12 field trips and one-on-one support for property owners. At the heart of that work is a simple idea: anyone can help wildlife, regardless of how much space they have.
“People don’t need a large property to make a difference,” Roberts said. “This program shows that even a small plot can create valuable habitat connections across neighborhoods and, ultimately, larger-scale wildlife corridors.”
The program also reflects a broader vision from Greenbelt Land Trust to connect people, land and wildlife across the region.
“Greenbelt Land Trust is co-launching Nature Neighbors with the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, a demonstration of the strong partnership between these two organizations that goes back decades. Greenbelt sees collaborations as the key to successful conservation,” said Jessica McDonald, Greenbelt Land Trust executive director. “By jointly stewarding this emerging community program, we are leveraging the strengths of both organizations and building a program that is lasting.”
McDonald said even small actions taken by individual households can have a meaningful impact at a larger scale.
“Even a small native habitat can make a big difference for wildlife,” she said. “By transforming urban spaces, even micro yards, into flourishing mini native habitats, we are creating habitat stepping stones that traverse our communities, enabling wildlife to move, adapt and thrive.”
The Nature Neighbors program focuses on replacing invasive plants with native species, improving soil health and building landscapes that are more resilient to drought and wildfire. Participants receive guidance through a step-by-step certification process that includes site visits, a habitat handbook and personalized recommendations. Those who complete the program earn a yard sign recognizing their contribution to local habitat.
And the effort goes beyond plants.
Roberts said residents can incorporate features like birdhouses, water sources and pollinator habitat while learning how to make their spaces more supportive for wildlife overall.
Equity is also a key part of the program’s design. Mini scholarships and small grants help offset the cost of plants and tools, ensuring more people can participate.
“For those who need assistance, a volunteer cohort including students from Oregon State University can help with installation and maintenance, making the program more accessible to older adults and others who may not be able to do the work themselves,” she said.
Roberts said the idea for a program like this has been years in the making.
“When I first got into native plant gardening, there just wasn’t much support,” she said. “I remember doing all the research on my own and wishing something like this existed. This community has a strong culture of people who want to be a part of a growing habitat movement. We just needed a way to provide the right resources.”
Michael Ahr, executive director for Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, said the program is an opportunity to get more community members involved in practical, hands-on conservation work.
“We’ve spent a lot of time working with private landowners on larger properties,” Ahr said. “Nature Neighbors gives us a chance to engage smaller property owners in that same work, especially when it comes to controlling non-native species and improving habitat.When more property owners take part, the benefits add up across the community.”
Nature Neighbors builds on successful models across Oregon, including the Backyard Habitat Certification Program in the Portland metro area, and similar efforts in Marion, Polk, Lane and Yamhill counties. Now, Benton County is bringing that approach to its own communities, with a focus on local needs and partnerships.
For Benton County Sustainability Coordination Jennifer Brown, the program aligns closely with broader County goals that prioritize sustainability.
“The Nature Neighbors program helps people preserve and create habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife,” Brown said. “This program gives community members a meaningful way to make a difference.”
That impact extends beyond individual yards. By encouraging native plantings and better land stewardship, the program supports stormwater management, biodiversity and climate resilience across the County.
“It’s going to take us all to preserve what we have,” Brown added.
Community members interested in getting involved can enroll in the program and learn more at the Nature Neighbors website. An upcoming public information session on April 29 will offer a chance to explore how to get started and connect with program partners.
As more residents take part, the vision is simple but powerful: a patchwork of small, intentional spaces can grow together into something much larger.The path to healthier ecosystems can start right outside the front door.
Road Crew members work in the field to improve infrastructure and support safe travel throughout Benton County.
Inside the former United Methodist Church in Monroe, neighbors gathered around tables Wednesday, March 18, for a hot meal and conversation at the South Benton Resource Center’s monthly Community Lunch.
The lunch, held at noon every third Wednesday of the month, is free and open to the public, with donations accepted. The center is located at 648 Orchard St. in Monroe.
Benton County commissioners Malone, Shepherd and Wyse attended the lunch, highlighting the importance of supporting rural communities and staying connected to the people and programs that help meet local needs. Their presence reflects a shared commitment to ensuring residents across the County have access to food, services and opportunities to connect.
City of Monroe Mayor Dan Sheets said the lunch is a simple but powerful way to bring people together.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, have a meal and socialize,” Sheets said. “We definitely encourage folks to come here and socialize, and if you have a need, I’m certain that they can help somehow.”
The South Benton Resource Center is a nonprofit that serves Monroe and rural South Benton County. Its mission centers on building community around a shared table while offering essential services and gathering spaces.
Programs at the center include the South Benton Food Pantry, which provides fresh food, staples and necessities to area residents. The center also operates a commercial kitchen that hosts the monthly community lunch and a free community breakfast on the first Saturday of each month.
Kepi Nak-Nak Café, located in the downstairs commons next to the kitchen, is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays as a place for people to gather over coffee or a meal. Heritage Hall offers space for concerts, meetings and milestone events. The Vina Moses Room provides clothing and household essentials through a local partnership. Each August, the center hosts the Blackberry Jamboree, an annual community celebration.
Robin Frojen prepares the monthly lunch. She said the meals are about more than food.
“I’m making the community lunch for our community of Monroe,” Frojen said. “This is just really important for our community and making sure our community has warm, healthy meals that are accessible to everybody.”
Frojen recently retired after nearly 30 years as a chef and food scientist at Oregon State University. She said volunteering at the center allows her to continue doing what she loves while giving back.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I have been a chef for 30 years and a food scientist, and retired almost two years ago from the university, and I’m doing exactly what I love to be doing, and now I can actually make an impact. This community is something great, it really is.”
For more information about the South Benton Resource Center and its programs, visit www.sbrcenter.org.
Community members, local leaders and housing advocates gathered Thursday, March 19 to break ground on Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development aimed at helping people experiencing chronic homelessness in Benton County.
The project, led by Corvallis Housing First, will provide housing paired with services such as health care, behavioral health support and case management. When complete, it will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis. The facility will include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, on-site services and community spaces.
All three Benton County commissioners attended the event, underscoring the County’s commitment to expanding housing options and supporting coordinated efforts to address homelessness.
Board Chair Pat Malone shared remarks during the ceremony before joining partners and other local and state leaders to turn over the first shovel of dirt.
“On behalf of Benton County, we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing residents move into Third Street Commons and begin new chapters in their lives,” Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone said.
Permanent supportive housing combines stable housing with services designed to help people maintain housing and improve their overall well-being. Project partners said the development will help fill a critical gap in the community’s continuum of care.
“This project has been years in the making and reflects the hard work of many partners who believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to live,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.
For people who have experienced homelessness, the project represents more than a new building. It also represents stability, affordability and a path forward.
Dominic Marchese, a local who has benefitted from supportive services, said Corvallis Housing First has already had a life-changing impact.
“I’m forever indebted to this place because they saved my life,” Marchese said. “I’m hoping to have an apartment here.”
He said the support provided goes beyond housing.
“It makes me feel great that there are organizations out here to help people who are struggling,” Marchese said. “They’re life-saving.”
Jason Sutherland, another local who has received housing support through Corvallis Housing First, said stable housing has been critical during ongoing health challenges.
“Everybody with Housing First has just been phenomenal,” Sutherland said. “They’ve been there for me through everything.”
Sutherland said the organization helped him secure housing and has continued to support him as his health has declined.
“They’re looking out for people, not just those with addiction, but people with serious health conditions,” he said.
Project leaders said the effort reflects years of planning and collaboration among Corvallis Housing First, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other public and private partners.
Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.
Organizers said the groundbreaking marks an important step toward expanding supportive housing and helping more people in Benton County stabilize and rebuild their lives.
Photos from the event are available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/196115871@N03/albums/72177720332612970
Benton County launched its recognition of Women’s History Month on March 3 with a proclamation before the Board of Commissioners. Now, the County is highlighting a special week within the month. National Women’s Military History Week, observed annually from March 16-20, honors the service, sacrifices and achievements of women in the U.S. armed forces.
One of the women veterans who serves the County every day is Katalin “Kathy” Pusztavari, who served in the U.S. Army before continuing her commitment to public service through her work supporting law enforcement operations and community programs in Benton County.
Pusztavari served in the Army as a legal specialist. She was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Lewis, Washington, where she assisted Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorneys and supported legal operations.
Her fellow service members and opportunities to travel were among the most meaningful parts of her military experience.
“I enjoyed the people I worked with and the roles and responsibilities in the various installations I was stationed at,” Pusztavari said. “I also loved the east coast and the trips I took on vacation to view Virginia, Georgia and Florida.”
Today, Pusztavari supports the Benton County Sheriff’s Office as a Policy and Accreditation Specialist. Her work focuses on ensuring agency policies and forms are up to date and gathering documentation required to maintain professional accreditation standards.
She also coordinates several community outreach efforts, including the Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy, National Prescription Drug Take Back events and preparation of the agency’s annual report.
Pusztavari said the skills she developed during military service continue to influence the way she approaches her work today.
“My job requires me to be methodical in record keeping and tracking items,” she said. “In the military I learned to keep inventory of my own items, assist JAG attorneys and follow the chain of command.”
Those lessons, she said, continue to guide her work in a structured law enforcement environment.
“Working in the military also taught me to respect ranking officers and non-commissioned officers and understand how organizations function within a chain of command,” she said.
Pusztavari said many veterans quietly continue their commitment to service long after their military careers end.
“You never know if you are working next to someone who has served,” she said. “Some people may not want to advertise that they have served, but most have likely found it a privilege and honor.”
Learn more about Benton County’s recognition of Women’s History Month:
https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/benton-county-celebrates-womens-history-month/
Learn more about Women’s Military History Month:
https://www.military.com/history/womens-history-month
Jessica McLennan was crowned the 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen on Feb. 7, during a celebratory evening at the Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds where community members gathered to honor royalty, volunteers and the tradition behind the fair and rodeo.
Behind the scenes, Kristi Schrock has spent 20 years helping young women step into boots that carry more than sparkle and fringe.
As chair of the Benton County Fair Board and longtime adviser to the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen program, Schrock serves as the primary organizer and contact for the pageant. Contestants and families reach out to her for applications, guidance and support. She also helps coordinate the annual coronation and oversees the program as part of the fair board’s work.
“This year is my 20th year of running the program,” Schrock said. “These gals all become part of our family.”
The program, which began in 2001, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2026, marking 25 years of royal tradition and youth leadership in Benton County.
The Benton County Fair dates back to the early days of Oregon statehood, when the Benton Agricultural Society began hosting small fairs to showcase local agriculture. The first official county fair was held in 1913 on the grounds of Oregon Agricultural College, now Oregon State University.
The modern fairgrounds were established in 1957 when the county purchased 20 acres of land. Over the years, the fair expanded to include 4-H, Future Farmers of America, carnival rides, live music and rodeo events to celebrate agriculture and Western heritage.
The rodeo queen tradition traces back to Oregon as well. The first official rodeo queen in the world was crowned at the 1910 Pendleton Round-Up. Today, rodeo queens serve as ambassadors for their communities across the state and country.
In Benton County, the first court was selected in 2001. Since 2003, the program has featured a single ambassador: the Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen.
Schrock said the program is about far more than appearances.
“It’s the history of the Western culture out here,” she said. “But really, to me, it’s mostly about excellence in a lot of different areas.”
Contestants are judged on public speaking, horsemanship and knowledge. The role also demands travel, early mornings and long days.
“You get up at 2:30 in the morning to wash the horse, get everything ready, get it loaded up, make your way across the mountain pass,” Schrock said. “It’s remarkable to see young people be able to live up to it.”
Jesse Ott, Benton County’s natural areas, parks and events director, said the queens are a symbol of the fair.
“They’re our symbol of the fair,” Ott said. “They inspire young people. They put themselves out there in front of everybody and do it with poise and professionalism.”
Ott said the rodeo is a major part of the fair, and the queen plays an important role in promoting the event and connecting with the 4-H and agricultural communities.
Schrock said the queen often serves as the first impression of Benton County when she travels to events across Oregon.
“They actually become an ambassador for not only our fair, but our county,” she said. “Oftentimes your queen is somebody’s first impression of your county.”
She said the growth over the yearlong reign is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
“You see them when they come in and you’re super impressed with them just to try out,” she said. “But the growth they have over the year is incredible.”
The program is tailored to each young woman’s goals. Two co-advisers, both former Benton County queens, help mentor the current titleholder and provide continuity.
“We look at each girl as an individual,” Schrock said. “Depending on what their goals in life are, that’s how we support them that year.”
McLennan said the role is a dream she has had since childhood.
“Since I was 6, I’ve looked up to the rodeo queens,” she said. “Stepping into this role as that person that I know those young girls are looking up to is so incredible and full circle for me.”
McLennan has been involved in 4-H for a decade and said serving as queen gives her a new way to stay connected as she transitions out of the youth program.
“It’s so rewarding to close out my years in 4-H with this new title and new responsibility,” she said.
She is especially looking forward to the upcoming rodeo season, which will be the final chapter for her longtime horse, Willow.
“This is my last thing that I get to do with my horse that I grew up with,” she said. “I’m excited to spend that time with her and do something cool as her last hurrah.”
McLennan will be retiring Willow from competition/showing after this year.
Both Schrock and McLennan said the program fosters strong relationships, not just within Benton County, but across the state.
At coronation events and fairs, queens from other counties attend to support one another. Schrock said those connections reflect the broader collaboration seen throughout the agricultural and rodeo community.
“We try really hard to connect with our counterparts in other counties to learn from each other and support each other,” she said. “It’s amazing the connections that can be made.”
McLennan said the fair and rodeo bring the community together in a unique way.
“You get to have your whole community in one spot,” she said. “You get to make those connections and friendships that last.”
As Benton County celebrates 25 years of its rodeo royalty program, organizers say the milestone is about more than crowns and sashes. It is about leadership, service and honoring a tradition that continues to shape generations.
Join the Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen at the 2026 Spring Stampede
Header Photo:
From left: Kristi Schrock; 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen Jessica McLennan with her horse, Willow; Adrienne Montgomery; and Jesse Crampton. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)