Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen program celebrates 25 years of leadership, tradition
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.
A tradition rooted in Oregon history
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.
More than a crown
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.
An ambassador for the county
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.”
A full-circle moment
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.
Building community connections
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)
