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.
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.”
Kristi Schrock, chair of the Benton County Fair Board and longtime adviser to the Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen program, stands at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. Schrock has helped lead the program for 20 years as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)
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.
2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen Jessica McLennan rides her horse, Willow, at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. McLennan said this year’s rodeo season will be the final one for Willow before the horse is retired from competition. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)
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.
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)
Benton County announces a change in the main stage lineup for Friday, August 1. Completely Unchained, the Van Halen tribute band scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m., is unable to appear. Local band The Raven Kingswill fill the headliner spot, with Skynny Lyzyrd as the opening act.
Concerts and rodeos are included in the cost of Fair admission.
The Raven Kings won the Battle of the Bands competition held at the Fair on Thursday, and Skynny Lyzyrd was the runner-up. As winners, The Raven Kings were expecting to play on August 1 at 7 p.m. to open for Completely Unchained. When fair organizers found out late Thursday night that the scheduled musicians would not be able to get to Corvallis in time to perform, they extended an invitation to The Raven Kings to take the headliner spot.
“Both of the bands were thrilled at the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Fair, and we’re happy to turn this into a paying gig for them,” said Jesse Ott, the County’s director of Natural Areas Parks & Events. “We’re excited to support local musicians, and the crowd at Battle of the Bands really liked them.”
The Raven Kings are a heavy blues and rock band based in Salem, Ore. They play covers and original songs, so Ott says, “There will probably be some Van Halen covers in their set Friday night. Fans who were looking forward to hearing Completely Unchained should still consider turning out.”
Co-lead singer Ish Phoenix shared the band’s enthusiasm about the change in lineup. “With a heart full of gratitude, I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Benton County Fair & Rodeo with The Raven Kings. There is nothing better than turning music into memories.”
The members of Completely Unchained were stranded in an airport when all flights out of the Washington, D.C. area were grounded on July 31 by thunderstorms and flash flooding along the Eastern seaboard.
The 2025 Benton County Fair continues through Saturday, August 2. Find more information at bentoncountyfair.net.
The 2024 Benton County Fair & Rodeo starts July 31 through Aug. 3, and this year’s Fair and Rodeo Queen, Naomi Bailey, will be sharing the spotlight with her remarkable Mustang, Ochoco. Naomi, an Oregon State University student, trained Ochoco through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge, a competition that challenges young trainers to tame wild horses. Their journey, filled with dedication and mutual respect, will be on full display during the rodeo’s halftime show.
Mark your calendars, the Benton County Fair runs from July 31st through August 3rd! Benton County is thrilled to introduce Naomi Bailey as this year’s Fair & Rodeo Queen. Naomi will be a central figure throughout the fair, participating in various events and activities.
