Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 Contest Opens on February 14!

SALINAS, CA, February 13, 2026—The California Rodeo Salinas will start accepting applications on Saturday, February 14 for the 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest, set to take place June 30-July 2, 2026, with the new titleholder crowned on July 2.

The Miss California Rodeo Salinas program celebrates leadership, horsemanship, and a passion for Western heritage. Contestants compete in horsemanship, public speaking, and personality, highlighting their rodeo knowledge, equestrian ability, confidence, and communication skills.

Current titleholder Rachel Lancaster, Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2025, has spent the past year representing the Rodeo throughout the community and beyond. “Serving as Miss California Rodeo Salinas has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Lancaster. “This role has pushed me to grow as a leader and advocate for rodeo, while connecting with people who truly care about preserving our Western way of life. I’m excited to see the next young woman step into this opportunity and make it her own.”

Applications open tomorrow for young women interested in earning the title and serving as an ambassador for California’s premier rodeo. The selected winner will represent the California Rodeo Salinas at rodeos, community events, parades, and appearances throughout the year, acting as a spokesperson and role model for the sport of rodeo and its traditions.

The application deadline is April 27, 2026. Full contest details, rules, and entry forms are available at: https://www.carodeo.com/p/about-us/mcrs/2026-miss-california-rodeo-contest-entry-info

The 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest is proudly presented by the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Salinas, the official hotel partner of the California Rodeo Salinas. The contest will take place June 30, July 1, and July 2, 2026.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

The 116th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19, 2026. As a not-for-profit organization, the California Rodeo Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the Western way of life while fostering community involvement and cultural heritage. The Association supports local nonprofits and community groups through its annual Rodeo and year-round operations at the Salinas Sports Complex. In 2025, these efforts generated over $856,000 for local organizations.

For more information, visit www.CARodeo.com or contact the Rodeo Office at (831) 775-3100.

Photo: Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2025 Rachel Lancaster by Ronnie Esparza Photography

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