Rodeo Royalty competition now underway, many events planned

The Mariposa County Fair Rodeo Royalty competition kicked off with an introductory meeting and horsemanship qualifier on Sunday, June 7, at Hagens Ranch in Catheys Valley.

The Rodeo Royalty Committee, along with reigning Queen Rayna Rogers, Princess McKenna Baker and Jr. Princess Bobbie Persson, welcomed seven young ladies who are ready to represent their communities, showcase their talents and compete for the honor of becoming the next Mariposa County.

Fair Rodeo Royalty
This year’s Queen Contestants:
• Mylee Allen — Mariposa
• Anisa Degerli — Fresno County
Princess Contestants:
• Scarlett Lucero — Valley Springs
• Maleah Varney — Mariposa

• Maisie Subia — Coarsegold
Junior Princess Contestants:
• Indianna Hinton-Caffey
• McKenley Joslin — Mariposa

These talented young ladies are already hard at work. Contestants are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, which will be drawn during rodeo night on Sept. 6.

The winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets are only $5 each and are available from any contestant.

Throughout the summer, contestants will earn points by participating in community spirit events and representing the true spirit of the Mariposa County Fair Rodeo.

Upcoming events and fundraisers

On Saturday, July 11, Queen Rayna will host her annual chaps fundraiser — a lasagna dinner at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, Building

A. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased from Rayna at (209) 677-9019. All proceeds benefit the Mariposa County Rodeo Royalty Program.

On Sunday, July 12, Rodeo Committee member and former Mariposa County Rodeo Queen Jocelynn Mahoney will host a fundraiser for “Barrels Against Brain Cancer” at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds. Jocelynn’s fundraiser shares the inspiring story of her aunt, Amanda Melby, who is courageously battling Glioblastoma cancer.

The contestants will also be bringing their enthusiasm and creativity to the Parks and Recreation Day Camp on Wednesday, July 27, where they will spend the day creating fun memories and activities with local campers.

The competition continues

On Saturday, Aug. 1, the contestants will compete in horsemanship beginning at 8 a.m. at Hagens Arena in Catheys Valley, followed by personal interviews at 1 p.m. Written tests will also be part of the Queen and Princess competition for the first time this year.

The excitement continues with the Royalty Dinner, on-stage performances and Coronation Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Building A.

Dinner tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 7–12, and free for children six and under. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets early. Contact Jeanne at (209) 769-4285 for reservations.

The Mariposa County Fair Rodeo Royalty Program is administered by the Mariposa Friends of the Fairgrounds Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the fairgrounds open and thriving for today’s community and generations to come.