Cattlemen's Days Royalty Tryouts

2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty Program Informational Meeting
Wednesday, July 30th,2025, 5:15 pm
Located on the Grandstands
Come learn about the program, program changes & ask questions!
2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty Tryouts
Sunday, September 14th, 2025, 1:00 pm
Gunnison County Fairgrounds
Start at South End of Grandstands
Exhibitions offered & encouraged- No application needed.
Please contact Sara Dobie if interested 970-275-8985
Royalty Titles Defined
All title holders must live in or have a permanent address in the Gunnison County area or Lake City area.
Cattlemen’s Days Queen- She is no less than 16 years of age and no more than 24 years of age as of January 1st, 2026.
Cattlemen’s Days Princess- She is no less than 12 years of age and no more than 15 years of age as of January 1st, 2026.
Cattlemen’s Days Jr. Miss- She is no less than 8 years of age and no more than 11 years of age as of January 1st, 2026.
The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo Royalty (Queen, Princess, & Jr. Miss) serve as ambassadors for the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo & Fair. The Royalty represents Cattlemen’s Days as well as the community with the highest level of poise and integrity. Each lady recognizes the importance of promoting and preserving the Western Heritage in the Gunnison Valley. Cattlemen’s Days is the longest consecutively running Rodeo in Colorado, with this year being the 126th year, thanks to the incredible individuals on the Cattlemen’s Days Committee and those preserving the Western Heritage in the Gunnison Valley.
Please download and read the Royalty Tryout Application Packet and the Code of Conduct before filling out the application. It includes eligibility, requirements, expectations, and information regarding the Royalty Program.
2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty Tryout Application Packet (PDF, 161 KB)
2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty Handbook & Code of Conduct (PDF, 146 KB)
Questions? Please contact Sara Dobie at royalty@cattlemensdays.com or 970-275-8985.
Itinerary
Draw for Order in each category done evening before & posted
1:00 pm – Huddle for introductions & questions in the South end of Grandstands
1:15 pm – Personal Interviews in Draw Order
- Queen Contestants
- Princess Contestants
- Junior Miss Contestants
2:45-3:00 pm – Break/Regroup/Change if contestants would like
3:00 pm – Horsemanship
- 2025 Queen Sets Pattern for Queen Contestants + Showing at end of Pattern where to ride to and chat with judges
- 2026 Queen Contestants to Follow in Draw Order (done day before & posted)
- Queen Wave Laps- Following 2025 Queen into Arena
- (Same Order for Princess & Junior Miss)
4:30 pm – Dinner with impromptu questions
- Queen + Contestants
- Princess + Contestants
- Junior Miss + Contestants
Tally of results & thank you to judges
Announcement of 2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty
Signing of Contracts
Online Royalty Application
Entry Form Deadline: September 1st at Noon
Thank you for your participation. Let’s have some FUN!
2025 Cattlemen's Days
The 2026 schedule will be posted in the spring.
FRI, JUNE 27 - 9:00 AM, 4-H Horse Show
SAT, JUNE 28 - 9:00 AM, District 4-H Horse Show
SUN, JUNE 29 - 9:00 AM, District 4-H Horse Show
JULY 2-6 - Evenings, Carnival at the Fairgrounds
THU, JULY 3 - 4:30 PM, Mini Broncs and Mutton Busting
SAT, JULY 5 - 1:30 PM, Ranch Rodeo
SUN, JULY 6 - 8:00 AM, Open Horse Show
MON, JULY 7 - 5:00 PM, Cattle Drive Event
MON, JULY 7 - 8:30 - 11 AM, General Project Judging & Interviews (Concrete Room)
MON, JULY 7 - 9:00 AM, 4-H Dog Show
MON, JULY 7 - 6:30 PM, General Project Review/Awards (Concrete Room)
MON, JULY 7 - 7:00 PM, Cowboy Poetry and Songs
TUES, JULY 8 - 5:00 PM, Watershed Team Roping & Barrel Racing
WED, JULY 9 - 8:30 AM, 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show (Rubber Room)
WED, JULY 9 - 9:00 AM, 2nd Annual Cattlemen's Days Golf Tournament
THU, JULY 10 - 9:00 AM, PRCA Rodeo Slack Events
THU, JULY 10 - 10:00 AM, 4-H & FFA Swine Show (Rubber Room)
THU, JULY 10 - 2:30 PM, 4-H & FFA Sheep Show (Rubber Room)
THU, JULY 10 - 6:45 PM, PRCA Golden Circle of Champions Rodeo
THU, JULY 10 - 8:30 PM, Post Rodeo Concert/Dance (5B's)
FRI, JULY 11 - 8:30 AM, 4-H & FFA Goat Show (Rubber Room)
FRI, JULY 11 - 10:30 AM, 4-H & FFA Cattle Show (Rubber Room)
FRI, JULY 11 - 1:30 PM, Round Robin Showmanship (Competition between Showmanship winners of each animal species)
FRI, JULY 11 - 6:45 PM, PRCA Patriot Night Rodeo
FRI, July 11 - 8:30 PM, Post Rodeo Concert/Dance (Ice Rink)
SAT, JULY 12 - 10:00 AM, Cattlemen's Days Parade
SAT, JULY 12 - 12:30 PM, Buyer BBQ (Rubber Room), $20 per person at the door
SAT, JULY 12 - 1:30 PM, Junior Livestock Auction (Rubber Room)
SAT, JULY 12 - 6:45 PM, PRCA Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy Rodeo
SUN, JULY 13 - 9:00 AM, Cowboy Church at the Fairgrounds
Drop Us a Line
Don't be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!


