By Allison Peck
As NebraskaLand Days gets underway in North Platte, five contestants competing for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska title stopped by the studio to discuss their backgrounds, community involvement and what the opportunity to represent Nebraska's rodeo industry would mean to them.
This year's competition features one of the largest contestant fields in recent years and brings together women from communities across Nebraska who share a passion for rodeo, agriculture and service.
Kelsey Hutton
Kelsey Hutton, the reigning Miss Wahoo Rodeo, said her path to rodeo was anything but traditional.
Originally involved in show jumping, Hutton transitioned to barrel racing after her first year of college and quickly found a passion for the rodeo lifestyle. Three years ago, she entered her first rodeo queen competition and discovered a new way to serve as an ambassador for the sport.
Hutton said one of the most rewarding aspects of holding a title has been visiting schools and nursing homes, where she has the opportunity to educate people about rodeo while encouraging young people.
She hopes to continue that outreach on a larger scale if crowned Miss Rodeo Nebraska, representing the state at rodeos and community events across the country.
Maycie Johnson
Maycie Johnson's rodeo queen journey began in her hometown through the Hoot Gibson Rodeo, where she previously held both princess and queen titles.
Encouraged by her mother to take the next step, Johnson entered the Miss Rodeo Nebraska competition last year and enjoyed the experience enough to return this year.
Johnson said being able to represent eastern Nebraska is especially meaningful in a competition often associated with western Nebraska's strong rodeo traditions.
She hopes a state title would allow her to expand her involvement in community outreach and serve as a role model for younger generations interested in rodeo and agriculture.
Aleena Wagner
Aleena Wagner of Bridgeport currently holds the title of Miss Cherry County and brings a unique story of perseverance to the competition.
Wagner originally participated in the Miss America program before discovering the rodeo queen world. She said the experience of inspiring a young girl at an early pageant helped her realize she wanted to continue serving others through public appearances and community involvement.
Throughout her life, Wagner has undergone six surgeries on her left ankle and two on her right due to a condition that affects blood flow to the bone. The challenges she faced led her to create a personal platform called "Go Make a Memory," inspired by advice from her mother to focus on making meaningful memories even during difficult times.
Wagner said serving as a rodeo queen has helped her gain confidence and step outside of her comfort zone while connecting with people throughout Nebraska and beyond.
MeKenna Fisher
McKenna Fisher of Hershey, the reigning Miss Webster County, sees rodeo royalty as an opportunity to promote agriculture and educate the public.
Fisher said her passion for advocacy grew after leaving her agricultural hometown for college and realizing how many people lack an understanding of farming and ranching.
That experience led her to create "The Animal Advocate," a platform focused on agricultural literacy and education.
A third-generation rodeo competitor, Fisher said her upbringing in the rodeo arena gives her an authentic perspective she enjoys sharing with others.
She hopes the Miss Rodeo Nebraska title would allow her to continue promoting the western way of life and helping people better understand the role agriculture plays in everyday life.
Taylor Bolling
Taylor Bowling of Clearwater recently completed her reign as Miss Days of '56 and enters the state competition with years of rodeo queen experience.
Bowling first entered a rodeo queen pageant in 2017 and has since held several titles, including Miss Central Nebraska, Miss Wahoo Rodeo and Miss Days of '56.
She said winning the Days of '56 title was especially meaningful after competing for it multiple times before finally earning the crown.
Today, Bowling serves as the 4-H horse superintendent in Antelope County and enjoys mentoring young contestants who are just beginning their own rodeo queen journeys.
If crowned Miss Rodeo Nebraska, she hopes to help expand rodeo queen opportunities in eastern Nebraska and encourage more young women to become involved in the program.
Looking Ahead
The Miss Rodeo Nebraska competition is taking place during NebraskaLand Days in North Platte. The winner will spend the coming year representing Nebraska rodeo, agriculture and western heritage at events across the state and throughout the country.
For the contestants, the competition represents more than a crown. It is an opportunity to serve as ambassadors for a lifestyle and industry they are passionate about promoting.