Meet the 2026 Ramona Rodeo Jr. Queen: Representing Tradition, Community and the Western Way of Life

The Ramona Rodeo is more than three nights of rodeo competition. For many in the community, it is a celebration of Western heritage, local tradition, family and the people who come together year after year to make the event possible.

This year, as the Ramona Rodeo celebrates its 45th annual rodeo August 27–29, two young women will have the special honor of representing the community as the 2026 Ramona Rodeo Queen, Stella Erb, and Junior Queen, Carrie Vincent.

For both queens, wearing the crown is about much more than a title. It is an opportunity to represent the rodeo, connect with the community and encourage the next generation to embrace the Western lifestyle.

2026 Ramona Rodeo Junior Queen Carrie Vincent is excited to represent her hometown at the rodeo. When the opportunity to serve as Junior Queen came up, Carrie knew she wanted to step forward.

“I was so excited that I was the first person who came to mind to step up,” Carrie said. “I was thankful that the rodeo committee chose me to take on that challenge.”

Carrie said growing up in a small town has made representing Ramona particularly special.

“One of my favorite things about living in a small town is that my family has lived here forever,” she said. “Everywhere I go, I seem to know someone, whether it’s at the rodeo, the grocery store, or just around town.”

That strong sense of community is one of the things she loves most about Ramona.

“I love that I can walk into almost anywhere and see a familiar face,” Carrie said.

Carrie has also developed a love for horses and agriculture through her involvement in 4-H and FFA.

She has been involved in 4-H for five years, where she has learned responsibility and hard work including discovering that “walking a pig or a steer isn’t as easy as it sounds.”

This year was her first year in FFA, where she participated on the horse judging team. The experience helped her learn more about horse conformation and what makes a well-structured horse.

Her horse, Cheyenne, is a 16-year-old Paint who loves treats and one who keeps her on her toes.

“I love that she always gives me a challenge,” Carrie said. “If I had a perfect horse all the time there would be nothing to practice.”

As Junior Queen, Carrie is looking forward to being involved in rodeo events, talking with people about the sport and seeing the work that goes into producing the annual rodeo. She is especially excited about Friday night's Golden Circle of Champions celebration because her family is close with the family being honored this year.

It will also be Carrie's first rodeo as a Junior Queen, giving her the opportunity to participate in sponsor flag runs and queen waves. Carrie hopes to make the most of every opportunity that comes with the crown. She wants to be involved in the community, support the rodeo and serve as a positive example for younger girls.

She is also excited to have Stella Erb as a Senior Queen she can look up to and learn from throughout the year.

“I want to make great memories and represent our rodeo and community with pride,” Carrie said.

And she has one slightly more personal goal for the year: making it through her flag runs and queen runs without getting bucked off.

“My horse is a little spicy and she definitely has her own opinions about how fast she wants to go,” Carrie said. “I think that would be a pretty big accomplishment for both of us.”

Looking further into the future, Carrie said she could see herself becoming a stock contractor.

She likes the idea of experiencing rodeo from another perspective and learning about the work involved in raising and training rodeo animals. She would also love the opportunity to travel to different rodeos and watch animals she raised compete against some of the best cowboys.

For now, however, she is focused on enjoying her year as Junior Queen. Her message to the community is simple: come out and support the rodeo.

“Come out, have fun, and support your local rodeo!” Carrie said. “Wear your boots, bring your friends, and cheer as loud as you can.”

For Carrie, being Junior Queen during the 45th annual Ramona Rodeo makes the experience even more meaningful. Since her family has been part of the Ramona community for so long, she said it is special to be part of such an important milestone.

As the Ramona Rodeo celebrates 45 years of tradition, Stella Erb and Carrie Vincent represent a new generation carrying that Western spirit forward. One event, one community appearance and one rodeo at a time.

The 45th Annual Ramona Rodeo takes place August 27–29. Grab your boots, bring your family and friends, and come support the rodeo queens and the community they proudly represent.

Photo courtesy of Carrie Vincent