Honoring Our Woodlake Lions Rodeo Queen

For more than a half century, Woodlake cowboys have paid tribute to young horsewomen in the community by crowning a Rodeo Queen. The first Rodeo Queen was Barbara Ainley in 1949. Ainley was crowned at the Woodlake Roundup which was the precursor to the Woodlake Lions Rodeo. A 17 year old junior at Woodlake High, Ainley was presented with a small loving cup as Queen.

The winning contestant reigns at the Woodlake Lions Rodeo and represents the rodeo at events throughout the year. A court of horsewomen accompany the Rodeo Queen in the Woodlake Western Days Parade and at the rodeo.

Queen contestants are judged on three criteria: horsemanship, poise and personality and ticket drawing sales. To be eligible, applicants must be between 16-24 years and unmarried. Young women from throughout the area are encouraged to apply.

To enter the contest, please send completed application along with your resume to the Woodlake Lions Rodeo, PO Box 545, Woodlake, CA 93286. All applications must be received by January 31 of each year.