Oakdale Crowns New Rodeo Queen

Delaney Grace takes top honors in horsemanship, interview skills, and ticket sales

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the vibrant colors and geometric shapes of a rodeo queen coronation ceremony, with faces and figures dissolving into abstract forms.The coronation of a new Oakdale Rodeo Queen is a celebration of the community's enduring cowboy culture and heritage.Oakdale Today

The annual Oakdale Rodeo Queen coronation ceremony was held on April 9, 2026, where Delaney Grace was crowned as the new Miss Rodeo Oakdale. Grace and fellow contestant Opal Cahoon were judged on a variety of skills including horsemanship, interview abilities, and ticket sales. Grace excelled in each category, earning the prestigious title. The event was attended by rodeo royalty from across the nation, celebrating the western way of life in Oakdale, known as the 'Cowboy Capital of the World'.

Why it matters

The Oakdale Rodeo Queen competition is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the region's cowboy culture and heritage. The winner serves as an ambassador for the community, promoting the rodeo and western lifestyle. Grace's victory continues this legacy, showcasing Oakdale's enduring commitment to its ranching roots.

The details

Delaney Grace and Opal Cahoon were the two contestants vying for the 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale title. They were judged on a variety of skills including horsemanship, interview abilities, and ticket sales for the upcoming Oakdale Rodeo. Grace excelled in each category, earning the crown from the outgoing 2025 Rodeo Queen, Gigi Forgnone. Grace's family has a deep history with the Oakdale Rodeo, making the victory especially meaningful.

  • The Oakdale Rodeo Queen coronation ceremony was held on April 9, 2026.
  • Delaney Grace and Opal Cahoon competed for the 2026 title.

The players

Delaney Grace

The 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale, whose family has a long history with the Oakdale Rodeo.

Opal Cahoon

The runner-up in the 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale competition.

Gigi Forgnone

The outgoing 2025 Miss Rodeo Oakdale, who crowned the new queen.

Jesus Villegas

The winner of the Rodeo Poster Design Contest.

Bambi Porter

The Museum Director of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum.

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What they’re saying

“My grandpa, my dad and I have all participated in the Oakdale Rodeo for years so winning this title means so much to me and my whole family.”

— Delaney Grace, 2026 Miss Rodeo Oakdale

“I have been blessed to watch these incredible young women grow in confidence and I know that they will continue to represent the community with grace and heart.”

— Gigi Forgnone, 2025 Miss Rodeo Oakdale

“We wouldn't be able to do what we do to support the cowboy way of life without all of you. From The Cowgirl Luncheon to the annual dinner and our other events we have raised more than $70,000 in scholarships for local students so thank you all for your support.”

— Bambi Porter, Museum Director, Oakdale Cowboy Museum

What’s next

The newly crowned Miss Rodeo Oakdale, Delaney Grace, will represent the community at various rodeo events and activities throughout the year, serving as an ambassador for the Oakdale Rodeo and the western lifestyle.

The takeaway

The Oakdale Rodeo Queen competition celebrates the region's deep-rooted cowboy culture, with the winner serving as a proud representative of the 'Cowboy Capital of the World'. Delaney Grace's victory continues this longstanding tradition, showcasing the enduring importance of ranching and western heritage in the Oakdale community.