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NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (June 16, 2025) — As the 70th annual Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant unfolds this week in North Platte, three young women from across the state are competing for the prestigious title ahead of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo's opening night Wednesday.
Contestants Brylee Thompson of Hershey, Jessica Lange of Crofton, and Maycie Johnson of Oakdale are showcasing their horsemanship, public speaking, fashion, and rodeo knowledge as they vie for the honor of becoming Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2026.
The competition began with horsemanship at the Wild West Arena and continued with impromptu interviews, a barbecue meet-and-greet, and formal speeches. Contestants will also be evaluated on their social media engagement, a modern element of the pageant that reflects the evolving role of rodeo queens as public ambassadors.
Thompson, who began competing in pageants at age 10, called it a “privilege” to be in the running for Nebraska’s top rodeo title. “You rarely bring your own horse to a rodeo as Miss Rodeo Nebraska,” she said. “It’s important to be able to ride different horses and navigate each arena confidently.”
Lange, representing northeast Nebraska, emphasized how social media has expanded the reach and impact of the role. “I don’t have a large cheering section here, but through social media, so many people back home can follow the pageant and support me,” she said.
Johnson, the third contestant, is newer to pageantry but comes from a background in barrel racing. “It’s about the bond between you and your horse,” she said. “That trust and communication is everything in barrel racing and something I’m excited to bring to this experience.”
This year’s style show, a fan-favorite event where contestants display Western fashion flair, will take place Tuesday night at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte — a new location for the occasion. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by a fundraising auction at 6:30 and the show at 7.
The pageant will culminate Wednesday with the coronation of Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2026, just before the start of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo at the Wild West Arena.
The Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant Association, founded in 1955, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The winner will spend the next year promoting the sport of rodeo and the Western lifestyle, traveling across the country and representing Nebraska on a national stage.