Marshfield Independence Day Rodeo Pageant returns

After a successful revival in 2024, the Marshfield Independence Day Rodeo Pageant is back for its second consecutive year—bigger, better, and with more contestants, more community support, and a growing impact on local events.

Organized by Nicole Hampton, the pageant has expanded from last year, adding a new teen division and increasing total participation. “We have four more contestants than last year,” Hampton said. “It’s exciting to see how quickly this event is gaining momentum.”

This year’s pageant put on by the Marshfield Saddle Club includes three age categories:

• Princess Division: Athena Letterman, Olivia Baker, Amelia Canfield, and Cloa Hampton
  
• Teen Division (new for 2025): Ari Wrinkle, Laney Dean, Emma Davenport, and Lauryn Powers
  
• Queen Division: Catie Jennings and Ava Greer
  

Contestants are judged on a 100-point system that reflects not just rodeo skills but personal development and community involvement:

• 10% for attendance and punctuality at practices and competition day
  
• 20% for writing and delivering an original speech
  
• 20% for ticket and sponsorship sales
  
• 50% for horsemanship, including a specific riding pattern judged at competition
  

Practices were held every Sunday in June (excluding Father's Day) and focused on horsemanship, public speaking, and salesmanship. “We’re not just preparing girls to ride—we’re teaching life skills like how to give a speech and make a sale,” Hampton explained.

The competition will be held Saturday, June 28 at 8 a.m. at the Marshfield Saddle Club. Winners will be announced during coronation at the Independence Week Rodeo on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the main arena.

Adding even more star power to this year’s pageant is a visit from Miss Rodeo USA Megan Kelly, who will attend events on July 3 and 4, meeting fans and supporting the pageant participants.

New this year is a limited VIP Experience, with only 10 tickets available. Each $100 ticket covers admission for two and includes:

• A catered brisket dinner
  
• A swag bag filled with items from local sponsors
  
• Front-row seats to the coronation
  
• A private meet-and-greet and photo op with Miss Rodeo USA and all contestants
  

As of this week, seven of the ten VIP tickets have already been sold.

The return of the pageant has created ripples across the community. Last year’s winners made appearances at local schools, businesses, and even the public library. “They’re ambassadors for rodeo and for Marshfield,” said Hampton. “They’ve made real connections with kids and families.”

The event has also had a measurable economic impact. “Last year alone, the pageant helped generate $5,000 in additional ticket sales for the rodeo and fair,” Hampton noted. “It brought in people from outside Marshfield, which supported local businesses too.”

This year’s pageant boasts 97 sponsors, nearly double the number from 2024. While sponsorship opportunities have closed, VIP tickets can still be purchased through June 27 by contacting Hampton directly at 417-300-8227.

As Hampton put it, “This is about more than a crown. It’s about confidence, leadership, horsemanship, and community pride.”

With strong support and growing interest, the Marshfield Independence Day Rodeo Pageant is well on its way to becoming a beloved tradition once again.