2025 Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen Offers Advice, Insight to Becoming Rodeo Royalty
Under the bright lights and dust of the Santa Rosa Roundup, Kennadi Wofford rode with a confidence earned through perseverance, community spirit, and a deep love for rodeo. As the newly crowned Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen in 2025, Kennedy’s story is one of determination, family support, and the enduring traditions of small-town Texas.
A Dream Rooted in Family and Tradition
Wofford’s journey to becoming the 2025 Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen, began years before she received the title.
Wofford says she was inspired by her father’s encouragement and her own passion for the sport. “My dad, he was a big part of that,” Wofford recalls. “He took me to all the competitions and little play days so I could practice my riding.” Her early days as the Santa Rosa Princess set the stage for her eventual run for the queen title, a goal that took years of effort and resilience.
The Challenge Behind the Crown
Wofford describes the process to becoming rodeo queen as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “The most difficult part is the pressure of knowing the judges are watching you every moment,” she says. “It can be scary, because you’re afraid of messing up in front of them.” The contest involves more than just horsemanship; candidates must sell tickets, ride in parades, perform a reining pattern, and deliver a memorized speech about the Santa Rosa Roundup. “Writing the speech was hard because there’s not much info about the rodeo online,” Wofford explains. “I went to the museum and found a lot there.”
Friendship and Community
Despite the pressure, Wofford found joy in the camaraderie among contestants. “The best part was meeting all the other girls. You form pretty good friendships over those few days because you’re all working toward the same thing.”
Once crowned, the queen’s responsibilities extend beyond the arena. Wofford attended at least three rodeos as an ambassador, including events in Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, and Frederick. She also helped organize community fundraisers, like bake sales and the playful fundraiser “capturing of (Vernon) city officials.”
Advice for Future Queens
Wofford’s path wasn’t always smooth. “I went to three rodeos and lost every single one before Santa Rosa,” she admits. Her advice to aspiring queens is simple: “Do your best and do not give up. Even if you don’t win, there’s always next year or another rodeo. You will win eventually.”
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Interest in rodeo queen contests has waned in recent years, Wofford notes, but she remains hopeful. “All we can do is put it out there and hope someone interested will come along.”
For Wofford, the Santa Rosa Roundup is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of heritage, perseverance, and the bonds that tie a community together. As she nears the end of reigning Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo Queen she carries with her the lessons of hard work, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the rodeo.
Applications for the 2026 Queen, ages 14-21; Princess, ages 9-13; and Little Miss, ages 8 and under, are accepted until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3.
A mandatory meeting for all contestants is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Santa Rosa Roundup Grandstand. Contestants must attend this meeting to submit their completed applications, entry fee, sponsorship fee, and negative Coggins papers.
Scan the below QR code for an application.
