JACKSON, Wyo. — Giddy up! Teton County Fair Queen Kate Budge, a seventh-generation valley resident from Kelly, was crowned Miss Rodeo Wyoming at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas last week.
She will don the crown on Jan. 1, 2026, and travel across the state and the country to promote “agriculture, the rodeo and the western way of life,” according to the announcement by the Teton County Fair Board.
“Kate is a role model for all young ladies, regardless of if they grew up living the
western lifestyle,” Teton County Fair and Fairgrounds Manager Trista Hiltbrunner said via press release. “She upholds herself with grit and grace and is an ambassador to our local Fair and Rodeo, and our entire community.”
Budge bested Casper’s Abigail Marcott and Laramie’s Tanner Rogers to win the title. Earlier in the weeklong competition, Budge also clinched victories in categories for horsemanship, appearance, personality, speech and knowledge, plus an award for most photogenic contestant.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped me achieve this goal,”
Budge said in the announcement. “To the sponsors and community members who supported me with encouragement and kind words, thank you. To my family, whose unwavering faith in my ability kept me going, I am forever grateful. And to my mom and best friend, thank you for standing by my side and chasing this dream with me. This journey would not have been possible without each of you.”
Budge earned her associate’s degree in business and accounting from Laramie
County Community College while competing on their Ranch Horse Team. She will head to the University of Wyoming this fall to double major in business economics and finance.
