What the Rodeo Queen Contest and Coronation Are
The Days of '76 Rodeo Queen Contest picks the young women who represent the Days of '76 Rodeo, Deadwood and the sport of rodeo for the year. Three titles are awarded: Miss Days of '76, Jr. Miss Days of '76 and Days of '76 Princess. The Queen Committee describes a titleholder as a talented, personable horsewoman with a vast knowledge of rodeo, the Days of '76 and the history of Deadwood.
The contest is held Sunday, July 25, 2027 at the Days of '76 Museum and Arena (9 a.m.). The new titleholders are crowned at the coronation on Monday, July 26, 2027, at 9 a.m. in Outlaw Square, 703 Main Street, Deadwood. Contestants are mounted on their horses for the coronation.
Divisions and Who Can Enter
| Title | Age (on the date of the pageant) |
|---|---|
| Miss Days of '76 | 18 to 26 |
| Jr. Miss Days of '76 | 13 to 17 |
| Days of '76 Princess | 8 to 12 |
Other eligibility rules in the handbook: titleholders reign from coronation to the next year's coronation unless the committee clears a consecutive run; a reigning queen who wants to move up an age division must wait one title year; no contestant may be married or pregnant, have a child, or become engaged, married or pregnant during her reign; the entry fee must be paid or sponsored; and all consents and waivers must be signed. Each contestant also signs that she has read the contract, handbook and rulebook.
How the Contest Is Judged
A panel of three to four judges scores four categories, and the committee may also use a secret judge to watch behavior and manners. Scoring weights:
| Category | Princess | Jr. and Miss |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | 24.77% | 22.08% |
| Personality | 24.77% | 22.92% |
| Knowledge | 24.77% | 25% |
| Horsemanship | 25.69% | 30% |
Ties go to the contestant with the highest horsemanship score. Contestants also vote among themselves for a Miss Congeniality award that does not count toward the total.
What contestants prepare
- Knowledge: tack, horse science, pro rodeo history and rules, rodeo terminology and standard events, championship standings, issues affecting the western way of life, animal welfare and agriculture, current events, the history of Deadwood, and the Days of '76 Rodeo and Parade.
- Horsemanship: control of the mount, balance, hand, foot and seat position, mounting and dismounting, the Queens Salute and, for Queen and Jr. Queen contestants, the flag presentation. Riders use a western saddle with split reins and no chaps; spurs are optional. The second go-round is not revealed until the contest.
- Outfits: a fashion-forward western outfit for check-in and introductions, a long western glamour dress, an interview suit with western hat and boots, and blouse and jeans for horsemanship, all with western hat, boots and belt with trophy buckle.
Contest Rules
- Phones and devices are put away throughout the contest, and family members' devices are off limits too.
- A parent or family member must be available to accompany every contestant under 18.
- Contestants provide their own transportation to each function.
- After check-in, parents sit in the audience; one adult may help with clothing changes.
- A contestant who is the only entry in her age group must still complete every division, and the judges and committee must agree unanimously that she fits the title.
After the Crown
Rodeo queen autographs run 7 to 11 p.m. nightly in Outlaw Square from July 27 to 31, 2027, where fans meet the Days of '76 queens, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Teen Miss Rodeo South Dakota and other queens from across the country. The 2026 titleholders were Bethany Behrendt (Miss), Keaton Keil (Jr. Miss) and Mariah Todd (Princess).
Where
Contest: Days of '76 Museum and Arena, 18 76th Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732. Coronation: Outlaw Square, 703 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732.
Questions
My daughter is 11. Which title can she compete for?
The Princess title covers ages 8 to 12, set on the date of the pageant.
Can a contestant enter more than one age division?
Not at once; a reigning queen must wait a title year before moving up.
Where do I get the entry form?
The handbook and queen information are on the Days of '76 website, which lists the contest director for questions.
Official Links
- Days of '76 tickets and schedule
- Queen contest handbook, rules and regulations
- Rodeo Queen Contest event page
- Rodeo Queen Coronation event page
- Meet our Rodeo Queens
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Days of 76 Rodeo
Days of 76 Rodeo and Parades in Deadwood is scheduled July 25 to 31, 2027, with PRCA rodeo performances Wednesday through Saturday nights and free parades on Main Street.
- Days of 76 Rodeo Queen Contest
Young women compete on July 25, 2027 for the titles of Miss Days of 76, Jr Miss Days of 76 and Days of 76 Princess, starting at 9 AM at the museum and arena.
- Days of 76 PRCA Steer Roping
A free PRCA steer roping event opens Days of 76 week on July 25, 2027, starting at 8 AM at the Days of 76 Arena in Deadwood.
76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732 | Organizer: Days of 76 Official event details - Days of 76 WPRA Barrel Racing Slack
WPRA barrel racers run the slack on July 26, 2027, at 8 AM at the Days of 76 Arena in Deadwood; admission is free.
76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732 | Organizer: Days of 76 Official event details - Days of 76 Timed Event Slack
PRCA and WPRA contestants run team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down and breakaway roping on July 27, 2027; the top 12 in each event return for the evening rodeo. Free admission.
76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732 | Organizer: Days of 76 Official event details
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.