BELLE FOURCHE—Before everyone comes to town for the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo, those vying to represent the rodeo as Royalty arrive. A full day of activities is scheduled for them beginning the morning of June 30.
Rodeo queen judges had their hands full in deciding the outcome. Cody Skogberg, Susan Dewey and Brianne Bennett had the honor of judging this year’s pageant.
Raye Brown, Queen Coordinator and the 2025 Miss Black Hills Roundup Committee members, Brown, Kristy Eastman, Michelle Brownell and Braiden Reeder designed a contest that really tested the stamina of the contestants. Beginning bright and early at 8:30 A.M. the day started with a Photo shoot followed by contestant and parent meeting, after which the public was invited to come watch the contest.
Around 9:30 A.M. the public watched as the judges scored the royalty competition in the following areas: modeling, impromptu speaking, prepared speeches, and media interviews. Following a lunch break the gals had to then participate in private personal interviews, one-on-one with the judges.
After a few outfit changes and an action filled day, the contest moved to the arena. Royalty contestants showed up with their horses to compete in the horsemanship competition.
Before the start of the Ranch Rodeo on July 1, the 2025 Royalty winners were announced. Representing the 2025 Black Hills Roundup Rodeo for the year are: 2025 Miss Black Hills Roundup is Bethany Behrendt; the 2025 Jr. Miss Black Hills Roundup is Morgan McGuckin; and 2025 Black Hills Roundup Princess is Kendall Gillen.
Other award winners are: Princess category, Miss Congeniality, Kendall Gillen; Speech Award, Kendall Gillen; Appearance and Modeling, Kendall Gillen; Photogenic Award, Kendall Gillen; Horsemanship, Bree McGuckin; 1st Runner up Bree McGuckin; and 2nd Runner up Kelsa Foreman.
Jr. Miss category, Miss Congeniality, Keaton Keil; Speech Award, Morgan McGuckin; Appearance and Modeling, Keaton Keil; Photogenic Award, Morgan McGuckin; Horsemanship, Morgan McGuckin; and 1st Runner up Keaton Keil.
The Black Hills Roundup Royalty kept busy by visiting area businesses, reading to kids at the library and signing autographs. Participating in meet and greets is an important part of getting out and meeting the public and letting them know all about the Black Hills Roundup as well as personally thanking area sponsors.
If you went to any of the PRCA rodeos then surely you saw the royalty, either out in the crowd or in the arena helping out in some way. Rodeo royalty is busy!
