Philomath resident Jessica McLennan was officially crowned the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen on Feb. 7, during an evening at the Benton County Event Center and Fairgrounds where community members gathered to honor royalty, volunteers and the tradition behind the fair and rodeo.
Behind the scenes, Kristi Schrock has spent 20 years helping young women step into boots that carry more than sparkle and fringe.
As chair of the Benton County Fair Board and longtime adviser to the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen program, Schrock serves as the primary organizer and contact for the pageant. Contestants and families reach out to her for applications, guidance and support. She also helps coordinate the annual coronation and oversees the program as part of the fair board’s work…