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RELEASE DATE: Nov. 4, 2025

Rodeo honored by state pageant

GUYMON, Okla. – It’s been 10 years since the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

The accolades haven’t stopped. In fact, the list of accomplishments for Oklahoma’s only Hall of Fame rodeo are adding up. The most recent came during Saturday’s Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gala & Best of Oklahoma Awards in Norman. The Guymon contingent was named the rodeo committee of the year.

“Just to be nominated was a big honor for us as a committee,” said Ken Stonecipher, chairman of the volunteer group. “To win this award means a lot to us and to a lot of people in Guymon. We’re very proud to be associated with the Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Pageant and Miss Rodeo America.”

Committee members have gone above and beyond. The Guymon rodeo hosts many visiting queens each year, drawing royalty from several states across the country. This past year, 14 were in Texas County for rodeo week. The year before, there were 18.

“We consider our rodeo a cowboy’s rodeo, one that the guys can take a lot of pride in when they come to Guymon,” Stonecipher said. “We do a lot of unique things that celebrate the cowboy way of life out here in the Panhandle, but we also do a lot of things to show our cowgirl spirit. Our visiting queens program is one of those things, and we get a ton of support for it.

“It’s a testament to our community the way people show up for these girls. They’re excited to see them, and in return, the girls are excited to be part of Pioneer Days Rodeo.”

It’s true. The popularity of the visiting queen program has been bolstered by the recent winners of Miss Rodeo America, who have returned to the region to be part of the festivities.

“It was so much fun,” said Emma Cameron, the 2024 Miss Rodeo America. “Ken and Sherry Stonecipher do such a great job of keeping us involved and taking us to community events as state queens. It’s a great experience.”

The Stoneciphers have been associated with the rodeo for years and both are directors on the volunteer-based committee. They have also hosted visiting queens for the better part of two decades.

“That’s the one (rodeo) that all the state queens look forward to every year,” Cameron said.

The legacy of Pioneer Days Rodeo is reflected in its motto: Where Champions Come to Play the First Weekend in May; the 2026 event is set for May 1-3.

Preparation has already begun, with volunteers working year-round to ensure the top event for contestants and spectators alike.

“This is Guymon’s chance to shine on a national stage, so we are diligent about putting on a great event for the community,” Stonecipher said. “Being honored with this award tells us we’re doing something right on a statewide stage, too.”

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo

Where Champions Come to Play the First Weekend in May

For information contact Ted Harbin, imteditor@gmail.com, (660) 254-1900