The 2025 Ninilchik Rodeo kicked off last weekend with a beach race and the crowning of this year’s rodeo queens.
The fifth annual horse race on the beach, which organizers noted as the only one of its kind in the state, was held at Ninilchik Beach, with 2025 Rodeo Queen Candace Campbell placing first on her horse, Bacon. Organizers noted in a handout that the Beach Horse Race combines speed and courage and is similar to races the homesteaders ran in the early days, before paved roads.
Abigail Price was named 2025 Junior Rodeo queen and Isla Brown was named 2025 Junior Miss Rodeo queen. The newly named queens will hold their titles for two years.
Retiring rodeo queens Jordan Barrowcliff and Adeline Mills presented the Alaska flag on Sunday as 2025 Junior Rodeo Queen Abigail Price sang the National Anthem.
Barrowcliff said her horses, Whisper and Maverick, are more than just companions.
“They’re my partners, my peace and my biggest blessing. One of the most unforgettable chapters in our journey was being crowned as Miss Rodeo Queen,” wrote Barrowcliff in a message read by announcers. “That experience didn’t just strengthen the bond between me and my horse, it challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why I love this life so fiercely.”
Mills said for the past six years, she’s poured her heart into the saddle, riding with her horse, Dusty.
“One of our proudest adventures was wearing the crown together as Junior Rodeo queen,” wrote Mills in a message read aloud by announcers. “That journey was much more than sparkles and smiles; it was grit, grace and pure passion. Being a rodeo queen was a great honor.”
Annie Price was named All-Around Cowgirl for the under 12 age bracket. Myla Stole was named All-Around Cowgirl for the 13- to 18-year-old bracket. Bridget Gibson was named All-Around Cowgirl for age 19 and up. Laramie Gibson was named All-Around Cowboy for the weekend, and Cyas Stole was named All-Around Cowboy for the under 12 age bracket.
Events for the weekend included bull riding, calf scrambles, steer daubing, barrel racing, pole bending, and breakaway roping. The Alaska Stars Drill Team performed over the weekend, as well as the AYEC Trick Riders. The Junior Rodeo for youth Saturday night featured barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and team roping by high school students. Horse rides were provided for attendees by members of the Alaska Stars Drill Team.
The Ninilchik Rodeo has been an annual Kenai Peninsula event since the 1960s, originally hosted on the property that is now Inlet View Lodge.
Haylee Overson and Adeline Mills present the American and Alaska flags on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Haylee Overson circles the arena with the Alaska flag on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Youth await their turn during the steer daubing competition on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
A competitor holds on tight during the junior bull riding event on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
