EVANSTON — A total of eight contestants competed in this year’s Cowboy Days royalty contest. The girls were judged on seven categories: modeling, speech, impromptu question, interview, horsemanship, appearance and personality. The royalty for the 2023 Cowboy Days was announced at the annual Spring Fling held in the evening, Saturday, June 10, at the Roundhouse.

Two contestants, Cheyenne Gawreluk from Francis, Utah and Sierra Sinnett from Granger, Wyoming competed for the title of Cowboy Days Queen. Six contestants, Carley Henstra from Fort Bridger, Cheznee Mackey from Evanston, Dixie Christensen from Richmond, Utah, Genevieve Graham from Charleston, Utah, Monroe Barton from Roy, Utah, and Mckenna Delkettie from Kamas Utah competed for the title of Cowboy Days Princess.

On Saturday morning, the contestants met at the Roundhouse where most of the judging took place. Later that afternoon, in pouring rain at the fairgrounds, they were judged for horsemanship.

The annual Spring Fling took place later that evening at the Roundhouse when family and other guests attended. Emcees for the night’s event were Cowboy Days committee vice president Natalie Cornia and Queen Coordinator LaChelle Adams.  Caterer for the evening’s meal was Cody’s Gastro Garage from Bear Lake, Utah who provided a choice of brisket, steak, BBQ chicken and all the fixings.

“In attendance for the Spring Fling were the outgoing 2022 Cowboy Days Queen Jenessa Sullivan and the 2022 Cowboy Days Princess Quincee Call. Both of these ladies went above and beyond last year. They traveled many miles and represented Cowboy Days with such grace,” Adams said. “They have left a lasting impact on the committee and so many in our community. They will always be a part of our Cowboy Days family.”

Judging continued during the fashion show held as part of the evening’s event. The eight contestants modeled western outfits from Murdoch’s. Two younger girls, Haisley Adams and Kambree Barker, joined the contestants as models in the fashion show.

Following the fashion show, it was announced that A.J. Barker was selected to be the Grand Marshall for the 2023 Cowboy Days celebration.  His entire family attended the event and celebrated with him.

Adams said, “A.J.’s family knew in advance he was chosen but it was a total surprise for him.”

The new royalty was then announced: 2023 Evanston Cowboy Days Queen – Cheyenne Gawreluk from Francis, Utah, and 2023 Evanston Cowboy Days 1st Attendant – Sierra Sinnett from Granger, Wyoming.

In the little princess competition, the winners were announced: 2023 Evanston Cowboy Days Princess – Cheznee Mackey from Evanston, Wyoming and 2023 Evanston Cowboy Days Princess 1st Attendant – Monroe Barton from Roy, Utah and 2023 Evanston Cowboy Days Princess 2nd Attendant – Genevieve Graham from Charleston, Utah.

“It was a great contest,” Adams said. “Even though other rodeo events have been canceled this year, we are excited that all events associated with Cowboy Days are taking place as usual.”