Queen: Reece Sheppard
Hello everyone, my name is Reece Sheppard and I am proud to be your 2026 Queen! I am the daughter of Josh and Chelsy Sheppard of Clarkston, WA. I am the middle of two sisters, Berklie and Jensyn, and they are my best friends. I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Asotin High School.
Following in my parents footsteps I have been very involved with the Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo. My dad is a rodeo clown who clowned the Hells Canyon Rodeo for 11 years and is now on the sales committee. My Mom was also Asotin Royalty when she was in high school and is now a horse 4-H leader. In addition to that, they both took part in FFA and 4-H. I have been a part of the fair since kindergarten showing rabbits, dogs, horses, pigs, and steers, along with sewing, modeling, cooking and presenting demonstrations. I was a large animal Round Robin winner my 8th grade year and have helped at the Livestock sale the past three years. I have been very involved in 4-H outside of the fair by being a youth leader for different clubs, a teen camp leader and a 4-H club president.
At Asotin High School I am involved in Volleyball, National Honor Society, and FFA. Last year in FFA I participated in Creed, Livestock Judging, Beginning Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings (CCM). At state, my CCM team and I got first place for our written test and second place for our meeting category. At our end of the year FFA awards banquet I was also awarded the Star Greenhand Award. This year I will be doing Advanced Parliamentary Procedure, Livestock Judging, and showing a steer and horse at the fair.
Singing is a very important part of my life and has been an affinity of mine since I was very little. I started singing the National Anthem at the age of eight and ever since then I have been singing at rodeos, including the Asotin Rodeo and Sale and the Lewiston Round Up, school games, graduations, memorials and plenty more. My family and I are very strong in our
Faith and I love to lead worship in the band at Canyons Church on Sundays, as well as volunteer in our children’s ministries.
I have been very involved with horses all my life. From showing horses at the fair every year, to many playnights, barrel races, and omoksees, I have learned so much. I have competed in many rodeos through Central Idaho Rodeo Association, Idaho District 3 High School Rodeo Association, and barrel racing at the Asotin Rodeo. I have gotten lessons periodically throughout my life and I have now started training my own horses.
I am so excited to make memories with Princess Brooklynn and my horse Camas this year while representing the Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo, and I can’t wait to see what God has planned for us! Being Queen of our Fair and Rodeo has been a lifelong dream and is such an honor. Have a wonderful time and stop to visit if you see me!!
Princess: Brooklynn Auker
Hi there, my name is Brooklynn Auker, and I am so excited to be your 2026 Princess.
I am the daughter of Caleb and Stephanie Patterson and the proud big sister to Jackson Patterson. I was raised in a family that values faith, hard work, and the western way of life. Horses have been part of my story for as long as I can remember, and from a very young age, I felt most at home in the saddle.
Entering the Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo Royalty program is an honor that reflects the life I have grown up loving and the community I am proud to represent.
When I am not fulfilling royalty duties, you can most often find me in the arena doing what I love most — competing and training horses. I am a dedicated and competitive barrel racer, and I travel near and far to chase my rodeo goals. Some of my accomplishments include being a two-time Hells Canyon Rodeo Barrel Champion, NWBHA Youth Champion, NWBHA Finals qualifier, and Battle of the Champions qualifier. Each of these titles represents countless early mornings, late nights, and many miles on the road with my horses.
While I am proud of the awards, what means the most to me is the partnership I build with each horse I ride. In addition to barrel racing, I compete in breakaway roping, pole bending, and goat tying. I love working to become a well-rounded horsewoman and improving my timing, horsemanship, and mental toughness in every event. Rodeo has taught me that while winning is exciting, growth, perseverance, and sportsmanship matter most. This year, you will catch me riding my heart horse, Peppy, for all royalty events. Peppy is a 23-year-old Quarter Horse whom I was blessed to receive from my good friend, Holly. Peppy is more than just a horse to me — she is my teacher, teammate, and best friend. Together, we have competed in local rodeos and countless barrel races and built a bond that can only come from time, trust, and miles in the arena. Peppy has helped shape me into the rider I am today by teaching me patience, feel, confidence, and grit. Our partnership is built on loyalty and love, and it is something I cherish deeply.
Outside of rodeo, I stay just as active and driven. I am a Varsity volleyball player for Clarkston and compete for ZZU Club as an Outside Hitter. Volleyball has taught me leadership, communication, and the importance of trusting my teammates. I also recently began wrestling and have had an undefeated season through my school. Wrestling has pushed me mentally and physically in ways I never expected. It has taught me discipline, resilience, accountability, and how to stay focused under pressure. Being alone on the mat builds confidence and toughness, and it has made me stronger not only as an athlete but as a person.
I am also excited to return to the Asotin County Fair this year to show a hog. Being a part of 4-H has taught me responsibility, dedication, and the value of hard work. Caring for and raising an animal takes daily commitment, patience, and pride. 4-H has helped me grow not only as a competitor, but as a leader and role model in my community.
Through everything I do, my faith remains at the center of my life. I have a close relationship with Jesus and thank Him daily for the blessings and opportunities I have been given. Whether I am in the arena, on the court, on the mat, or under an open sky, I strive to live with integrity, kindness, and gratitude.
This year has only just begun, and I have already made so many meaningful memories and met incredible people within our community. I am blessed to share this season with my good friend, Queen Reece, and I look forward to all the amazing memories we will make together. I am truly grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendships that come with being part of such a special community.
Thank you all for your support!
