The Cochrane Lions Rodeo has its new queen. Sonia van der Burgh was crowned the 2026 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen in August and is excited to represent the rodeo and its community over the next year.
“It definitely didn’t sink in until after the entire rodeo was done,” says van der Burgh. “You’re standing back there, they call your name, and then out you go into the arena. I was shocked. I definitely wasn’t expecting it.”
Van der Burgh, who grew up north of Cochrane and went to school in Airdrie, says rodeo has always been a big part of her life. “I grew up raising beef cows and riding horses my entire life around the Water Valley, Cochrane, and Airdrie area.”
“I’m 20 years old now and just started Agricultural Management at Olds College the day after the Cochrane Rodeo.”
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Her first official Cochrane event as queen was a memorable one. “Riding through the parade in Cochrane was such an unreal experience,” she says. “Seeing all of the little faces looking up at you like you’re royalty is really inspiring.”
The title of Rodeo Queen is awarded through a competition that includes horsemanship, public speaking, appearance, knowledge of the rodeo and community, and personality. Queens attend more than 60 events across Alberta each year, including fundraisers, parades, and rodeos.
Being a Rodeo Queen has been a dream for her since childhood. “Seeing the rodeo royalty go by when you’re a little kid, I remember thinking, you can be a cowgirl and a princess at the same time.”
“That just sounded like the best of both worlds.”
Van der Burgh takes over the crown from 2025 queen Lacey Blouin and says she can’t wait to meet more of the community over the coming months.