A few weeks ago, our team flew out to Jackson Hole to shoot Kate Budge, aka Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2026, in our August denim collection. Between opening our store downtown last spring and our western-inspired new collection, it felt like the perfect opportunity to spotlight Jackson—a destination that’s carving out a special place in our hearts—and learn more about rodeo culture along the way…
RODEO 101 WITH KATE
A quick Q&A with the Rodeo Queen herself…
VB: How does it feel to be Miss Rodeo Wyoming?
This is a dream come true. It’s something I’ve been working on since I was four years old, wearing a pink sparkly shirt and riding my dad’s rope horse. To finally achieve this goal feels unbelievable. I’ve had some amazing experiences—I’ve been 300 feet up in a fire truck and 600 feet underground in a salt mine—but my favorite thing about being a Rodeo Queen is the people I get to meet.
VB: How did you get into rodeo?
My dad was born and raised in Jackson Hole. I’m the seventh generation of our family here and I have been riding ever since I can remember. I rode my dad’s horse in the Jackson Night Rodeo when I was four and the horse was four. From there, I junior rodeoed in Wyoming; I was an 11-year 4-H member (a youth development program focused on horsemanship and agriculture), and then went off and showed horses on a collegiate ranch horse team.
VB: What do you think is so special about rodeo culture in Jackson?
The fairgrounds has been a second home to me since I was itty bitty. I remember coming to town and running around—I was very independent as a young girl. My mom has a picture of me wearing one pink cowboy boot and one black tennis shoe.
VB: What are some of your favorite rodeo events?
I love to team rope. I like that it’s the only true team event in rodeo where you get to partner up with somebody else. My favorite rodeo event to watch is the saddle bronc riding. It’s something I never want to do. I like my horses to be calm with no bucking at all—ever! But it’s something I like to watch.
VB: What do you wear to the rodeo?
If you’re coming to the rodeo in Jackson Hole, you need cowboy boots, jeans or jean shorts, a western top, and a Resistol cowboy hat.
ON OUR CAMERA ROLL, OUT WEST
Our team only had 24 hours in Jackson Hole, here were the highlights…
The view from the airport
When you land at JAC—especially coming from New York—it feels like you’ve been transported to a different universe, full of grassy fields that seem to stretch on forever, framed by the massive Tetons.
The famous Cowboy Bar sign
There’s no better welcome to Jackson than the revolving bronco on top of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Yes, you have to take a picture of it—and then go inside the legendary watering hole for a drink and live music.
Snow King, but in the summer
Right on the edge of town, the valley’s original ski resort looks just as great covered in grass as it does covered in snow. It’s a steep (but worthwhile) hike to the top, or you can ride the gondola up for amazing views from the summit.
A cup of giddy-up
Our team fueled up before the shoot at Cowboy Coffee Co, where we later learned Kate worked as a barista for a summer! The coffee is great, and they get bonus points for the vintage-y graphics on the cups.
Scarlett, the Mare
Kate’s trusty horse and co-star in our shoot, who she’s been riding since she was a freshman in high school. How does she get her mane so shiny, you ask? According to Kate, Scarlett “uses Suave, just like the rest of us.”
The decor at the Jackson Drug
A local institution that dates back to 1919. We stopped in for lunch at this old-school soda shop, where the walls are full of gorgeous Jackson landscapes.
Getting the scoop at Moo’s
Everyone told us we had to try the homemade huckleberry ice cream, and it lives up to the hype.
A hat on a hat on a hat
Souvenirs galore at Beaver Creek Hats & Leathers. A must-visit before you head to the rodeo.
A visit to the VB log cabin
Of course we also had to stop by our new store at 81 S. King Street—which is full of vintage treasures and topped off with a hand-carved wooden sign. Come say hi next time you’re in town.
A toast at Coe Tavern
Only a few doors down from our store, where we celebrated after wrapping the shoot.
See you at the rodeo!
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