Fair Queen & Court
Introducing the 2026
Starr County Fair Royal Court
Aubrey is the 16 year-old daughter of Rigoberto and Roxanne Benitez and a junior at Rio Grande City High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is enrolled in Pre-AP, AP, and dual-enrollment courses. She is representing her school as a Rattler Varsity Cheerleader for the third consecutive year, and also serves as Treasurer for the Class of 2027.
Aubrey serves as both a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador and a MyPlate Ambassador, which she advocates for nutrition education. She has delivered youth-focused presentations and led community initiatives that promote well-being. An active member of the Vaquero 4-H Club, Aubrey has demonstrated leadership through her service as Secretary, 1st Vice President, and 3rd Vice President, and currently serves as a Delegate. She also holds the position of Starr County 4-H Council Parliamentarian. Her diverse 4-H projects include arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, agricultural identification, skillathon, fine arts, educational presentation, and food challenge.
She also exhibits rabbits and goats. In addition, Aubrey is an active Rio FFA member, competing in floriculture, plant identification, Creed speaking, poster contests, and the RGVLS basket contest. Aubrey aspires to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
We are so proud to have Aubrey represent our fair as the 2026 Starr County Fair Queen!
Meet Your 2026 Starr County Fair Queen!
Aubrey is the 16 year-old daughter of Rigoberto and Roxanne Benitez and a junior at Rio Grande City High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is enrolled in Pre-AP, AP, and dual-enrollment courses. She is representing her school as a Rattler Varsity Cheerleader for the third consecutive year, and also serves as Treasurer for the Class of 2027.
Aubrey serves as both a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador and a MyPlate Ambassador, which she advocates for nutrition education. She has delivered youth-focused presentations and led community initiatives that promote well-being. An active member of the Vaquero 4-H Club, Aubrey has demonstrated leadership through her service as Secretary, 1st Vice President, and 3rd Vice President, and currently serves as a Delegate. She also holds the position of Starr County 4-H Council Parliamentarian. Her diverse 4-H projects include arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, agricultural identification, skillathon, fine arts, educational presentation, and food challenge.
She also exhibits rabbits and goats. In addition, Aubrey is an active Rio FFA member, competing in floriculture, plant identification, Creed speaking, poster contests, and the RGVLS basket contest. Aubrey aspires to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
We are so proud to have Aubrey represent our fair as the 2026 Starr County Fair Queen!
Introducing Our Teen Princess, Kaitlyn Nicole Cazares!
Kaitlyn Nicole Cazares is the daughter of Jesus and Clarissa Cazares and is proud to shine in the Starr County Fair Pageant Teen Division.
A 7th grade student at Magnet Middle School, Kaitlyn is the perfect blend of talent and determination. She balances academics with One Act Play, music, church events, 4-H, and community service, all while doing it with a smile and purpose. As a dedicated member of Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel and Vaquero 4-H, Kaitlyn has developed strong leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills.
Kaitlyn is no stranger to success at the Starr County Fair, earning honors such as Class Champion, Best Use of Theme in Arts & Crafts, and 4th Place in the Rabbit Show. She also participates in the Dutz to Dazzle Fashion and Interior Design competition and proudly represented her community at the Mariachi Extravaganza as a member of Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel.
When she’s not on stage or in competition, Kaitlyn enjoys caring for her animals. She is excited to be showing her goat Buckley and her rabbit Marshmallow. Kaitlyn is passionate about giving back to her community and remains actively involved in church activities.
One of her most unforgettable moments was singing the National Anthem at the City Parade Marshal Dinner. She also proudly holds the title of Miss Junior Freedom Fest 2025.
Looking ahead, Kaitlyn dreams of attending The University of Texas at Austin to become a pediatrician. She believes true success is measured not just by achievements, but by kindness, leadership, and heart.
We’re so proud to have her represent the youth of Starr County!
Meet our Pre-Teen Princess, Larissa Dianey Gonzalez!
Larissa is the daughter of Víctor Hugo Gonzalez and Julia Peña-Gonzalez. Larissa is a 3rd grade student at AC2E Elementary where she has received “A” Honor Roll recognition.
Larissa takes pride in representing her school at UIL competitions as a dedicated member of the Number Sense, Oral Reading, and Spelling teams. She an active member of Girl Scouts and Vaquero 4-H Club.
Larissa is currently representing her community as 2025 RGVLS Lil Miss Cowgirl. Beyond her academic excellence and involvement with her community, her true passion shines on the softball field as she loves playing this sport. She is currently playing catcher for South Texas Savage. Other hobbies that Larissa Dianey enjoys are singing, dancing, baking, and crafting.
Larissa aspires to become a doctor when she grows up because she loves helping others any time she can.
Congratulations to our Pre-Teen Princess!
Introducing our Petite Princess, Emma Rhae Garza!
Emma Rhae Garza is the 7 year old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Reynaldo Garza, Jr. She attends IDEA RGC where she is a proud member of Spelling Club, has started her own book club, and is on the A honor roll.
She is an active member of Vaquero 4-H where she proudly represents her club through her involvement in the Peewee Goat Show, Arts & Crafts, Educational Posters, Photography, and the Academic Rodeo.
In her free time, Emma Rhae highlights the importance of community service through her volunteerism. Hosting “Story Time with Emma Rhae” at our local library and donating regularly to the Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Center are just a couple of ways she helps to spread joy and love throughout the RGV.
She is also a proud member of the RGC Summer Track team and has advanced to State twice. She has held several beauty pageant titles within Starr County and the Rio Grande Valley, and she is so honored to serve once again as a Starr County Fair Princess.
Congratulations to Emma Rhae Garza!
Introducing our Precious Princess, Vaida Everly Nelson!
Vaida is the beloved daughter of Alouette Gonzalez and Jack Nelson. She is a student at Immaculate Conception School, where she enjoys learning new things and spending time with her friends, and she is a member of Rattler 4-H Club.
Vaida’s hobbies are swimming, roller skating, and making sweet memories with her family. She is a competitive cheerleader with Legendary Cheer, where, she enjoys performing and being part of a team. In her free time, Vaida enjoys listening to music, dancing, and feeding her great grandparents goats. Vaida’s smile said it all at the 2025 Starr County Fair Pee Wee Goat show- fearless, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.
When she grows up, Vaida dreams of becoming a veterinarian or a rockstar, combining her love for animals and music.
Congratulations to our 2026 Precious Princess!