A milestone year is set to take center stage later this month as the Miss Pahrump Pageant celebrates its 50th anniversary, continuing a tradition that has highlighted the talents, leadership and community service of young women across the valley for five decades.
The 2026 Miss Pahrump Pageant will be held on Friday, July 24, at the Saddle West Showroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the pageant beginning at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $15, while VIP tickets are $20. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any of the contestants or by contacting the pageant at MissPahrumpPageant@gmail.com. This year’s presenting sponsor is Saitta Trudeau Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge & Ram.
Six contestants will compete for the opportunity to succeed reigning Miss Pahrump 2025 Emilee Rodriguez, who has spent the past year representing the community while promoting her own community platform and serving alongside her court at events throughout the valley.
This year’s contestants represent a variety of schools, interests and future career goals, while each bringing a unique community platform to the competition.
Contestant No. 1, Kinley Smith, is the 14-year-old daughter of Emily Smith and Brian Smith. A ninth-grade student, Smith participates in volleyball, basketball, track and dance. She will perform a lyrical dance to “She Used to Be Mine” during the talent competition. She hopes to become a marine biologist and enjoys dancing and swimming in her free time. Her community platform is “Kin’s Kindness Crew,” which focuses on encouraging acts of kindness throughout the community.
Contestant No. 2, Angel Martin, is 17 years old and entering her senior year. She is the daughter of Jr. Martin and the granddaughter of James and Janet Martin. Martin is active in cheerleading and will perform a cheer dance to “Only Girl in the World.” She plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian and enjoys cheer and dance outside of school. Her community platform, “Helping Animals in Need,” reflects her passion for animal welfare.
Contestant No. 3, Eva Armendariz, is the 15-year-old daughter of Raquel Armendariz and Marco Magana. A sophomore, Armendariz is a member of the Pahrump Valley High School Trojanette Dance Team and Nevada Dance Center. She will perform a contemporary dance to “Pearls.” She hopes to continue dancing at the collegiate level before pursuing a career in professional sports. Her hobbies include shopping and swimming, while her community platform supports the Women’s and Children’s Center.
Contestant No. 4, Avery Sampson, is a 14-year-old freshman and the daughter of Scott Sampson. Active in volleyball and track, Sampson will showcase her vocal abilities by performing “Finish the Fight” from the musical Suffs. She dreams of becoming both a teacher and a Broadway performer. Outside of school, she enjoys crocheting, singing and musical theater. Her community initiative is known as “The Avery Project.”
Contestant No. 5, Natalie Soto, is a 17-year-old senior and the daughter of Javier and Elizabeth Soto. One of the pageant’s busiest student-athletes, Soto participates in gymnastics, competitive cheer, soccer, basketball, softball, golf, volleyball and dance. She will perform the traditional folkloric dance “El Son de La Negra” during the talent portion of the competition. Soto hopes to build a career in the medical field and enjoys sports, drawing, modeling and photography. Her community platform, “Paws of Pahrump,” focuses on supporting animals in the community.
Contestant No. 6, Aubree Chiancone, is 13 years old and entering ninth grade. The daughter of Mario Chiancone and Katie Meek, Chiancone is involved in cheerleading, dance and off-road racing. She will perform a jazz dance to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” She plans to become a cosmetologist specializing in nail design and enjoys dirt bike riding, creating choreography, dancing and spending time with friends. Her community platform is “Aubree’s Animal Awareness.”
Beyond the evening gown, interview and talent competitions, the Miss Pahrump Pageant has long emphasized community involvement through contestant-led service initiatives. Each participant develops a platform promoting a cause that is meaningful to them, allowing them to make a positive impact while representing Pahrump throughout the year.
As the pageant celebrates its golden anniversary, organizers hope the community will come together to honor both the program’s history and its future by supporting the six young women competing for the title of Miss Pahrump 2026.
With a half-century of tradition behind it, the 50th annual Miss Pahrump Pageant promises an evening celebrating talent, service, leadership and hometown pride as a new ambassador for the Pahrump community is crowned.
