The Almond Queen Association would like to thank our 2026 sponsors of the event:



Gold Level, $1000+ 

ROAD TRIP BAR & GRILL

BZ BEE POLLINATION 


Silver Level, $500+ 

COMING SOON


Bronze Level, $250+ 

HEAD SPA BY HARLEE

CORK & CO

Substation Solutions


Contestant Sponsors, $150

Nitysh Mercado

El Toro Meat Market

DSA Bees

Kaleidoscope Salon by Liz

Cork & Co

Mariani Nut Company


2026 Almond Queen Pageant Dinner Tickets

2026 Almond Queen Program Contestants

The time has come to celebrate a handful of incredibly talented young women in the Esparto and Capay Valley community. This year, 6 brave young ladies will compete for the title of 2026 Capay Valley Almond Queen.


The pageant will be held on Saturday, February 14th at the Western Yolo Grange Hall in Guinda at 6:00pm.

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online via the Esparto Chamber of Commerce Website. The purchasing link will also be available on the Almond Queen Association and Esparto Watch Facebook pages.



Tickets are $30/ adult and $15/ children under 12 and Seniors 85 and older. The dinner will include marinated chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, tossed salad, and rolls. Dessert will be a choice of chocolate or vanilla cake.


Thank you to our Sponsors: Road Trip Bar & Grill at the “Platinum” level ($2000+), BZ Bee at the “Gold” level ($1000+), Head Spa by Harlee, Cork & Co, Substation Solutions at the “Bronze” level ($250+), Nitysh Mercado, El Toro Meat Market, DSA Bees, Kaleidoscope Salon by Liz, Cork & Co, and Mariani Nut Company ($150). Not all Sponsors were available at the time of publication.


If you are interested in sponsoring the pageant, please contact event coordinators, Harlee Grant & Cynna McAllister by February 6th at almondqueenassociation@gmail.com.


This year’s pool of qualified candidates includes athletes, scholars, leaders, and community-oriented seniors. Join the entire Capay Valley in honoring these remarkable young women and celebrating this important community tradition. 

Diana Lucero

Diana Lucero is the daughter of Antonio Lucero Chavez and Ana Laura Chavez, and the sister of Samantha and Alexa. She has been highly involved in her school and community, serving as President of the Spanish Club and President of the MAD’s Club, which focuses on music, art, and drama. Diana is a member of the volleyball team, the National Honor Society, and actively volunteers through her church organization. She is also involved in beekeeping with DSA Bees, reflecting her strong connection to agriculture and community service. Her achievements include Honor Roll recognition, Spartan of the Month, Perfect Attendance, and multiple honors for leadership and citizenship. Diana has received the Congressional Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Student Achievement and Leadership, the Concilio of Yolo County’s 2025 High School Scholarship Award, the California State Legislature Certificate of Recognition through the Concilio of Yolo County, and the American Legion Citation of Good Citizenship. After graduation, Diana plans to attend a CSU or UC and pursue a major in either law or a STEM-related field. She hopes to build a career where she can make a meaningful difference through advocacy, innovation, and service. In her free time, Diana enjoys art, digital editing, baking, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new creative outlets. She is participating in this pageant to give back to her community and proudly represent the unity, kindness, and pride that make it so special.


Thank you to Diana’s Sponsor: DSA Bees 

Kamila Moreno

Kamila Moreno is the daughter of Liz and Salvador Moreno and the sister of Juan Pablo Moreno. She has been deeply involved in her school and community throughout high school, participating in FFA for four years and raising an animal for the Yolo County Fair. Kamila has volunteered with the FFA Almond Festival Pancake Breakfast and has been an active member of Associated Student Body all four years. She has served as a class officer each year, beginning as treasurer her freshman year and serving as class president her sophomore, junior, and senior years, including holding the role of ASB president. Kamila has also helped with the community Christmas tree lighting, assisted with pumpkin bin distribution around town, and supported the football team as a water girl for the past two years. Her achievements include competing in FFA opening and closing ceremonies, earning the Outstanding Freshman Award, and receiving the AA Ace Award through volleyball. After graduation, Kamila plans to attend a four-year college to study animal science with the goal of becoming a livestock manager, while also pursuing coursework to become a licensed nail technician. In her spare time, she enjoys doing nails, raising livestock through FFA, and occasionally working with her mom doing makeup. Kamila is participating in this pageant to represent her community, demonstrate responsibility and leadership, and help support her future educational goals while celebrating the traditions of the Almond Festival.


Thank you to Kamila’s Sponsor: Kaleidoscope Salon by Liz 

Makenzie Karlstad 

Makenzie Karlstad is the daughter of Ashley and Marcus Karlstad and the sister of Marcus Karlstad Jr. She has been actively involved in her school and community, participating in National Honor Society, sports, the Journalism Club, and the FCCLA Club. In previous years, Makenzie also served as an officer for the JCOC and hopes to help revive the club this year. She has been involved in FFA and has participated in opening and closing ceremonies, demonstrating her dedication to leadership and teamwork. Her achievements include earning first place in the Yolo County Impromptu Public Speaking Contest during her sophomore year, as well as receiving awards for FFA opening and closing ceremonies, including Star President and a gold team award. Makenzie was also recognized as Defensive MVP in basketball and received the “Most Spirit” award in cheer during her junior year. After graduation, she plans to attend a community college and transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Makenzie hopes to continue supporting her small town wherever she goes and remain closely connected to her community. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is participating in this pageant to honor a valley tradition, challenge herself, and proudly represent the community she loves.


Thank you to Makenzie’s Sponsor: Cork & Co 

Riley Valle 

Riley Valle is the daughter of Jenny Dutton and the sister of Casie Valle. She has been actively involved in agriculture and leadership through FFA and 4-H, where she has held multiple officer positions and participated in a variety of agricultural projects. Riley has also been involved in volleyball, softball, and cheer, and has volunteered at community events including the Elk Lodge Dinner and the annual Spaghetti Feed. Her achievements include serving as a 4-H officer, holding leadership roles in FFA, being named FFA Sweetheart her sophomore year, and receiving recognition as the Most Coachable volleyball player and Most Dedicated softball player. After graduation, Riley plans to attend Butte Community College before transferring to Chico State to pursue a degree in agricultural education. Her goal is to return to Esparto as an agriculture teacher and give back to the community that has supported her. Riley is participating in this pageant to honor a valley tradition and proudly represent her community. In her free time, Riley enjoys dancing, cooking, reading, working with animals, camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. She is participating in this pageant to honor a long-standing valley tradition, celebrate her family’s legacy within the Almond Queen Pageant, and proudly represent the community she has grown up loving.


Thank you to Riley’s Sponsor: Mariani Nut Company

Casara Pineda 

Casara Pineda is the daughter of Nitysh Mercado and the sister of Victoria Mercado. She has been actively involved in her school and community throughout high school, participating in Associated Student Body all four years and serving as class president for two terms. Casara was also a member of Link Crew, where she helped mentor younger students, and joined Spanish Club this year, earning the position of treasurer. She participated in Puente, a college success program that allowed her to tour colleges and learn about Hispanic culture, and served as a class representative for two years. Casara has played softball since the age of six and has volunteered through the organization, as well as at church events and a local retirement home. Her achievements include recognition through Puente and being on the honor roll since eighth grade. After graduation, Casara plans to attend college and pursue a degree in science with the goal of entering radiology or orthodontics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, playing volleyball and softball, upcycling, baking, camping, journaling, and trying new creative outlets. Casara is participating in this pageant to become more involved in her community and to celebrate the traditions of the Almond Festival.


Thank you to Casara’s Sponsor: Nitysh Mercado

Chloee Camargo 

Chloee Camargo is the daughter of Kaylee Wiskur and Clayton Wiskur. She is actively involved at Esparto High School and is participating in the Almond Festival Queen Pageant as a way to step outside of her comfort zone and become more involved in her community. Chloee values personal growth and has embraced opportunities that challenge her to try new experiences beyond what she has previously done during her high school years. In her spare time, Chloee enjoys reading, writing, diamond painting, and participating in hands-on learning experiences. She has a strong interest in creative and thoughtful activities that allow her to express herself and continue learning in new ways. As a senior, Chloee decided to participate in this pageant to push herself, create new memories, and take part in a tradition she has long admired. She is excited for the opportunity to grow, gain confidence, and celebrate the Almond Festival alongside her community.


Thank you to Chloee’s Sponsor: El Toro Meat Market