In his prime, my grandfather participated in rodeos. He was a bull rider, one of those crazy guys who tried to stay seated on top of a bucking bull for as long as humanly possible before finally flopping off and hitting the dirt. This was in the days before bull riders wore helmets but even today it’s still a risky, though thrilling, endeavor for both the participants and audience alike.
As you probably know, rodeos are still a popular sport in Arizona. They occur at the state and county fairs, during city celebrations, and other festivities where contestants may have a chance to show off their finely honed skills. If you haven’t been to one, what are you waiting for? There will be plenty of them coming up during the Fourth of July holiday but if you want to see an incredible example, then you need to check out one of the oldest rodeos that still operates in our former capital city.
That’s right, Prescott is the home of the World’s Oldest Rodeo!
World’s Oldest Rodeo/Facebook
The event’s origins date to July 4, 1888 when members of the city’s business sector organized a formal rodeo that would continue for well over a century.
World’s Oldest Rodeo/Facebook
The rodeo is notable for being among the first to create written rules, charge admission, and create a fan base to support the immensely talented cowboys living in the region. In a short period of time, the city’s identity became rooted in the sport.
World’s Oldest Rodeo/Facebook
There is some disagreement about the phrase “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” however. Payson holds a title for the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, dating to 1884, but some claim it was not a professional rodeo like those we’re familiar with today.
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
Either way, it’s still amazing that two Arizona cities have this Western tradition so deeply rooted in their histories.
World’s Oldest Rodeo/Facebook
Held annually during the Fourth of July weekend, the rodeo is combined with the Prescott Frontier Days. During this week-long event, you’ll get to participate in a variety of family-friendly activities. This includes dances, parades, and arts and craft shows to display all the talent of the community. And, of course, the rodeo.
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
The rodeo itself is held daily (plus one extra show on Saturday). You’ll get to see the bull riding my grandfather once participated in, plus steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, and plenty of other competitions.
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
You won’t want to miss checking out one of Prescott’s most anticipated events of the year!
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
The World’s Oldest Rodeo is part of the Prescott Frontier Days, taking place June 28 to July 4. You can find details about the rodeo and the Frontier Days celebration by visiting the website, worldsoldestrodeo.com.
World’s Oldest Rodeo/Facebook
Dagny Gromer/Flickr
If you want to read about more fun things to do around the state, check out The 10 Best Small-Town Arizona Festivals You’ve Never Heard Of.
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