The World’s Oldest Rodeo Actually Takes Place Right Here In Arizona
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
