Proudly sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), The World's Oldest Rodeo will have its 130th annual celebration of the Prescott Rodeo and the Prescott Frontier Days at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds on June 28 through July 4. This traditional event occurs over the 4th of July weekend and will have eight breath-taking judged and timed performances:

BULL RIDING WILD HORSE RACE

TIE-DOWN ROPING BAREBACK RIDING

WOMENS BARREL RACING STEER WRESTLING

TEAM ROPING SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Specialty Acts will include:

Luke Kraut - PRCA Bullfighter

Quirt Hunt - PRCA Bullfighter

Diamond Z English Shire Horses

Troy ‘Wild Child’ Lerwill - PRCA Barrelman

Tomas Garcilazo - Horsemanship and Rope Artistry

TICKETS

Tickets range in price from $12.00 to $20.00 to the amount of $25.00 for a Skybox and some on the Lower Level. Children age two and under, who do not occupy a seat, are free. Children 12 and under receive a $2.00 discount. The parking fee is $5.00 per vehicle.

HISTORY

This nostalgic and exciting rodeo, following the Spanish traditions of the vaquero, began on July 4, 1888, when a number of Prescott businessmen and merchants organized the first formal "cowboy tournament" with cash prizes. The rodeo "arena" was simply a tract of unimproved land which was roped off to keep the broncs from running off after the riders were unseated!

'Rodeo' is a Spanish word that means "to roundup", and became the word for cowboy contests. Celebrities such as Tom Mix and Will Rogers greatly increased the popularity of the event with their participation and attendance.

The Prescott Frontier Days, Inc Committee was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in July, 2008, as one of only 16 rodeos ever that had this honor bestowed upon them.

Recovered artifacts from the construction in the mid 1930s of the Grandstand, two Rock Buildings, and the stone 'Fish Pond' are on display at the Smoki Museum today. Other rodeo artifacts and memorabilia can be viewed at Phippen Museums and Sharlot Hall.

Other Prescott Frontier Days Events:

Rodeo Dance

June 29, 30, and July 1

8:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Fine Art and Craft Show

July 1 through 3

Prescott Courthouse Plaza

Ad­mission: NONE

There will also be antique and collectibles exhibitors.

In addition, there will be Arizona's second largest parade, a Golf Tournament, a 10K Run, a challenged children's Happy Hearts event, a Gathering for Old Timers, street dances, whiskey row boot races, food booths, and more.

MEDIA

The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Papa John's Road Team, the Earnhardt Auto Centers, and the Cowboy Lifestyle Network will be the media team for The World's Oldest Rodeo. The Cowboy Lifestyle Network is the leading community and online source for everything Country and Western.

THE GROWTH

Over the years, the contestant spectator sport of rodeo has amazingly grown into a multimillion dollar enterprise with over 700 professional rodeos held in 50 states. Unlike other sports, rodeo is a reflection of the skills used in the real life, and the athletic abilities of cowboys and ranchers are demonstrated in the competitive arena of a rodeo such as the Prescott Rodeo, The World's Oldest Rodeo.