The World’s Oldest Rodeo

If you happen to be in Prescott, Arizona, between July 1 and July 7, you can join a huge crowd of rodeo fans attending the World’s Oldest Rodeo. 

Ranked as among the best rodeos in the country, this event attracts some of the best of the rodeo competitors in the country, with more than 600 contestants taking part in eight different shows.  Payouts are, of course, generous.

In addition to the rodeo, visitors can watch the second-largest parade in Arizona, take in an arts and crafts show, and attend a rodeo dance.  There is a loud and lively fireworks display on the Fourth of July along with a carnival.

The first Prescott rodeo, called a “Cowboy Tournament” at the time, was held on July 4, 1888.  It was an organizedaffair, with a committee in charge of planning and staging the event.  They invited cowboys to the competitions and charged admission. 

Ranchers and their hands had long tested their skills against one another on an informal basis. One of those more-or-less organized events took place in August 1884, when cowboys took part in an informal rodeo known as the Payson Rodeo, organized by Abraham (“Arizona Charlie) Meadows and John Collins Chilson.  Local cowhands competed against each other in roping and riding, bronc riding and roping events, along with horse racing.  Later, other events were added, such as greased pig contests, sack and foot races.

Chutes were not used in these early rodeos.  The horses were led or dragged into the middle of the street, saddled and mounted.  There were no attempts to time these events, which simply went on until the horse gave up or the rider was thrown.  Other cowboys rode wild steers, cows and bulls.  Still others tested their skills in roping.  Horse racing was popular.  The first races usually were among cow horses, but later on thoroughbreds became popular.

Over the years, as rodeos became more sophisticated, special “rodeo grounds” were developed.  Chutes, corrals, grandstands and barns have replaced the streets and temporary corrals of the early days.  The World’s Oldest Rodeo has its own home and continues to attract visitors from around the world.

If you are thinking about visiting the Prescott Rodeo, you can find its official website here.