Monday, December 23, 2024

World’s Oldest Rodeo Celebrates 137 Years Honoring Prescott Traditions – Flagstaff Business News

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Join us for a week of unforgettable rodeo experiences and the celebration of enduring traditions.

Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated 137th annual World’s Oldest Rodeo, taking place from Monday, July 1 to Sunday, July 7 in Prescott. This iconic event, held during the bustling Fourth of July week, is a cornerstone of Prescott’s summer calendar, driving economic prosperity throughout the county. Featuring a week-long extravaganza of world-class rodeo action and family-friendly entertainment, the World’s Oldest Rodeo stands as Prescott’s premier event of the year.

Drawing rodeo enthusiasts from across the globe, Prescott Frontier Days invites attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Western culture and history dating back to its inaugural celebration on July 4, 1888. This year, the rodeo pays tribute to the deep-rooted Western culture, embodying the theme of “Prescott Traditions.” As part of the festivities, the rodeo is launching the Memory Catcher campaign, inviting fans nationwide to share their cherished memories and stories of Prescott rodeo traditions. These stories will be featured on the rodeo’s website and social media platforms, celebrating the enduring legacy of Prescott’s premier event.

Prescott Frontier Days General Manager Jim Dewey Brown expressed his gratitude for the generations of rodeo families, stating, “It is an honor to highlight their stories and share the profound impact our rodeo has had on their lives over the years.” To submit your rodeo memories, please visit https://worldsoldestrodeo.com/memory-catcher.

The downtown event of the week is the annual rodeo parade, themed “Prescott Traditions,” set to begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, July 6, in downtown Prescott, sponsored by Barrett Propane. The parade will kick off with the grand marshal honoree, Ibbie Champie. She is the daughter of Lawton Champie, a 13-time rodeo champion across various events. Lawton won the All-Around in 1931, 1934 and 1944; calf roping in 1939; steer wrestling in 1931 and 1934; saddle bronc riding in 1924, 1926 and 1931. However, Slim Riley got the credit for winning the bronc riding in 1924 because after he got hurt the first day and Lawton was bucked off the first day, Lawton filled in for Riley the last three days and won the event. In those days, it was customary for someone to ride for another person. Demonstrating true cowboy spirit, they shared the reward money.

With record-breaking rodeo attendances for the last two years and unprecedented sponsor participation, this year promises to be another triumphant showcase of world-class rodeo competition and family-oriented activities. This year’s highlights include Beau Schueth, a national champion bullfighter who grew up in O’Neill, Nebraska; Quirt Hunt, champion bullfighter who is joining the Prescott rodeo for his 21st consecutive year; Matt Tarr, known for his quick wit and passion for making people smile and laugh as a rodeo clown; Tomas Garcilazo, featuring his mastery and artistry of La Charreria, Broken Spoke Clydesdales, a fan favorite, and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Announcer Randy Corley, joined by Co-Announcer James Horcasitas to highlight the eight performances.

The week’s festivities around the rodeo performances will culminate at the annual rodeo dance at the Depot Marketplace/BMO Harris Bank parking lot, offering three nights of music and dance. Thursday night is family night so bring your entire family to kick up your heels! Friday and Saturday nights are slated for ages 21 and older. Tickets for the rodeo dance can be purchased at the door at $5 per person. Join us as we celebrate the enduring spirit of western traditions at the World’s Oldest Rodeo!

Prescott Frontier Days, INC Performance Schedule: 2024

  • Performance 1
    Monday, July 1, 7:30PM
    The Daily Courier
  • Performance 2
    Tuesday, July 2, 7:30PM
    Wrangler Bucking Cancer   
  • Performance 3
    Wednesday, July 3, 7:30PM
    York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
  • Performance 4
    Thursday, July 4, 7:30PM                 First Responders Tribute
  • Performance 5
    Friday, July 5, 7:30PM                 Jack Daniels
  • Performance 6
    Saturday, July 6, 1:30PM                 Military Tribute
  • Performance 7
    Saturday, July 6, 7:30PM                 Coors
  • Performance 8
    Sunday, July 7, 1:30PM                 Nackard Pepsi

Mutton Bustin’ | Prescott Rodeo Grounds

  • Monday, July 1, 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 2, 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 3, 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 4, 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday, July 5, 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 6, 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 6, 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 7, 12:00 p.m.
  • Rodeo Days Fine Arts & Crafts Show sponsored by the Prescott Downtown Partnership
  • Friday, July 5 – 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 6 – 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 7 – 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rodeo Dance | Depot Marketplace/BMO Harris Bank 303 N. Montezuma, Prescott

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024, 8:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. – Family Night
  • Friday, July 5, 2024, 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – Ages 21 and older
  • Saturday, July 6, 2024, 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  – Ages 21 and older

Kiwanis Kiddie Parade, sponsored by the City of Prescott

  • Friday, July 5, 8:30 a.m.    – Cortez & Goodwin Streets

Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. Rodeo Parade, sponsored by Barrett Propane

  • Saturday, July 6, 9:00 a.m. – Courthouse Plaza / Goodwin Street

Cowboy Church at the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Grounds

  • Sunday, July 7, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Whiskey Row Boot Race sponsored by Budweiser

  • Saturday, July 6, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Downtown Prescott, Arizona

Join us for a week of unforgettable rodeo experiences and the celebration of enduring traditions. Prescott Frontier Days, Inc is dedicated to ensuring that the World’s Oldest Rodeo remains an accessible and family-friendly event. Tickets are on sale now only at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com, where you can purchase via our only certified ticket vendor, Rodeo Tickets. The rodeo ticket office is open 10 a.m. – 3p.m., Monday through Friday. For rodeo inquiries, please contact the rodeo office at 928-445-3103 or email info@worldsoldestrodeo.com. For all media inquiries, please contact Donna Werking at NorthernAZsocial@gmail.com. The Prescott rodeo office is located at 840 Rodeo Drive Prescott, AZ 86305

For other inquiries, please contact the Prescott Rodeo Office at 928-445-3103 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Learn more at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com. FBN

By Donna Werking

Donna Werking, Owner, Northern AZ Social LLC

Northern AZ Social, LLC is a premier, full-service agency that specializes in traditional, digital, and social media marketing. In 2021, Northern AZ Social, LLC was named 10 Best Social Media Agencies in Arizona. Donna and her talented team are recognized for their customized programs for a multitude of clients across Northern Arizona. In 2022, she was named TOP 3 marketing agencies in Arizona by SocialAppsHQ and also featured on PBS’s Road Trip Nation as an Arizona leader in her industry. She has aided the marketing efforts of the Prescott Frontier Days-World’s Oldest Rodeo since 2017.

Photo courtesy of Blushing Cactus Photography: With its thrilling performances and cowboy culture, the World’s Oldest Rodeo connects today’s spectators to the storied past of the Wild West. It also serves as a popular tourist attraction, adding fuel to the region’s economy. 

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