One of the country’s most prestigious rodeos is the world’s oldest rodeo, the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, which will hit the stage on Independence Day this year.
One of the summer’s most anticipated rodeos is just around the corner. The Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo needs no introduction. From June 28th through July 4th he will be at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds in Prescott, Arizona, and fans can’t miss his eight thrilling performances. Each year the rodeo draws approximately 27,000 spectators and the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo marks the rodeo’s 135th anniversary. This rodeo has been running continuously for a year since his 1888.
There are plenty of eateries and retail outlets for spectators in the evening, but make sure you’re in your seats by 7:30 and rodeo time. Fans can expect to be greeted by the nostalgic voice of Randy Corey, who has been “the world’s oldest rodeo voice” for 36 years. He will be joined by co-announcer James Hokasitas. Barrelman’s Kodi Sosebee and special act John Payne are set to dazzle the crowd at halftime.
Prescott Frontier Days Inc is a non-profit organization that thrives on community support. Made up of hundreds of dedicated volunteers of all ages in the Prescott area, they work tirelessly to ensure the rodeo is perfect for fans and competitors alike. Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc also donated thousands of dollars to the community, including scholarship funds, 4-H, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, and more.
Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo History
The Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo is packed with unsurprising history as it’s trademarked as the world’s oldest rodeo. July 4, 1888 is the day it all began. The day of the professional rodeo’s birthday was the first day of the “Cowboy Tournament,” where members of the community came together to compete in cowboy competitions for cash prizes. These contests have grown over the years and are now exactly 135 years old. Hiring Harryvold in 1972 to offer the finest stocks, Vold his Rodeo company continues to offer the best stocks available today, attracting top competitors within the PRCA. In 2008, this rodeo was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The first rodeo was organized by local business professionals and held on July 4, 1888. The event provided an opportunity for local cowboys and ranchers to showcase their skills to the public. Prize money was awarded to the winners who participated. Unlike the present, the events of the olden days played out in the simple barren land of Forbing Park. Designated areas were demarcated by ropes to contain livestock and to establish the perimeter of the playing field.
By 1913, the Yavapai County Fair Association named the festival Prescott Frontier Days. The term “rodeo” is Spanish for “to bring together” and was not associated with Western activities until 1916. Celebrity cowboys such as Tom Mix and Will Rogers often attended PRCA events to attract larger crowds.
event highlights
One-armed Thief John Payne
John Payne The One-Armed Bandit, a 15-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year winner and legend in the West, will return for the 2023 Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo. In June 1973, the Oklahoma native was electrocuted at 7,200 volts. That led to his losing his arm and his now infamous performance name. His one-of-a-kind show is the ‘Wild West Show Fit for a King’, featuring not only horses but also buffaloes, cows, mules and zebras.
broken spoke clydesdale
The Broken Spoke Clydesdale family travels around the country attending rodeos, fairs, and many other fun events. They’ve become a staple of the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo, and he’s excited to be back for another year.
schedule
Rodeo performance: Gates open two hours before each performance, offering stalls where fans can shop, dine, and listen to live music. In addition to live performances, rodeo fans will be able to experience the rodeo in a new way this year. Fans can now purchase tickets to watch the rodeo live stream from Mile High School in downtown Prescott. See below for details.
- Performance #1 – Wednesday, June 28 – 7:30pm
- Performance #2 – Thursday, June 29 – 7:30pm
- Performance #3 – Friday, June 30 – 7:30pm
- Performance #4 – Saturday, July 1 – 1:30pm
- Performance #5 – Saturday, July 1 – 7:30pm
- Performance #6 – Sunday, July 2nd – 7:30pm
- Performance #7 – Monday, July 3rd – 7:30pm
- Performance #8 – Tuesday, July 4th – 1:30pm
Rodeo dance: Get ready to dance the night away at the Depot Marketplace in the parking lot of BMO Harris Bank on June 29th, 30th and July 1st from 8pm to 1am. With live bands playing nightly, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
Prescott Rodeo Parade: Prescott Frontier Days The world’s oldest rodeo proudly presents its 136th Annual Rodeo Parade every 4th of July weekend in downtown Prescott. The Rodeo Parade is a wonderful tradition that celebrates the rich western history in downtown Prescott, Arizona.
Find out more about the event and tickets here. World’s oldest Rodeo.com.
