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World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

Mar 10, 2023
World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

Prescott, Arizona, United States--Prescott, a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States, is host to Prescott Frontier Days, a seven-day Western tradition that includes eight heart-pounding performances of world-class rodeo, Arizona’s second largest parade, a rodeo dance, cowboy church, a kiddie parade and much more; running continuously since 1888, it runs in the days leading up to Fourth of July, it draws nearly 35,000 fans from around the world, and over 45,000 attend the rodeo parade and it sets the world record for being the World's Oldest Rodeo, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Prescott Frontier Days Inc is a non-profit organization that thrives on the help of the community. Composed of hundreds of dedicated volunteers of all ages from the Prescott area they work tirelessly to ensure the rodeo is perfect for fans and competitors alike," the Cowboy Lifestyle Network reports.


"Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc has also donated thousands of dollars back into the community including scholarship funds, 4-H, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, and many more.

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

"The act of rodeo is as old as cattle raising itself. Stemming out of the Spanish traditions of the vaquero, it has become a world phenomenon. But only in America has rodeo reached its zenith. Of all the sports that we the viewer, or the participant, have to choose from, no other is directly related to the natural world like rodeo. And unlike any other sport, rodeo is a reflection of the skills used in real life. The knowledge, tenacious spirit, and athletic ability are inherent in the ranching world and are exemplified in the competitive arena of the rodeo," the official website says.


"The earliest editions of Prescott’s rodeo were mostly appealing to the local cowboys and ranchers because it gave them the chance to bring their ranch-bred skills to town for people to see. The fancy rodeo arenas that we know today were simply nonexistent in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Prescott’s rodeo “arena” was merely a tract of land, in what was called Forbing Park, off of what today is, Iron Springs Road, very much unimproved, and roped off to keep the broncs from running away after they unseated their riders. Exact numbers of total contestants were often confused but total purses of less than $1,000 were common.


"It serves people – it is the major economic engine for the surrounding communities that draws approximately 27,000 spectators for rodeo and an additional 25,000 in the other 11 months of the year. Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. has been able to donate thousands of dollars in past years to organizations such as: the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Dress a Child, 4-H, Make a Wish Foundation, Miss Prescott Frontier Days Scholarship, Prescott Development Center, Prescott Fine Arts, Prescott Schools, Sharlot Hall Museum, Toys for Tots and the United Way, among others.

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

"Prescott Frontier Days® is a seven-day Western tradition that includes eight heart-pounding performances of world-class rodeo, Arizona’s second largest parade, a rodeo dance, cowboy church, a kiddie parade and much more!" the Prescott Living reports.


"Typically, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® draws nearly 35,000 fans from around the world, and over 45,000 attend the rodeo parade. This is nothing short of history, right here in Prescott, Arizona. Each year, this event sees record attendance and sponsors at an all-time high."

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

"Prescott Frontier Days Inc is a non-profit organization that thrives on the help of the community. Composed of hundreds of dedicated volunteers of all ages from the Prescott area they work tirelessly to ensure the rodeo is perfect for fans and competitors alike," the Cowboy Lifestyle Network reports.


"Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc has also donated thousands of dollars back into the community including scholarship funds, 4-H, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, and many more.


"Drawing in approximately 27,000 spectators for the rodeo each year, Prescott Frontier Days rodeo has continued uninterrupted, never missing a year, since 1888."

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

"Prescott is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. According to the 2020 Census, the city's population was 45,827. The city is the county seat of Yavapai County.

"Prescott has a rich history as a frontier gold and silver mining town. Mining and settlers brought frequent conflict with native American tribes in the area, including the Yavapai and Apache. Prescott was the home to Fort Whipple from its inception, which acted as a base for campaigns against natives. Prescott was a stereotypical "wild west" town during the latter half of the 19th century.

"Prescott is host to the self-proclaimed "World's Oldest Rodeo", running continuously since 1888. Also known as "Frontier Days", it runs in the days leading up to Fourth of July. It is one of the most famous rodeos in the United States. In the 2010s, it drew over 35,000 tourists a year, nearly doubling Prescott's population for the rodeo week. During the same period, some 45,000 people also attend the Rodeo Parade, which winds through downtown Prescott. Though several other rodeos pre-date Prescott's by decades, Prescott claims it was the first to charge admission and turn it into a spectator sport. This is backed up by a 1985 trademark on "World's Oldest Rodeo". The rodeo was featured in the 1972 film Junior Bonner."

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

Testimonials from TripAdvisor

"Had a great time watching from the Skybox! The seats were covered so no blazing Arizona sun and they had backrests! If you are visiting the Prescott area around July 4th put the rodeo on your bucket list! Arrive early if you want to shop for authentic western clothes and other cool stuff, as well as picking up an adult beverage to enjoy while watching the rodeo action! We’ll be going again next year for sure!"


"We saw the fireworks show at Watson Lake, watched the parade in downtown Prescott, and went to the Rodeo. What a fantastic time! This city has every last detail worked out to the minute! Things roll along smoothly, there is always something to do and see, and it was just an outstanding time. We WILL be back next year for this event!!"


"We went to the first evening of the rodeo. The rodeo opened up with prayer and thanksgiving. The procession of the horses with riders and flags was quite impressive. The cowboys competed for money and were serious about doing their best. From riding wild horses to bronco riding to bull riding, the action was non stop and exciting. The skill and courage of the cowboys and cowgirls was quite impressive. The animals were treated with respect and concern. A great show for the whole family."


"From the opening ceremonies through the closing event -bull riding- it was a fun-filled & festive affair(about 2 & 1/2 hours). The Master of Ceremonies & the lead rodeo clown kept the near-capacity crowd(this was a Monday night!) engaged with interactive comedy & a solid history lesson on rodeos. Featured events included steer wrestling, tie down roping,& saddle bronc riding. Women’s barrel racing was one of the more skillful & exciting to watch. This is a must-do in Arizona. We were thrilled to take part in this historic tradition!"

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona
World's Oldest Rodeo Parade "Dancing With Bulls"


Saturday, July 1, 2023 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM MST

Historic "Western" Downtown Prescott
120 S. Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303

Join us for our Annual Rodeo Parade "Dancing With Bulls"

Since "1888" Prescott Frontier Days has presented the Annual World's Oldest Rodeo & Parade in Prescott Arizona.

Source: Prescott Chamber of Commerce

World's Oldest Rodeo: world record in Prescott, Arizona

World's Oldest Rodeo: Prescott, Arizona


Address: 840 Rodeo Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305, United States

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldsOldestRodeo/

Phone: +1 928-445-310

website: https://worldsoldestrodeo.com/

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