Looking for a fun way to make it through the hot Arizona summers? Luckily, we have a whole culture of rodeos and other wild west activities just a little ways away. The Mogollon Rim, and the highland regions of Arizona as a whole, are packed with places to go. The temperatures are much cooler at the high elevations, and as such, fun community activities continue unfettered in areas such as Payson, Prescott, Flagstaff, and Show Low.
Rodeos are one of Arizona’s oldest traditions, dating well back into its territorial days. Some individual rodeo shows, such as in Payson and Prescott, have run almost continuously since the 1800’s. Here are a few major rodeos that you can experience this summer.
Payson’s “Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo”
This Payson rodeo, which runs from May 20-21, will feature two packed performances with bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Mutton Bustin’. Wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness, as proceeds from the May 20th performance will benefit local breast cancer awareness programs. Go to paysonprorodeo.com/gary-hardt-memorial to learn more and buy your tickets today.
Prescott’s “World’s Oldest Rodeo”
Prescott loves to boast that it has the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” which this year will be held from June 28th through July 4th. This rodeo, presented by Prescott Frontier Days, Inc., is a huge event that includes daily performances of all sorts throughout its run. Go to worldsoldestrodeo.com for more information.
Payson’s “Oldest Continuous Rodeo”
Prescott may have the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” but Payson claims the title of “Oldest Continuous Rodeo,” with its eponymously titled event from August 18th through 20th. Like the Gary Hardt Rodeo in May, this rodeo features daily performances of everything from Bull Riding to Steer Wrestling to Mutton Bustin’. Head to paysonprorodeo.com/worlds-oldest-continuous-rodeo to see how you can witness one of Payson’s biggest annual events.
