If you’re a self-proclaimed rodeo fan, you’ll want to set your sights on Payson for the 35th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo! The event, taking place May 21st-22nd and located at the Payson Multi-Event Center on Highway 87 across from the Mazatzal Casino, has pleased crowds for many years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. Read below for more information on the history of the event and what to look forward to at the rodeo!
Previously known as the Payson Spring Rodeo, the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo was renamed to honor Gary Hardt, a Payson native, who passed away in 1987. Hardt was widely recognized for being a talented bull rider and roper. The memorial event not only pays respects to Hardt but also benefits the local youth through educational and athletic achievements. Previously known as the Payson Spring Rodeo, the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo was renamed to honor Gary Hardt, a Payson native, who passed away in 1987. Hardt was widely recognized for being a talented bull rider and roper. The memorial event not only pays respects to Hardt but also benefits the local youth through educational and athletic achievements.
Rodeo fans can expect three days of action-packed excitement!
Gates open @ 5 PM
Performance @ 6 PM
Admission (1) can of food
For more information or to enter this event, please contact Nancy Jane at 520-975-6325 or email at saltriverrodeocompany@gmail.com
Tough Enough To Wear Pink
Gates open @ 5 PM
Performance @ 7 PM (Includes Mutton Busting and Jr. Steer Riding)
For all wearing pink, one dollar per fan and $3.00 per contestant is donated to the local groups.
Special Patriot Performance
Gates open @ 5 PM
Performance @ 7 PM (Includes Mutton Busting and Jr. Steer Riding)
Active Military receive Free Admission
Salt River Rodeo Company is managed by Jerry Dorenkamp of Holly, CO and Tucson, AZ with his partner Cody Resor of Willcox, AZ. Salt River Rodeo Company has been in the PRCA stock contracting business for over 30 years. They have consistently had livestock chosen for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, RAM National Circuit Finals and Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. The company has also won several go round buckles at the National Finals Rodeo as well as having the top scored stock in several go rounds there. They have won the Turquoise Circuit Bareback, Saddle Bronc and/or Bull of the Year for the past 7 years. They are the proud stock contractors for the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee and events.
If you are interested in attending the WPRA Barrel Racing performance, admission is 1 can of food at the gate. If you would like to buy tickets for the May 21st and 22nd performances, they can be purchased online here!
Ticket prices for Friday and Saturday’s event are as follows: Children (8-12): $10, Seniors (65+): $14, Adults (13-64): $16 and children 7 and under are free. All active military admitted at no charge.
The local Payson Pro Rodeo committee puts together not only this event once a year, but also the World’s Longest Continual Rodeo in August. For over 137 years the sport of Rodeo has been alive and kicking in the Rim Country. Named the “Best Small Town Rodeo” by True West Magazine in 2011, it is no wonder why thousands flock to Payson each year to experience the strong rodeo heritage that lives here.
The committee uses the proceeds of the rodeos to support charitable organizations throughout the Rim Country. They rely heavily on the hard work of volunteers, the generous support of sponsors, the talent of the participants, and the patronage of rodeo fans throughout the country. To learn more about volunteering, please check out their website.
If you’re planning on traveling to Payson to attend the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo, why not make a vacation out of it? Here are 5 must-see attractions in Payson.
Be on the lookout for the Cowboy Lifestyle Network team as they hit the town of Payson for the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo!
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