It’s Time for the Gary Hardt Memorial Pro Rodeo in Payson, Arizona!

If you’re a self-proclaimed rodeo fan, you’ll want to set your sights on Payson for the upcoming Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo! The event, taking place May 19-21, 2022, is 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 2022 Read below for more information on the history of the event and what to look forward to at the rodeo!

History

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.

Schedule of Events

Rodeo fans can expect three days of action-packed excitement!

Thursday – May 19, 2022 – Women’s Cactus Series Event

• 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

Friday Night – May 20, 2022 – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Performance

• 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 are donated to the local groups.

Saturday Night – May 21, 2022 – Special Patriot Performance

• Gates open @ 5 PM
• Performance @ 7 PM
• Active Military receive Free Admission

Salt River Rodeo Company

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.

Ticket Information

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 20th and 21st performances, they can be purchased online here!

Various food and merchandise vendors are available at the rodeo grounds. Adult beverages are available for purchase from the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee. Must be 21 and older and comply with the Arizona Liquor Laws. No beverages including water bottles are allowed in or out of the gates. (ARS Title 4 Liquor Law)

About Payson Pro Rodeo Committee

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.

Be on the lookout for the Cowboy Lifestyle Network team as they hit the town of Payson for the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo!