Being a cowboy is not just a skill, it is an art form. The little tricks and techniques that must be mastered for proper wrangling are many. What is more, a cowboy needs to be able to do practically all of them from on top of a galloping horse! The rodeo is the eternal celebration of this art form, in which each of the different skills is elevated to the level of a sport.
Roping, tying, tossing silver dollars with pinpoint accuracy, horse racing, foot racing and even chasing a greased pig are only some of the great diversions that you will find at the Payson Pro Rodeo, also known as the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo. However, it is the bronco busting that the most people want to see. Holding on to an enormous animal that wants to throw you off its back is one of the most acrobatic and amazing sports that anyone will ever see, and if you want to, you might be welcome to try yourself. You might just be good at it. More than $50,000 worth of prize money is at stake in the various local and PRCA approved events, so give it a shot!
CLN with Hal Earnhardt and Family
The Payson Pro Rodeo is the
World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo. That means that it has been going without interruption for 132 years strong. The event began as a simple contest between local ranch hands in the wild and wooly frontier days after the Civil War, but it has gradually evolved into the pride of Payton. It happened right here in tow, on the third weekend of August in 1884, and it is happening again on the third weekend of August in 2016. Some traditions grow stronger with time. Not only is it the oldest, the PRCA still recognizes it as the best small rodeo in America. That is why the Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team will be there to cover all the action.
There are special events every day of the event, from WPRA Barrel Racing on Thursday, to
Tough Enough to Wear Pink performances on Friday, to day and night shows on Saturday. There will also be dances both nights of the weekend.
There is something for everyone at the Payson Pro Rodeo. Whether you want to make a name for yourself as a bronco buster in the PRCA or if your family wants a traditional American good time, the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo holds the promise of good fun and plenty of healthy exercise. Come join the rodeo and be a part of history!
