Payson Rodeo 2017: World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Excitement is on the way! Taking place in Payson AZ during August, the Payson Rodeo, also called the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo, is scheduled this year for August 17th – 19th. As the oldest continuous rodeo, this awesome PRCA event is sure to be a crowd-pleaser filled with action, talent and fun. Bringing crowds to Payson, it has been named the “Best Small Town Rodeo” by True West Magazine.
History
Founded in 1882, the town of Payson AZ was first known as Green Valley; in 1884 the town’s name was changed, honoring Illinois Representative Lewis E. Payson.
“Arizona Charlie”, Abraham Henson Meadows, was one of the organizers of the first Payson Rodeo, along with John Collins Chilson; held in mid-town pasture in 1884, it was mainly a handful of cowboys and ranchers testing their roping, riding skills and horse speed in friendly competition among neighbors. Silver dollar pitching was also one of the events, with others soon added. The venue was later moved to Main Street from 1885 to 1926, in spite of the sometime occasion of stock getting loose; cowboys would rope the animal and return it to the corral, often to the excitement of the crowds watching.
Events
This year, some of the events include:

• WPR Barrel Racing
• Mutton Bustin & Youth Steer Riding
• Rodeo Parade on Main Street
• Coca-Cola Family Day
• Tough Enough to Wear Pink Performance

The Rodeo Parade follows the heritage of the rodeo; its presence on Main Street is sure to be a colorful and entertaining event. It happens on Saturday, August 19th from 8 am to 11 am.
Tickets
Purchase tickets in person at the following sites:

• The Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, 100 W. Main Street
• Bob’s Western Wear, 605 S. Beeline Highway
• Circle K in Star Valley, 3675 Highway 260
• Circle K’s in Payson, 606 N. Beeline Highway and 1009 S. Beeline Highway

You can also purchase tickets online.
Sponsorship and Charities
Among the popular sponsors for this PRCA event is Coors Beer. Other sponsors include:

• Wrangler
• Ram
• Justin Boots
• Coca-Cola
• Resistol
• and more

Benefiting from the rodeo is the “Protect Our West” Program, which helps the Wildland Firefighting Foundation. With all the wildfires presently burning in Arizona, this foundation is especially important to the Payson AZ area, and your support is so valuable to it by attending the Payson Rodeo.
Media teams covering the Payson Rodeo include the Cowboy Lifestyle Network, the leading online source and community for everything Western and Country; Ak-Chin Indian Community; Earnhardt Auto Centers and Papa John’s Road Team. This Payson AZ PRCA event will be filled with tradition and action, so be sure to be there.[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1500317250826-b5e74f07-ca41-0″ include=”36217,36218,36219,36220,36221,36222,36223,36224,36225″][vc_single_image image=”27253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://apple.news/Ad9kzXstERCOGTW2P7kmuyQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Last Updated on 01/25/2019 by Aaron Kuhl

About the Author:

Aaron Kuhl

Biography:

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life.

Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion.

After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community.

Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home.

Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.

CLN Community & Event Sponsor