Prescott Rodeo 2015: World’s Oldest Rodeo

The Prescott Rodeo takes place on the Fourth of July weekend. The rodeo takes place from June 29th until Sunday, July 5th.

Rodeo News

by
Jodi Erpelding
06/17/2015

Prescott Rodeo 2015: World’s Oldest Rodeo

Prescott Frontier days Rodeo 2015

The Prescott Rodeo 2015 is set to take place on Fourth of July weekend like it has every year since the late 1800’s. This PRCA event is dubbed the world s oldest rodeo because it was the first formal rodeo event to offer cash prizes for winners. Started by local businessmen and merchants, PRCA rodeos have grown significantly over the years and now include over 700 events in every state in the country.

Prescott Frontier days Rodeo 2015

Early rodeo contestants mostly consisted of local ranchers and cowboys who came to the events to show off the skills they used at work for people who lived in town. The rodeo moved to its current location at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds in 1913 though it was not referred to as a rodeo until 1924. The festivities have taken place every year since 1888, and there was a large celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the world s oldest rodeo in 1937. The rodeo even continued to run during World War II when local volunteers and ranchers stepped in to ensure that the show would go on. Today, the event is organized by Prescott Frontier Days, a non-profit group, and it is one of the few rodeos to be included in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Dates and Times

Main events at the Prescott Rodeo 2015 will take place at 7:30 P.M from Monday, June 29th until Saturday, July 4th and at 1:30 P.M. and Sunday the 5th. All of the pro rodeo events will be held at Prescott Rodeo Grounds. The daily PRCA events at the world s oldest rodeo last for two and a half hours, and each day will feature the same program of both timed and judged events that include barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull, saddle bronc and bareback riding. Tickets are available for purchase online, over the phone and at the rodeo grounds main office.

Special Events

The Prescott Rodeo 2015 will feature a number of special events in addition to the pro rodeo. These include the 18th Annual Trail Ride, the Wild Horse Race, an Arts & Crafts Show, the Prescott Frontier Days Parade and the Rodeo Dance. The parade will kick off at 9 A.M. on the Fourth of July in downtown Prescott, and over 40,000 people come out to see the numerous floats on display. The Rodeo Dance takes place every night from July 2nd until the 4th at Prescott Towne Center, and tickets are available at the door.

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Last Updated on 03/12/2025 by Jodi Erpelding

About the Author:

Jodi Erpelding

Biography:

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!