What is Rodeo Scottsdale?

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Rodeo Scottsdale, or as it is known in its full name, Parada del Sol Rodeo happens annually in Scottsdale, Arizona.

It is so named after the Parada del Sol event was formed in 1954 to celebrate the heritage and culture of the town of Scottsdale. Rodeo Scottsdale came into being when in 1956 the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) collaborated with the Parada del Sol and added a rodeo event to the whole proceedings. It is thus one of the many official PRCA sanctioned and officiated rodeo events in America.

The event has been held over a variety of locations in Scottsdale over the years from the Scottsdale stadium to the Rawhide Western town. It is now held at the Equidome arena in WestWorld in North Scottsdale. Already the Parada del Sol is the world’s biggest horse-drawn parade so that only heightens and hypes the Rodeo Scottsdale even more.

Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come to Scottsdale to celebrate its local heritage and history.

The events which take place in the Rodeo Scottsdale as with many a PRCA sanctioned event are Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, and Tie-Down Roping.

In addition to these events, bullfighting with the support of Bullfighters Only (BFO) has now also recently begun to showcase in the rodeo event. It will be included in 2019’s event with the full pomp and proceedings as the rest of the rodeo events.

If you are hankering down to come to Scottsdale and experience the culture, tradition, history, and food of the area in a month-long event, starting with the parade and then to witness some of the best of Rodeo Scottsdale. Visit today and book your tickets now!

Jodi Erpelding

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!