Categories: Rodeo News

75 Years of Fun! Wickenburg Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo 2024!

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With 74 years of Gold Rush Days history in the books, there’s no doubt Wickenburg, Arizona knows how to put on a rockin’ community celebration. With a roster full of thrilling, non-stop action, year 75 is looking to be better than ever! Get ready for the 75th Annual Wickenburg Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo!

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Drawing in tens of thousands of attendees each year, Wickenburg’s acclaimed Gold Rush Days is more than your average festival and rodeo. With a mining and ranching history as rich as they come, this 3 day-long event is a testament to the incredible past, present, and future of Wickenburg, Arizona. 

Gold Rush Days’ most significant recognition is from the Library of Congress, “whereas Gold Rush Days is one of America’s Living Legacies.” 

Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce

With a reputation like that, we know 2024 will be great! So let’s dive in and see what fun we can get into this February 9th – 11th in Wickenburg.

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Entertainment

The weekend festivities kick off with the Gold Rush Days Opening Ceremonies at 10:00 am on Friday, February 9th. Located on Frontier Street, attendees will be thrilled by western stuntman, actor, and magician, Will Roberts. From there, attendees will want to make their way to Frontier Street’s classic car show. Whether you prefer a classic hotrod or something more modern, car enthusiasts from around the state will have their four-wheeled pride and joy on display for all to enjoy. 

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

For thrill-seekers, the Gold Rush Days Carnival will satisfy those high-flying, gravity-defying needs all weekend. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, make your way to the Gold Rush Days Artisan Craft Fair. Open all weekend, this event features 150 vendors and artists selling handcrafted goods, artwork, and more. Organized by the Wickenburg Art Club and Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, this annual event also has free stage entertainment and gold panning for the kiddos.

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Gold Rush Days Parade

Named the #3 Parade by Arizona Edventures’ “Top Ten Parades to Attend in Arizona,” The Wickenburg Gold Rush Days Parade is a must-see. Audience members will enjoy dozens of glittering floats, beautiful horses, fancy cars, marching bands, and more. Kicking off at 10 am sharp Saturday morning, this parade is themed, “Our Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys!”

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA)

One of the most anticipated events of Wickenburg’s Annual Gold Rush Days is the National Senior Pro Rodeo. With 10 sanctioned rodeo events you know and love, this Wickenburg-based association celebrates the arena skills of cowboys and cowgirls aged 40 and above. From Bareback to Bull Riding and Team Roping to Breakaway, the Gold Rush Days National Senior Pro Rodeo has something for everyone.

Photo Courtesy of Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo

Calendar of Events:

Thursday, February 8th

  • Carnival | Downtown District | Opens at 4pm

Friday, February 9th, 2024

  • Opening Ceremonies | Frontier Street | 10 am
  • Classic Car Show | Frontier Street | 9 am – 2 pm
  • Carnival | Downtown District | 9 am – 10 pm
  • Artisan Fair | Valentine Street in the Historic District | 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday, February 10th, 2024

  • Carnival | Downtown District | Opens at 9 am
  • Artisan Fair | Valentine Street in the Historic District | 9 am – 5 pm
  • Gold Rush Days Parade | Downtown | 9 am – 10pm
  • Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo | Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena | Gates Open at noon, Rodeo Starts at 2 pm

Sunday, February 11th, 2024

  • Carnival | Downtown District | 9 am – 5 pm
  • Artisan Fair | Valentine Street in the Historic District | 9 am – 5pm
  • Gold Rush Days Senior Pro Rodeo | Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena | Gates Open at noon, Rodeo Starts at 2 pm
Taryn Cantrell

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.

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