PRESCOTT – Prescott Frontier Days kicked off the end of June under wet and rainy conditions.
On the second day of the annual week-long rodeo from June 28 to July 4, sold-out crowds dodged raindrops while none of the competitors were deterred from competition. Time and judged events included the Wild Horse Race, Steer-Wrestling, Bareback Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the popular Bull Riding.
Some cowboys and cowgirls in action wore pink to honor breast cancer survivors during “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night. The third day of the rodeo entertained yet another sold-out crowd and honored first responders in Prescott before kicking off the scheduled events.
The “World’s Oldest Rodeo” boasts a deep history.
Originally a professional cowboy tournament organized by Arizona merchants and professional businessmen, The Prescott Rodeo started on July 4, 1888. In 1913, the rodeo was renamed Prescott Frontier Days by a committee of the Yavapai County Fair Association. The Prescott Rodeo continued its rapid growth beyond the Prescott area, and “The World’s Oldest Rodeo” name was approved and registered by the U.S. Patent Office in 1985. Prescott Frontier Days was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. in 2008 and has since joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in effort to bring professional competitors from the U.S. and Canada.