One of the most amazing things that Payson, Arizona is known for, is being the location of the world’s oldest, continuous rodeo. In 1884, in a meadow that is now the site of the Sawmill Crossing, a handful of ranchers and cowboys gathered together on the third weekend of August for a friendly competition of roping and riding. The yearly competition soon became tradition, and now, over 130 years later, Payson is still the grounds for this famous and historic rodeo.
The fun begins on Thursday evening, August 15, at the Payson Rodeo Grounds, and will continue throughout the weekend with several afternoon and evening events and performances continuing through Friday and Saturday. The weekend will be packed full of exciting things like bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and more! There will be performances from the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association and the National Barrel Horse Association, and a special event, Tough Enough To Wear Pink, with all proceeds going to local breast cancer awareness programs.
After two full nights of rodeo performances, head on over to Payson’s Historic Main Street on Saturday morning for the annual World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo Parade! Then it’s back to the rodeo grounds for a day packed full of events, performances, food, and fun, and finish off the weekend with the Payson Pro Rodeo Boots and Bling Rodeo Dance.
Whether you’ve lived in Payson your entire life and enjoy keeping this Wild West tradition alive, or are heading up north from the Phoenix area looking for a good time, mark your calendars for August 15th – 17th. This is one event you don’t want to miss out on!
For more information on specific events, fun facts, or ticket prices and purchasing, visit www.paysonprorodeo.com.