Prescott Frontier Days, famously known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” celebrates more than a century of honest cowboy competition this Fourth of July in the historic town of Prescott, Arizona. What began in 1888 as a modest cowboy gathering in the center of the Arizona Territory has evolved from its informal ranch competition into a nationally televised and highly anticipated professional event featuring the modern-day cowboy and cowgirl. This event features elite rodeo athletes from the professional ranks, thousands of spectators and a historical appeal unlike any other, all while maintaining the rugged spirit of the Arizona rancher and the Western heritage that originally brought cowboys to compete in the arena. The Prescott Frontier Days is a living tribute to the grit, tradition and heart of the American West in a modernized version of spirited competition. June 30 – July 6, 2025, will celebrate 137 years of rodeo in Prescott, Arizona, and mark its continued showcase of rodeo excellence and heritage at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.
Many rodeos across the nation claim to be the oldest, most continuous or most historical event to establish the sport of rodeo. However, the Prescott Rodeo has a more unique attribute to its historical relevance. July 4, 1888 was the day a group of professional businessmen organized the first formal “cowboy tournament” and offered a cash prize, which birthed rodeo as we know it today in terms of value, earnings and prestige. The Prescott Rodeo is widely recognized as the first organized and advertised event with paid admission, judges and prizes. These “cowboy contests” would continue throughout the years and be promoted, planned, and carried out by local committees and chairmen of the area. Early rodeo was a way for the American cowboy to test their skills and earn bragging rights amongst their community. Often held at ranches, roundups or community celebrations, primary events included bronc riding, steer roping and bull riding. All events that were staples in the life of daily ranching and prelude to the sanctioned events seen in today’s modern rodeo competitions. As time went on, these events would grow in spectators and draw larger crowds, setting the stage for rodeos such as the Prescott Frontier Days, and their showcase of a cowboy’s rough and ready display of grit and talent.
In the early years of the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo, the appeal and draw of competition stemmed from the local cowboys and ranchers’ ability to demonstrate their ranch-bred skills for the local townspeople to see. The Prescott rodeo viewed in the late 1800s and early 1900s was enacted on a simple strip of land in what was called Forbing Park, with roped-off areas to contain the broncs after unseating their riders. The name Prescott Frontier Days would come to fruition beginning in 1913, the year the Fourth of July celebration began at its present location – formally the Yavapai County Fairgrounds, today the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. It would not be until the mid-1930s that the grandstands seen in today’s modern arena would be constructed, often viewed as the primary structures that make up the rodeo facility and contribute to the grandeur of rodeo in Prescott.

Photos by Summer Lane Photography
Rodeo would continue to be revolutionized and grow throughout the years as the event went on. Thanks to die-hard lovers of the sport, such as Gordon Koch, Danny Freeman, Fred Schemer and Andy Jauregui, the 40s and 50s of rodeo in Prescott would see a much-needed increase in support from local and county members for years. It was during this time that purses would grow astronomically, often exceeding $20,000, and the expectations of quality rodeo stock would begin to evolve into what is more recognized in today’s competition. The 60s and 70s marked a pivotal moment for the rodeo, as the event held to its historical roots while embracing the modern rodeo circuit and its correlating expectations. During this era, the rodeo saw an increase in participation from women in the barrel racing event with a greater push for recognition of their role in the sport. Despite the social changes, the rodeo would preserve the historical, symbolic continuity that has defined it since its formation in 1888.
Today’s version of the Prescott Frontier Days rodeo has not deviated from its roots or founding ethics. Rather, it has built upon the legacy of over 100 years of rodeo and continued the standards and tradition the committee of 1888 established. The current General Manager of the Prescott Frontier Days, Jim Dewey Brown, has worked to ensure its continued legacy and future through both his experience in rodeo and resolve to see a successful production. When asked what the position requires, Brown stated, “Anything and everything.” Brown continued with the knowledge that it takes a tribe to produce a production of this magnitude and that the committee is instrumental in its prosperity. Brown has competed and worked amongst professional cowboys his entire career and has implemented improvements that aid in the growth of both the sport of rodeo and Prescott Frontier Days as an organization. However, the committee and Brown still pay tribute to the historical side of the rodeo, and this year’s rodeo is no different. Brown elaborated, “This year, we are honoring women in rodeo” by inviting legendary ladies of the industry and celebrating their contributions to both the Prescott rodeo and the sport.
Former 2023 Miss Rodeo Arizona and current committee member Katie Ramos has borne witness to both Prescott’s historical contributions and current rodeo undertakings. When asked about what makes the Prescott Frontier Days unique, Ramos stated, “the leadership and community of those involved. We are so blessed to have an amazing GM who not only wants to preserve and honor the history of [the rodeo] but also educate the future contributors.”
Ramos continued, “You don’t have to look far to find history within the rodeo. One of my personal favorites is listening to generations of rodeo fans return to watch generations of rodeo athletes.”
The involvement of Prescott’s community and their commitment to the rodeo is evident in every aspect of their lives. According to Ramos, “Prescott is a town known as ‘everyone’s hometown,’ and with that mentality, the community takes personal pride in being the World’s Oldest Rodeo’s hometown and welcoming them with open arms.”
One hundred thirty-seven years after the event’s first production, the Prescott Frontier Days remains a powerful symbol of tradition, endurance and community spirit. The event honors the cowboy gathering of 1888 and the contest of a cowboy’s skill, and above all, retains its roots and knowledge of the American frontier with the spirit to survive. It has grown into a nationally covered event and prime stopping point for NFR-driven cowboys and cowgirls while simultaneously honoring its rich legacy echoing of the American West. Each July, the stomp of hooves and cheers of the crowd reminds us that while the times may have changed, the values of courage, competition and camaraderie endure. The World’s Oldest Rodeo is more than just a Fourth of July celebration; it’s a living tradition carried forward by every contestant, spectator, committee man and resident who passes through their gates. 137 years of rodeo down, many, many more yet to come!

Photo by Summer Lane Photography