One-hundred and thirty-two years ago, the first cowboy contest (rodeo) ever held in America was staged in the pines of Prescott on July 4, 1888, and the tradition continues at the World’s Oldest Rodeo.
Known as Prescott’s most anticipated event of the year, the World’s Oldest Rodeo is respected among professional rodeos throughout the United States and across the world. Each year, Prescott celebrates the traditions stemming from generations of rodeo families who have competed in this rodeo since the beginning. Even today, families of past generations are living among us in this great community. Tradition is a huge part of what makes this rodeo special and unique.
Some argue that this is not the world’s oldest rodeo. Others have stated they have the world’s oldest; however, there is documented proof that Prescott was the birthplace of the first professional rodeo, starting on July 4, 1888, and then held continuously ever since. The other factors that apply to giving it the title are that Prescott rodeo (also known as Frontier Days Celebration) was the first place to hold a “cowboy contest” where people paid for admission and prize money was given to contestants who paid to participate in the contest. Another honorable mention is the rules for professional rodeo were created in the arena at the Prescott Frontier Days, rules that are still used across the U.S. in professional rodeo.
By 1928, the rodeo rules, still used today, had quickly become “Rodeo’s rules of wide fame” and were worked to a fine point by Lester Ruffner, former arena director, Doc Pardee, arena director in 1926, 1927 and 1928 and Grace Sparkes, secretary. These rules have been found to be almost foolproof and have been copied and used at many of the big rodeos held throughout the country. As early as 1915, Prescott was the shining example to be copied in other places where cowboy sports were featured.
The first award-winner at the first commercialized rodeo was a cowboy named Juan Leivas who received a mounted silver medal, which was known as the “Citizens Prize” and it was the first of its kind. He won the steer roping and tied for first place in bronco riding in 1888 and was hailed as the “Best Cowboy,” known today as the All-Around.
Newspapers are archived in the local Sharlot Hall Museum as far back as 1864 when Volume One, Number One, of the Arizona Miner was published on March 9 of that year. By 1888, the name had been changed to Arizona Weekly Journal-Miner. Initially, the newspaper highlighted Prescott’s first Fourth of July celebration commemorating Independence Day. It is on record in the July 11, 1888 Arizona Journal-Miner that the first cowboy tournament was held at Driving Park, later known as Forbing Park.
An article in The Saturday Evening Post by Wanden M. La Farge in 1938 identifies the first rodeo:
“By 1870 contests were going strong and rival ranches began pitting their top hands against one another. In 1888 someone decided there was a lot of money going to waste on the top rail of the corral fence and the first rodeo with paid admission was held at Prescott, Arizona. After that, organized rodeo just grew.”
Beginning in 1929, the Daily Rodeo Program carried the following statement in the foreword: The First Cowboy Contest of Record in the World was held in Prescott, July 4, 1888. It was also titled World’s First Active Rodeo, Original Cowboy Rodeo of America and Oldest Rodeo in Existence on official souvenir programs.
Arizona is synonymous with the West. Its romance and beauty along with the western traditions are found at the World’s Oldest Rodeo.
The World’s Oldest Rodeo is traditional as many of the original activities that were part of the “Cowboy Contest” are still held today, such as the grand entry formation (serpentine style), wild horse race and cowpuncher’s bronc riding. Team ropers have used the same box and the same stock contractor (Harry Vold Rodeo Company) has supported the rodeo for 47 years. Keeping up with tradition, Randy Corley has been the rodeo announcer for 38 years.
This year, we honor those traditions that make this rodeo traditional and nostalgic.
Please join us on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to keep up with us and share your rodeo photos and engage with Prescott Frontier Days! Use the following hashtags to stay in touch with us #WOR132 #WesternHeritage #WeAreProRodeo and feel free to tag us on your posts during rodeo week! We love hearing the stories from our rodeo fans and encourage activity and participation especially as rodeo week arrives.
See you at the R-O-D-E-O! QCBN
Donna Werking is the owner of Northern AZ Social, a Prescott digital marketing agency. Contact her: 928-710-7910 or NorthernAZsocial@gmail.com.