‘World’s Oldest Rodeo’ reins in plenty of summertime fun

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Arizona is home to one of our country’s most notable western traditions: The World’s Oldest Rodeo. And, when the middle of June comes around, J.C. Trujillo is making last-minute preparations for the rompin’ good time that brings professional cowboys and visitors to Prescott, eager to get a taste of what began the rodeo business throughout the U.S.

“I’ve been in the rodeo business for my whole life,” said Trujillo, the general manager for the annual event. “This rodeo planted the seed that became what the modern rodeo is today, and I have a lot of appreciation for it.”

Prescott held the first professional rodeo July 4, 1888, and the annual event hasn’t missed a year since. Now, 124 years later, the rodeo business has grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with more than 700 professional rodeos in 50 states.

Trujillo, who was born and raised in Prescott, said he was a national contestant in rodeos before becoming the general manager for the World’s Oldest Rodeo and the Prescott Frontier Days.

“I was a contestant in rodeos for 27 years, and went to nationals 12 times,” he said. “I come from a long line of rodeo history.”

Starting June 28, Prescott residents and visitors will swarm into Prescott’s Rodeo Grounds for the first presentation at 7:30 p.m. Every performance features the following events: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and featured Specialty Acts. During the following evenings through July 4, a total of eight presentations will be held.

“Every performance starts at 7:30, and each includes all seven major rodeo events,” Trujillo said. “We also have a big parade Saturday, July 3, that’s the second largest in the state; the SuperBowl is the largest.”

Trujillo said the World’s Oldest Rodeo is run by a large group of dedicated volunteers from the Prescott area, reaching up to 700 members during the events.

“It takes me about 13 months to get ready for this event,” Trujillo said. “We’ve done some research in the past, and there’s about $10 to $12 million that gets brought into Prescott every year during the week of the event.

Visitors from all over the world, state and county come out for rodeo presentations.

“We get visitors from every where,” Trujillo said. “It’s the World’s Oldest Rodeo, and many out-of-country visitors look forward to experiencing it.”

Prescott will also hold its annual fireworks show the night of July 4, marking Independence Day and ending the celebration of the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

For more information on special events and tickets, visit http://www.worldsoldestrodeo.com/ .

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