Old Timers Reunion 40TH

Each year, with honor and gratitude, Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. hosts and welcomes cowboys and cowgirls who competed at the World’s Oldest Rodeo® prior to 1979. Believe it or not, we have several rodeo legends who live in the Prescott area and around Arizona.

It is a time to stop, say thank you, and recognize the rodeo family that is legendary in many ways. Initially, it was by invitation only and was limited to those who lived only in Yavapai County. However, in 1988 during the centennial year, the invitation to attend was open to all those who competed before 1950 regardless where they resided.

This reunion is open to past cowboys and cowgirls, their spouses, and rodeo queens who competed prior to 1979.

The “Old Timers” represent a special and unique breed of “cowboy.” Prior to 1948, rodeo was basically done by ranch cowboys. With the creation of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), professional cowboy athletes, who made their living from the rodeo way of life, began to emerge. The ranch cowboy found it difficult to compete with professional cowboys and one by one they withdrew from competition.

Today, we celebrate those who join us on the final performance of each year. Many “Old Timers” get together with other “Old Timers” and reminisce about old days but also talk about what is happening in their lives today. It is truly a joy and honor to watch history in the making, and sometimes this reunion is the only time they see each other all year.