July 4, 1888, became the birthday of professional rodeo when a group of Prescott, Arizona, merchants and professional businessmen organized the first formalized “cowboy tournament” and offered cash prizes. A cowboy named Juan Leivas walked off with rodeo’s first professional title.

Prescott Frontier Days will now present its 132nd annual World’s Oldest Rodeo at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, July 1-7.

Since 1888, this traditional event has occurred annually over the 4th of July weekend with eight breath-taking performances. Grab some tickets and spend this 4th of July in this historic town that cherishes its history in rodeo.

Learn more by visiting worldsoldestrodeo.com.