b"THE WORLD'S OLDEST CONTINUOUS RODEO TM137TH PERFORMANCE - LOCATED IN PAYSON, AZ P ayson, Arizona is where rodeo began. Known since its inception in 1884continues to attract the best of the best from all over the world to compete for as August Doin's, the Annual World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo TMis asubstantial prize money.world-famous event that will celebrate its 137th consecutive year in2020 on August 21and 22.The first rodeos in Payson provided local ranchersRodeo performances start at7:00 PM Fridayand Saturdaynightand at 1:00 and cowhands a chance to get together and compare their roping skills andPM Saturdayafternoon. Gates open 2 hours prior to the performances. ranching skills during the annual downtime before the big fall roundup.Friday is the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night that helps fund dollars for There were only a couple of events in those early rodeos, but it was notlocal breast cancer support groups in conjunction with Wranglers Susan B. long before cowboys from all over the state and beyond were showing up toKomen program. Saturday evening is the Patriot Performance that honors compete in new events like bronc busting, bull riding, and steer roping. our returning, fallen and wounded veterans, with a special tribute during the rodeo. Tickets are available online at paysonprorodeo.com. Early Payson rodeos weren't held in fancy arenas. In fact, the original venue was a meadow near the intersection of Main Street and Highway 87/TheAdmission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 65+, $10 for kids 8-12, free Beeline. Wagons and later autos created barriers to form the arena. Thisfor children 7 and under, as well as any active military. Tickets will also be years activities will feature everything from beautiful rodeo royalty to theavailable at the gate. large Shiners participation in the annual rodeo parade. Come join the fun and experience the place where rodeo began overNamed the country's Best Small Rodeo (according to theProfessional Rodeo137 years ago in Payson, Arizonas Cool Mountain Town! Cowboys Association, which sanctions the event) and recently named as the Official Best Small-Town PRCA Rodeo in the West by True West Magazine, itInformation: 928-978-0694, paysonprorodeo.comArizonaRealCountry.com August 2020 29"