b'CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS HISTORYC ave Creek Rodeo Days was initially foundedorganizations over time also gave back to manytown to compete while chasing their dream to the and produced by the Desert Foothillscharities in the area. National Finals Rodeo competition held in Las Community Association, DFCA, formerlyVegas every December.The original association known as Cave Creek Fiesta Days Parade andFor 45 years the organizations have workedconsisted of an all-volunteer staff dedicated to the Rodeo which began in 1977. diligently to provide entertainment whileevent that continues being put on by them to this continuing the original legacy to establish,day.The fan base has transformed the event, over When Fiesta Days started long ago, it was held atmaintain and grow a Western rodeo presence intime, from a small-town rodeo competition to the various locations, and not until years later did theCave Creek. The efforts and endeavors are proofProfessional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) group decide a permanent ground was necessary.of the love the community has for itself. Ourevent with its own international fan base bringing After much negotiation with the Maricopaappreciation towards founders Vern Willer, Edspectators from abroad to its local community. County Parks Department, a lease was signedHitchcock, Earnie and Marie Smith, Blake Clark, in 1983. It was the beginning of the Cave CreekChuck Peters, Rollie Reynolds and many other Memorial Arena. local families remains strong.Volunteers labored and spent tiresome hoursIn 2017 the organization underwent a building the Cave Creek Memorial Arena andmanagement change creating a new name and finally, in 1985, the first rodeo was held there.synergy for the community event. Today the Since then, determined volunteers have workedCave Creek Rodeo Days organization and the with the Town of Cave Creek to raise fundingTown of Cave Creek work together to ensure the and assist with improvements to the arena. Acontinuation of the historic event that allows the grandstand that holds nearly 3,000 spectators hastown to display its roots and heritage throughout been recently added to the arena and a wateringthe community. The annual event is still system has been installed. In 2002 storagecomprised of a 3-day PRCA sanctioned rodeo, facilities were added and a womens rodeo,parade, mutton bustin, and golf tournament.WPRA, was also created. These 10 days of entertainment will continue through new generations that rise to the occasion The main goal is to establish the Cave Creekand carry on what the forefathers created.Memorial Arena as the best equestrian facility in the community. The initial proceeds of theOver time the 10-day event has become the 3-day rodeo event were spent improving thelargest annual event in Cave Creek where the grounds. While this continues to this day, theprofessional cowboys and cowgirls arrive in JOIN THE FUN! GET MORE INFORMATION AND SIGN UP AT CAVECREEKRODEO.COMArizonaRealCountry.com March 2022 71'