Prescott Frontier Days, Inc.® makes adjustments due to COVID-19 pandemic
Annual rodeo dance and parade have been canceled, along with City of Prescott 4th of July festivities
Prescott Frontier Days, Inc.®, in partnership with the Yavapai County Community Health Department and the City of Prescott, has made the decision to cancel the rodeo dance and parade due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The decision was made due to the fact that these events (although mostly outdoors) cannot be contained to smaller groups and don’t provide adequate space for social distancing.
The World’s Oldest Rodeo® will still continue as scheduled as the number of people and interactions will be contained by a limited capacity for each performance, and an abundance of safety measures have been put in place. As previously announced, the ticket capacity has been limited to approximately 25% for each performance to allow for social distancing. Each performance has reached that 25% and currently no more tickets are available.
All attendees will be required to sign the COVID-19 waiver and release upon arrival. Those that do not agree to sign the waiver will not be permitted into the rodeo and will be asked to visit the ticket office for a full refund and asked to leave the rodeo grounds. It is strongly encouraged that all attendees read the waiver carefully and with a signature, acknowledges voluntary consent to risk presented by COVID-19.
“It is disappointing we had to cancel the dance and parade, but we want to protect the public as best we can,” said General Manager of Prescott Frontier Days, JC Trujillo. “We appreciate the partnership, dedication and efforts made with the County Health Department and the City of Prescott throughout this difficult year. The bright side of all this is we are still having the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” and that is important as we keep the western traditions alive.”
Community leaders met virtually late Thursday afternoon to discuss the latest numbers and hear concerns from Leslie Horton of Yavapai County Community Health Department. The decision was made equally to cancel the dance, parade and the July 4th activities in order to continue to protect public health.
“After consulting with County and City Leadership, and with event organizers, we have decided it is in the best interest of our Citizens to also cancel daytime 4th of July celebration and festivities. However, the annual fireworks show will continue as a drive-in experience. Staff is currently working on all of the details and they will be forthcoming,” said Mayor Greg Mengarelli. “After discussions with The Prescott Frontier Days Inc. leadership, we agreed that the parade and the rodeo dance will also be cancelled, and in addition, the Kiwanis Kiddie Parade will be cancelled. I want to thank all of the event organizers, and our local leadership for making this decision together. We appreciate everyone’s patience, and concern for the greater health of our community.”
Ticket sales are no longer available. However, each rodeo performance will be aired on the Cowboy Channel and can be viewed by your current network provider.
For more information or for the latest updates, visit our special media channels (Facebook & Instagram) and also the website at www.worldsoldestrodeo.com.