[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10373]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST RODEO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2017

  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 130th 
Anniversary of The World's Oldest Rodeo, Arizona's own Prescott Rodeo. 
On 4th of July weekend, cowboys and spectators gathered as they have 
every 4th of July weekend since 1888 to practice an art as old as 
raising cattle itself.
  Few sports can compete with rodeo as a test of reflex, skill and 
practical ability. Tracing its origins to the Spanish vaquero, rodeo in 
America grew from an Arizona-based cowboy competition into a 
multimillion-dollar enterprise with hundreds of competitors. 
Participants harness the spirit of ranchers in the American West, 
combining raw athleticism with instinctive knowledge and frontier 
toughness.
  This incredible event draws nearly 27,000 people per year and allows 
Prescott Frontier Days, the event's organizer, to donate thousands of 
dollars per year to several highly-regarded charities. Their dedicated 
organization of committed volunteers is one of only sixteen ever to 
have been inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
  This storied event reflects so many of the values that make the 
American West, and the American spirit more broadly, unique and 
important. As we reflect on the 241st celebration of our nation's 
independence, I am proud to applaud the great Americans of the Prescott 
Rodeo and the tenacious character they embody.

                          ____________________