If you're planning to attend the "World's Oldest Rodeo" in Prescott, AZ, consider this your…read morewarning: this event is run like a tourist trap, not a tradition. When you Google exactly "World's Oldest Rodeo Prescott AZ tickets," their official website is nowhere near the top. Instead, you're led to multiple third-party ticketing sites--some of which are even advertised ahead of their own. Like many, I bought tickets through StubHub, assuming any legitimate event would honor them. Wrong. We drove in with the family, paid for parking, and showed up with digital tickets in hand--only to be denied entry at the gate. The staff told us flatly, "We don't allow third-party ticket sales, so we canceled these tickets." Here's where it gets even more insulting: I asked to simply purchase the same seats at their box office. The woman replied, "Those seats are not available." So let's recap: * They allow tickets to be sold on third-party platforms * They cancel those tickets without notifying buyers * They resell the same seats after voiding the originals That's not just poor customer service--it's dishonest. This rodeo might be the oldest, but their ticketing practices are the most outdated and exploitative I've ever seen. Families travel in for this event, spend money on parking, food, and lodging--only to be shut out because of a system that seems designed to take your money twice. Shame on the organizers for hiding behind tradition while running a backdoor scam. Honor your legacy and get your act together. Until then, skip this event and support rodeos that actually respect their guests.

I enjoyed my visit to the fair this year, it was a little confusing at first to enter way around…read morethe other side of the rodeo arena, but once you for around to what I would dub *the middle of the fairgrounds* you were where all the action was located. They had vendors all up in the shade at the top of the stands. And they were lined up so you could go look around comfortably. The rides were on the far side of the grounds. The food vendors were somewhere in between. That's not a negative comment, please don't take it that way, we just visited the first time and it took a little getting used to, but we figured it out. We just arrived too early, so we felt like we were intruding at first LOL There was a line from about noon to the evening concerts, so come a tad early if you want to avoid all those people. Oh and follow the signs to park, not your GPS. Ugh. Our GPS sent us down alleys!! We got there though and it was a great visit and great fair.

This place is such a fun space to explore! It's not just one store -- it's a collection of…read moredifferent shops all in one spot, which makes it perfect for browsing and discovering something new around every corner. There's a great mix of boutiques, gift shops, specialty items, and even places to grab a bite. Whether you're shopping for unique finds, picking up a thoughtful gift, or just window-shopping, there's always something interesting to see. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the experience. Definitely a great place to spend an afternoon wandering and supporting a variety of local businesses all in one stop.

Bashford Courts has some very fun, cute, quaint little stores where you can find just about…read moreanything! Several of the stores I could have easily gotten lost in for hours, there was so much to look at!

This is a cute family sized fair…read more They have a free exotic animal exhibit. Free balloons for the kids. An indoor play area for families. Vendors with fun purchases. Delicious coffee. Cheese crisps. Hatch green chilies. Pizza. Cotton candy. Rides for the kids and a few for the adults. Lots of shaded areas to rest and eat both. A concert will happen tonight. And don't forget to vote for your favorite art, quilt or cake.

This is one of the smaller county fairs that we look forward to attending each year…read more You can definitely get a feel for the nearby community with the animals they bring to show/auction, the artwork they have created, the photographs they have taken, and by interaction with those at the fair. It feels like a small town where everyone knows everyone. Great food every year by Steve's BBQ, the ladies in the booth with cheese crisps and hatch chile burritos, Pony Espresso drinks and smoothies, and AJ Masamas Fry Bread. Wonderful entertainment over the years by acts like Skip Banks, Greg Frisbee, Godfrey the Magician, The Conjurer, Slim and Curly aka Fables of the West, Matt Baker, and many more. Love that they have some form of entertainment strolling the grounds on a regular basis. One thing I truly miss is the music of George Johnson. He was a staple at this fair for close to 20 years (17 or 18, I believe). There are so many people that still talk about him each year and wish he would return. Many kids in the area grew up dancing in the covered area near his music tent. Hopefully, that tradition can be revived in the future. We have seen several fun bands on the main music stage also. Two favorites are Checker'd Past and Eric Dodge. Fun 80's music and some good ol' country music. The fair makes the most of the space they have and have the rodeo grounds, games , and carnival rides mostly to one side with rides extending along the back of the fair past the main stage. We have seen improvements made over the years, especially to the animal areas. Nice to see a fair reinvest in its own grounds and buildings to improve the overall experience. Weather can be odd from year to year. Last year it was very rainy and cold and other years it has been very hot and dusty. Can be very windy also so you may want to secure that hat on your head or have a tie so it doesn't completely blow away.

Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village is one of the premier spots for shopping and eating in Sedona…read more Parking can be crowded so I advise arriving when the stores open. We arrived about an hour after opening and had to circle twice before finding a place to park. There are many art galleries, restaurants and unique businesses located here to keep you busy. Store owners are friendly and engaging. .

Great vibe in a perfect authentic setting. Fountains, statues and sculptures were throughout the…read morevillage. Live musicians performing in the common areas. Lots of shops to visit from simple art to elaborate high end bronze statues. Worth the stroll with the family. Parking is free and there are plenty of restaurants in the village to pick from. Make it an afternoon!

I can now say that I have been to my first rodeo! What a great time and tons of entertainment for…read more$5! Rodeo events include bronc riding, wild horse racing, wild cow milking, ribbon roping, calf roping and kids steer riding! What fun! It seemed like everyone in Williams was there... wearing their cowboy boots, hats and Wrangler jeans. I definitely felt like an outsider, but couldn't help but have a great time. At night there was also a barn dance, which I didn't get to go to, but I'm sure that was equally as fun. This annual event happens early June each year. Don't miss it if you're in town!

Not my first rodeo, but certainly one of the best I've ever attended. This is a family event and…read moreyou see that in the events. Family members from grandparents to tykes participating in special events let you know that this rodeo will continue for years to come. Don't expect a showy venue or people hawking wares made in other countries. Do expect afternoons of real excitement watching REAL cowboys displaying what they do every day. Do expect pride in America and genuine emotions as people ride that bronco or miss roping a steer. Do expect to meet people who welcome you as if they've known you for years and who are genuinely happy you're spending time with them watching and cheering their friends and neighbors. All of this for an entry fee of $5/person. Can't beat it!!

The city of Apache Junction recently purchased the rodeo grounds as this was previously BLM land…read more For years, only non-profit events could take place here due to the fact it was state land. With the purchase, I'm so excited to see improvements made & new events coming in! As well as seeing staples like the Lost Dutchman Days weekend complete with the rodeo. Such a beautiful view of the Superstition Mountain and lovely weather for outdoor events! Be sure to be on the lookout for events to come as the city expands the programming at the rodeo grounds. Exciting things to come!!!

Exciting event, family oriented, plenty of parking and clean environment. Events for all age groupsread more

Pretty cool environment. Great carne asada fries and strawberry lemonade. Lots of seatingread more

Went to the annual Cave Creek Rodeo Days which is a 3 day rodeo that takes place at the Cave Creek…read moreMemorial Arena. They have many events, barrel racing, bronc riding, and bull riding to name a few. It's an official ProRodeo a part of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association on the Turquoise Circuit, 20 rodeos on this circuit in the Southwest that you can go to with this just being one of them. I recommend going Friday or Saturday evening and purchasing your tickets early. I waited and bought my tickets two days in advance and only Sunday during the day was available. Also, come very early before the show starts because parking was full 5 minutes before the show began. :/ You can buy general admission or VIP packages on their website (Cavecreekrodeo.com). We were expecting bbq but that was only for VIP packages. We ended up having ice cream from a local Cave Creek ice cream shop having a stand. The other food was typical state fair food. Also, for restrooms they only have porta potties with santizer, no soap and water pumps. :( FYI No one is permitted to bring in large bags (large purses), or weapons.

Cute community parade during Scottsdale Western Week. There were soo many horses walking through in…read morethe beginning. I don't think I've seen so many horses in my life! I think every elementary/middle/high school was participating as a band, walking through, or riding on a wagon. I like that there were participants of all different backgrounds there. It seemed like there were more people in the parade than those actually watching the parade. The surrounding streets had beer gardens, rides, and vendors selling food and merchandise. Concerts were happening on Scottsdale Ave. after the parade ended. The Native American festival was happening in the park across the other side by City Hall, so lots to see and do! Free admission was also available at the Museum of the West this weekend.

I go to the parade every year, and take lots of pictures and videos. This years parade was a…read morecomplete disappointment. I reviewed my pics from that last two years, and far too many good things that were in the parade two years ago, were not in it this year. Horses in the beginning and then no more. No marching bands in the first half. The whole second half was nothing buy grammar schools. Boring! This years parade was a complete and total disappointment.