Chutes & Cheers
Cave Creek’s Rodeo Week Lassoes Its 49th Year
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Cave Creek Rodeo Days
The ground trembles beneath a thousand hooves, dust rises like amber clouds against the desert sky, and Cave Creek Road becomes a living timeline of Western history. This is how Rodeo Week begins — not with a whisper, but with the thunder of tradition returning for its 49th year.
“This year’s parade theme is ‘Remembering Our Western Heritage through Trails, Trades, and Traditions,’” says Patty Pollnow, media and promotions manager for Cave Creek Rodeo Days. “It’s a lively celebration that captures authentic Western charm. Cowboys on horseback lead the procession down Cave Creek Road, followed by beautifully decorated wagons and saloon girls in colorful period costumes. Imaginative floats and talented marching bands keep the energy high throughout the route.”
The March 21 parade at 9 a.m. launches a weeklong transformation of Cave Creek into the epicenter of rodeo culture, anchored by three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned performances at Cave Creek Memorial Arena from March 26–29. But this isn’t just entertainment — it’s a nonprofit endeavor that channels the spirit of the Old West into tangible community support.
“The Cave Creek Rodeo Days Organization has donated thousands of dollars over the years, giving back to our community and supporting charitable causes throughout the state,” Pollnow explains. “Some of the organizations we’ve supported include Military Assistance Mission, Desert Hills Wranglers 4-H, Cowgirls Historical Foundation and Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center.”
The partnership extends to the venue itself, with proceeds helping the Town of Cave Creek make annual improvements to Memorial Arena — ensuring future generations can experience rodeo’s visceral thrill in an intimate setting where spectators feel the ground shake beneath bucking bulls.
That intimacy intensifies Thursday, March 26, when “All Bulls, All Night” kicks off the competition at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s performance carries the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” theme supporting breast cancer awareness, while Sunday afternoon concludes with Patriotic Day honoring military personnel and first responders.
The caliber of competition draws directly from the quality of livestock, and Cave Creek has secured a powerhouse.
“We’re thrilled to have Cervi Championship Rodeo’s world champion bucking stock returning to Cave Creek Rodeo Days,” Pollnow says. “For over 60 years, Cervi Championship Rodeo has been providing the best stock for our cowboys and cowgirls, building a reputation for excellence and reliability throughout the rodeo community. What this means for our fans is simple: You’ll see top-quality animals that consistently deliver the high level of competition and excitement that keeps the sport thriving at all levels.”
For those seeking elevated experiences, four VIP options transform rodeo viewing into immersive luxury. The Ropes & Reins Skybox positions 60 guests above the roping chutes with a host bar and complimentary appetizers — offering a bird’s-eye view of ropers and steer wrestlers, plus the thrill of broncs, bulls and barrel racers charging from the bucking chutes.
Separately, The Skybox delivers exclusive seating with full dinner and drinks from a hosted bar for an up-close rodeo experience. The Stockman’s Club provides similar premium treatment with full dinner and hosted bar in a different vantage point.
For maximum intimacy, Chute 6 elevates the experience further — placing just 20 guests on an arena-side platform close enough to hear cowboys’ breathing before the gate swings open, with all Stockman’s Club amenities included.
But the week’s soul lives in its accessible moments: Sunday’s Mutton Bustin’ at 2 p.m., where wool-clad warriors ages 4–7 launch rodeo dreams; the Cornhole Tournament at Harold’s Corral following Saturday’s parade; and the Kick-off Dance that same evening where boots meet dance floor in celebration.
“From families with young children to longtime residents, everyone comes together to celebrate the spirit of the Old West and enjoy this memorable kickoff to Rodeo Week,” Pollnow says.
In an era when North Valley development threatens to homogenize Cave Creek’s character, Rodeo Days serves as both anchor and declaration — a week when heritage isn’t preserved in amber but lived, breathed and roared into the desert night.