Writer Amanda Christmann
Photography Courtesy of the Town of Cave Creek

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here’s a sense of romance about the rodeo—not in the starry-eyed storybook kind of way, but in the idea of taming the wild in bulls, broncs and cowboys.

For many people, the rodeo is one of the last holdouts to still symbolize the grit and dauntless courage of early pioneers and cowboys. From the grit of the dust and mud to the sounds and smells of the cattle and crowds, there is nothing quite like it.

If you love to cheer when a bulldogger takes down a steer, or when a rider covers eight seconds on a rowdy bull, you don’t want to miss Cave Creek Rodeo Days March 17 through March 25. It’ll be a week of the best broncs, the best bulls, and the best cowboys the Southwest has to offer, plus a few more events unique to Cave Creek that are sure to make you want to hoot and holler.

The Town of Cave Creek organized Cave Creek Rodeo Days this year to raise money for maintenance and improvements to the Cave Creek Memorial Arena. This year marks 41 years of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) events in town.

“We cherish our Western lifestyle,” said Mayor Ernie Bunch. “Our entire community is coming together for Cave Creek Rodeo Days. This event celebrates everything we love about our town.”

Once again, world-renowned Cervi Championship Rodeo will provide livestock. Competition begins at 7:30 p.m. March 23. Expect to see top-ranking PRCA contestants and thousands of visitors, including cowboys, cowgirls and pro-rodeo fans. Food, drink and souvenir vendors will be on-hand, and there will be plenty to see and do for the whole family.

This year’s Cave Creek Rodeo Days include dozens of events at local businesses, plus a parade, mutton bustin’, a golf tournament, two rodeo dances and more. A golf tournament and banquet will be held at Tatum Ranch Golf Course March 19, and wipe off a little dust from the bottle with David Lee Murphy, live at Harold’s March 23.

Wrangler National Patriot Day comes to the arena Friday to provide funding and support for America’s wounded and fallen soldiers and their families. Saturday attendees are invited to wear purple to stand up against domestic violence, then dig out your pink duds Sunday for Wrangler’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink Cancer Awareness campaign.

Rodeo gates open two hours prior to each event. Tickets for PRCA evening events are $22 per person in advance, or $25 at the gate; free for children five years old and younger with purchase of an adult ticket. Seating is first come, first served.

Stockman VIP tickets, which include special seating, an open bar, hosted dinner and limited, exclusive parking, are available online.

Break out your favorite hat, boots and buckle and come on out to Cave Creek Rodeo Days! It’s a bucking good time you don’t want to miss!

cavecreekrodeo.com

Cave Creek Rodeo Parade

Saturday, March 17

9 a.m.

Historic Downtown Cave Creek

Free

Mutton Bustin’

For kids 4–7 years old

Saturday, March 17

12:30 p.m. (sign up at 11:30 a.m.)

Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse

6811 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek

$10 per child

Kick It Up at the Kick-off Rodeo Dance

Saturday, March 17

8 p.m.

Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse

6811 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Golf Tournament

Monday, March 19

12:30 p.m. (sign in at 10:30 a.m.)

Tatum Ranch Golf Course

29888 N. Tatum Ranch Dr., Cave Creek

$150 per person/$600 for foursome

Golf Tournament, Banquet

and Awards Dinner

Monday, March 19

5 p.m.

Tatum Ranch Golf Course

29888 N. Tatum Ranch Dr., Cave Creek

Cost included in Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Golf Tournament registration fee

Wrangler National Patriot Performance

Friday, March 23

7:30 p.m.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena

37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

Free with admission

David Lee Murphy in Concert

Friday, March 23

10 p.m.

Harold’s Corral

6895 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek

Free with Friday rodeo ticket; $22 without ticket

Man Up Crusade’s Purple Night

Wear purple to stand up against domestic violence

Saturday, March 24

7:30 p.m.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena

37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

Wrangler’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Wear pink to support the fight against cancer

Sunday, March 25

2 p.m.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena

37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

cavecreekrodeo.com