Spotlight
Jul 8, 2025
Hold onto your hats — Brian Childress & Western Fusion are fixin’ to kick harder than a rank bull. Photo by: Brian Childress
PAYSON, ARIZONA – Dust off your boots, shine up that bling, and get ready to two-step under the Rim Country stars — because Brian Childress and Western Fusion are bringing the party to the Official Boots & Bling Rodeo Dance on both Friday and Saturday night at the historic Payson Rodeo Fairgrounds.
This is no ordinary dance. It’s part of the 142nd Performance of the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, a tradition born in 1884 when ranchers and cowhands gathered in a meadow off Main Street to test their roping and riding skills before the fall roundup. Today, the event is a national treasure — named the Best Small Rodeo in the country by the PRCA and the Best Small-Town PRCA Rodeo in the West by True West Magazine — attracting top competitors from around the globe.
The rodeo grounds will come alive after the final ride each night as Western Fusion takes the stage at 9:00 p.m., delivering a high-energy mix of country, western swing, and honky-tonk favorites. Whether you’re fresh from the arena grandstands or just rolling into town for the dance, you’re in for a boot-stomping good time.
Cover charge? Rodeo ticket holders get in free, and it’s only $5 at the door for everyone else. Families are welcome, and under-21 guests just need to be with an adult.
The rodeo itself runs August 14–16, with performances at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
Friday – “Wrangler Bucking Cancer” night, raising funds for local breast cancer support groups.
Saturday Afternoon – Family Day with kid-friendly prizes.
Saturday Night – Patriot Performance, honoring veterans with a special tribute.
And don’t miss the Rodeo Parade — a Rim Country tradition — rolling down Main Street at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16. Expect rodeo royalty, clowns, floats, bands, classic cars, Shriners, and plenty of hometown charm.
The Payson Pro Rodeo isn’t just a show — it’s a major community fundraiser, helping local students with scholarships, supporting veterans and breast cancer organizations, and fueling an economic boost of more than $3 million annually for Rim Country. When you buy a ticket, join the dance, or sponsor the event, you’re helping keep a 142-year-old Western tradition alive.
So mark your calendar, grab your hat, and make Boots & Bling your rodeo after-party both nights.
Event Info:
📅 Friday & Saturday, August 15–16 – Band at 9:00 p.m.
📍 Payson Rodeo Grounds
🎟 Free with Rodeo Ticket | $5 at the Door
🌐 Tickets & Details: PaysonProRodeo.com | 📞 928-295-8109