The West of the Pecos Rodeo, home of the world’s first rodeo, dates back to 1883, when two cowboys met on July 4 to best the other at roping. Today, West of the Pecos draws about 14,000 fans and more than 400 contestants over its four-day span. It is one of the PRCA’s top 40 prize money rodeos and earned its place in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2008. West of the Pecos stays true to its roots, allowing locals to compete in various events, including the Cloverleaf Classic Barrel Race, West of the Pecos Classic Team Roping, Hide Race, and Wild Cow Milking. With its Play Day series, the rodeo aims to keep the rodeo tradition alive and raise up the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.
