The Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo will be returning to the Camp Verde Equestrian Center on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4.
The rodeo is a part of the circuit system created by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1975 that divided the U.S. into 12 geographic circuits. At the end of the regular rodeo season, the top competitors in each event category qualify to compete in their circuit’s finals. The Camp Verde championship event gathers nearly 100 rodeo athletes from across Arizona and New Mexico to compete.
Circuit cowboys, also known as “weekend warriors,” usually participate in around 20 rodeos across Arizona and New Mexico over the course of a year. The circuit system gives athletes who may not be able to undertake year-round competitions another set of opportunities to compete.
Cowboys will be competing for a share of the $175,000 prize purse and a chance to advance to the National Finals Rodeo Open.
The rodeo will feature bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding.
“Turquoise Circuit rodeo athletes are a blend of skill and dedication, and they invest their entire year in pursuit of a spot in this championship event,” Tony Zembik, president of the Turquoise Circuit, said in a press release. “This family-friendly rodeo is a testament to the finest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from Arizona and New Mexico. We call them the best in the Southwest.”
The 2022-23 Miss Turquoise Circuit is Rosie Wiltbank, who entered her first rodeo at age 3. She raised and showed certified Angus beef cattle and is involved in the ranching lifestyle with her family.
The rodeo will be preceded by a block party at Low Places Bar and Grill from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, which will be the venue for the event’s pinning of competition back numbers.
The rodeo will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The arena is located at 1495 Hideout Arena Way.
