The University of Arizona Press
August 31, 2026
Today, we look back into the mists or dusts of time at the 1972 Tucson Rodeo Program (program cover above). For those unfamiliar with this Tucson tradition, February’s rodeo week officially starts with the rodeo parade on Thursday morning, and a few University of Arizona Press staff remember watching the parade of horses, horse-drawn wagons, and every high school marching band from southern Arizona. The parade was followed by rodeo events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Public schools closed for “rodeo vacation” on Thursday and Friday. Tucson’s rodeo tradition continues, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Below is the University of Arizona Press advertisement in the official Rodeo Program. Lots of cowboy books which makes sense for this audience. Sadly, none of the bookstores listed are still in business. The Arizona Bookstore on campus has been renamed The University of Arizona Campus Store. One purveyor of books and other items has stood the test of time: Bahti Indian Arts (now run by Mark Bahti, son of Tom Bahti) is still open for business. Also look at our old logo in the lower left corner; to some, this logo looks like a saguaro and a picnic table.
For contemporary books on the west, check out a few of our recent titles:
Thursday was also University of Arizona Day at the rodeo, as seen in this page that faced The University of Arizona Press advertisement.
Our friends at the Arizona Historical Society also supported the rodeo with a full page advertisement:
