Photo essay: From steer wrestling to bull riding, Gart Hardt Memorial Rodeo honors those who came before

The recent Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo in Payson was a night of remembrance for a former rider and roper, and for those in the military for Patriot Night.

Clay Wagner holds onto Salt River Rodeo’s Saturday Night Fever during the bull riding event at the 36th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

By Joseph Plishka/Cronkite News May 31, 2023

PAYSON – As the sun set over the city, the Payson Event Center lights illuminated the opening ceremony of the recent 36th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo.

Hardt was a professional bull rider and skilled roper and was recognized across the Southwest for his skills. His career began in 1962 in his hometown of Payson, and he competed for many years before his death in 1987.

Rodeo is nothing new to this community. Every August, the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo draws fans from around the country to watch an event that has taken place for over 140 years.

The Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo also paid tribute to those who have served the country by hosting Patriot Night. Competition included bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

The Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo returned for the 36th time at the Payson Event Center on May 20, 2023 in Payson, Arizona. The Rodeo is held each spring in honor of Hardt, a professional roper and rider. Hardt passed away in 1987.

Members of the Payson Military Honor Guard stand to present the flags of the different branches of the United States Military. The rodeo also honored Patriot Night with a special opening ceremony. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Left: The Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo returned for the 36th time at the Payson Event Center on May 20, 2023 in Payson, Arizona. The Rodeo is held each spring in honor of Hardt, a professional roper and rider. Hardt passed away in 1987. Right: Members of the Payson Military Honor Guard stand to present the flags of the different branches of the United States Military. The rodeo also honored Patriot Night with a special opening ceremony. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Bloomfield, New Mexico, native Kory Hart rides Salt River Rodeo’s Lady Assassin during the bareback riding event. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Buckeye native Trey Nahrgang grabs a steer around the horns during the steer wrestling event.

Travis Whitlow, from San Tan Valley, chases down a steer during the team roping event at the 36th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo in front of an enthusiastic crowd. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Left: Buckeye native Trey Nahrgang grabs a steer around the horns during the steer wrestling event. Right: Travis Whitlow, from San Tan Valley, chases down a steer during the team roping event at the 36th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo in front of an enthusiastic crowd. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Cleve Griffin, from Carrizozo, New Mexico, is thrown off the back of Salt River Rodeo’s Wolf Trap during the saddle bronc event. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

The rodeo is named the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo to honor the memory of the Payson native who died in 1987.

Gracie Jo Perkins, Arizona’s Miss Teen Rodeo, waits to run into the arena during an intermission of the competition. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Left: The rodeo is named the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo to honor the memory of the Payson native who died in 1987. Right: Gracie Jo Perkins, Arizona’s Miss Teen Rodeo, waits to run into the arena during an intermission of the competition. (Photos by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Lynn Smith, from Elfrida, ropes a calf during the breakaway roping event at the 36th Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo as the crowd looks on. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Halle DeWitt runs a 17.98 to tie the leader in the barrel riding event at the competition in Payson. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Joseph Plishka

Sports Visual Journalist, Phoenix

Joey Plishka expects to graduate in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in December of 2023. Plishka is a multimedia journalist who has interned in communications at New City Church, as a photo director for WCSN and as a photo editor for the Arizona Coyotes.