Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. (PFD) – World’s Oldest Rodeo® proudly recognizes Yvonne Gibbs, a dedicated volunteer whose passion, leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the greater Prescott community.
Gibbs, who purchased her Prescott home in 2015 and relocated full-time in July 2018, quickly found her place within the PFD family. Although she arrived without immediate family in the area, she says the friendships and connections she has built through the rodeo and her neighborhood have become her extended family.
“The people at Prescott Frontier Days made me feel welcome right away,” Gibbs says. “If you’re looking for a place to learn, preserve the Western way of life, meet incredible people and know your time is well spent, this is the place.”
Her journey began with encouragement from neighbors Ron and Kelly Owsley, who introduced Gibbs and her husband, Steve Schmidt, to the organization in 2018. They became active members, and Gibbs quickly emerged as a driving force behind numerous initiatives.
She is the creator and sponsor of the Junior Ambassador Program, now in its fourth year, which supports youth engagement and leadership development. She also established and sponsors the Volunteer of the Year award, now in its fifth year, recognizing the invaluable contributions of fellow volunteers.
Gibbs was key in securing the 2025 Massey Ferguson Sowing Good Deeds Award for Prescott Frontier Days, a highly competitive national honor. After four previous attempts, her perseverance paid off: “It truly was a team effort — the final nomination was 13 pages long, filled with the incredible work our organization does for the community.”
Gibbs manages outreach across 15 social media groups, writes weekly rodeo articles, captures photography during events and produces volunteer recognition slideshows. She also has developed essential organizational tools, including an awards tracking spreadsheet, a comprehensive style guide to ensure consistent communications, and a rodeo terminology document based on Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standards.
In addition, Gibbs has supported National Night Out, served on the vendor committee, volunteered in the sponsor lounge and hospitality areas and developed forensics reporting for events.
Her past efforts include helping organize the Rodeo Parade, compiling two cookbooks and two calendars, coordinating with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for parade participation and rodeo flyovers, and drafting a City of Prescott proclamation honoring rodeo announcer Randy Corley.
Together with her husband, Gibbs has contributed personally by purchasing indoor and outdoor sound equipment to support events.
“Volunteers like Yvonne don’t just support the rodeo, they help shape its future, strengthen our community and carry forward a legacy that means so much to Prescott,” says Jim Dewey Brown, General Manager, Prescott Frontier Days. “We are incredibly grateful for her passion and invaluable contributions.”
Looking ahead, Gibbs is excited about PFD’s expanded role in the community. The organization will sponsor National Night Out in partnership with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, bringing together first responders and residents to foster connection, safety awareness and community pride.
