Yvonne Gibbs Recognized for Community Impact

0:00Text-to-speech audio articles made possible on the cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. Prescott Frontier Days Incorporated, world's oldest rodeo proudly recognizes of On 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 Prescott Frontier Days family. Although she arrived without immediate family in the area, she shares that the friendships and connections she has built through the rodeo and her neighborhood have become her extended family. Raised in the desert town of Lancaster, California, Gibbs grew up immersed in a rural, hands-on lifestyle. I was a country girl, she said. We rode horses, cleaned corrals, raised our own beef, and spent our days riding many bikes in the desert. She credits her close-knit family, her parents and two younger brothers, for instilling strong values of hard work and community.

1:00Gibbs pursued higher education at California State University, Long Beach, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism. Her career path included a variety of roles that strengthened her riding and editing expertise, including a memorable experience working at Disneyland. She ultimately returned home and secured her dream role as a technical editor with NASA, where she dedicated 30 years of service before retiring. Her journey to Prescott Frontier Days began with encouragement from neighbors Ron and Kelly Ausley, who introduced Gibbs and her husband, Steve Schmidt, to the organization in 2018. That same year, the couple became active members, and Gibbs quickly emerged as a driving force behind numerous initiatives. Over the past eight years, Gibbs has contributed extensively across multiple facets of the organization. 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.

2:01Gibbs played a key role in securing the 2025 Massey Ferguson sewing good deeds award for Prescott Frontier Days, a highly competitive national honor. After four previous attempts, her perseverance paid off. We always believed it would be our year, she said. On the fifth try, we struck gold. It truly was a team effort, the final nomination was 13 pages long, filled with the incredible work our organization does for the community. Her contributions extend far beyond program development. Gibbs manages outreach across 15 social media groups, writes weekly rodeo articles, captures photography during events, and produces volunteer recognition slideshows. She has also 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, PRCA, standards. In addition, Gibbs has supported key events such as National Night Out, served on the vendor committee, volunteered in the sponsor lounge and hospitality areas, and developed forensics reporting for events.

3:05Her past efforts include helping organize the rodeo parade, compiling two cookbooks and two calendars for Prescott Frontier Days, 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 is also contributed personally by purchasing indoor and outdoor sound equipment to support events. Evon Gibbs represents the very heart and spirit of Prescott Frontier Days and the world's oldest rodeo. Her dedication, generosity, and willingness to step up wherever needed have made a lasting impact on our organization. Volunteers like Evon 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. We are incredibly grateful for her passion and invaluable contributions said Jim Dewey Brown, General Manager, Prescott Frontier Days. Looking ahead, Gibbs is excited about Prescott Frontier Days' expanded role in the community in 2026. The organization will sponsor national night out in partnership with the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, bringing together

4:08first responders and local residents to foster connection, safety awareness, and community pride. The people at Prescott Frontier Days made me feel welcome right away, Gibbs said. If you're looking for a place to learn, preserve the western way of life, meet incredible people, and know your time as well spent, this is the place. Prescott Frontier Days' incorporated continues to thrive with volunteers like Evon Gibbs, whose dedication ensures the preservation and celebration of rodeo heritage for generations to come. About Prescott Frontier Days, world's oldest rodeo. Prescott Frontier Days' incorporated is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving western heritage through its annual rodeo and year-round community involvement. Established in 1888, the world's oldest rodeo remains a cornerstone of Prescott's history, culture, and community spirit. Learn who else is making a difference in the Quad Cities with more stories from community connections on signalsaz.com. Subscribe and be the F-1 RST-2-0.