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Mogollon Rim panorama near Payson

RIM COUNTRY AI

Payson, Arizona

The heart of Rim Country. Explore local dining, connect with your town council, and stay up to date on everything Payson.

4,890 ft Elevation
Est. 1884 Founded
15,000+ Residents
Gila County Arizona
Ponderosa pines and Mogollon Rim

OUR HERITAGE

A Legacy Carved
Into the Rim

Nestled beneath the spectacular Mogollon Rim — a 2,000-foot escarpment that dominates the landscape — Payson has been a gathering place for over 10,000 years. From ancient peoples who hunted these highlands to the Tonto Apache who called this land home, the area's history runs deep.

Named in 1884 after Congressman Louis Edwin Payson, the town grew from frontier ranches and mining camps into the vibrant community it is today. That same year, local cowboys held what would become the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo — a tradition that still defines Payson's spirit.

1884
Year Founded
140+
Years of Rodeo
50 mi
Rim Country

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Payson Town Council

The Town Council consists of a directly-elected Mayor and six council members serving staggered four-year terms.

Steve Otto

Steve Otto

Mayor
Charlie Bell

Charlie Bell

Council Member
Jim Ferris

Jim Ferris

Council Member
Brett Flaherty

Brett Flaherty

Council Member
Dallin Haws

Dallin Haws

Council Member
Scott Nossek

Scott Nossek

Council Member
Suzy Tubbs

Suzy Tubbs

Council Member

LOCAL DINING

Payson's Finest
Restaurants

Discover the best dining experiences Rim Country has to offer — from upscale steakhouses to cozy cafes.

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

Rim Country News

The latest from the Payson Roundup — Rim Country's news source since 1925.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar for these community events in and around Payson.

MAY
30

Payson Farmers Market

55+ stalls of Arizona organically grown produce, gourmet mushrooms, Alaskan seafood, fresh baked goods, cheese, salsas, seasonings, kettle corn, and more. Every Friday through fall.

Sawmill Theater Parking Lot · 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MAY
30

Pups in the Pines

Bring your four-legged friends for a fun community gathering at Green Valley Park, featuring dog-friendly activities, vendors, and more.

Green Valley Park · 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
JUN
6

Summer Concert Series

Kick off summer with live music under the pines. The concert series runs every Friday evening through the season with a variety of musical acts.

Green Valley Park · 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
JUL
4

Independence Day — America's 250th Birthday

Join the community for a historic celebration with parades, fireworks, food, and live entertainment throughout downtown.

Downtown Payson
AUG
20

World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo

Since 1884, Payson's legendary rodeo brings top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls to compete in one of the most storied events in the West.

Payson Event Center · Aug 20–21, 2026
SEP
10

Northern Gila County Fair

The annual county fair features livestock shows, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and community exhibits.

Payson Event Center

GET IN TOUCH

Contact the Town of Payson

Have a question or need help? Reach out directly or ask Maggie for instant answers.

Send a Message

We'll get back to you as soon as possible during business hours.

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LOCAL NEWS