×
×
homepage logo
STORE

Cracker Day Rodeo returns to Posse Arena Jan. 24-26

By Staff

One of Lee County’s oldest events returns to the Lee County Posse Arena next week.

The 64th annual Cracker Day Rodeo will take place Friday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 26, featuring three days of rodeo action, including a youth rodeo on Saturday.

The rodeo serves as the biggest fundraiser for the arena, a non-profit organization which was founded in 1960 and has survived as an all-volunteer group that gets no financial support from any government entity.

Considering what the arena went through over the last few years due to hurricanes and other weather-related activity, the money is certainly needed. Most recently, Hurricane Helene turned the bleachers into a twisted pile of aluminum.

Despite everything, this year’s event has the green light.

The events at this rodeo tend to be a little different. There is still bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing, but there are also unusual but popular events such as the Buddy-Pick-up.

Some of the youth events include pole bending, ribbon roping, goat tying and breakaway roping, which has become very popular in recent years.

Also, expect fun events for the kids such as the calf scramble and mutton busting and special guest, rodeo clown Rockin’ Robbie Hodges.

There also will be more than 20 vendors selling everything from cowboy hats to Mexican food to perhaps even a ride on a mechanical bull.

Mostly, the Cracker Day Rodeo is a tribute to the old-time Florida ranchers who moved their cattle throughout the state.

Gates open Friday at 4:45 p.m. with the rodeo starting at 7. Saturday’s youth rodeo begins at 11 a.m., following slack, which starts at 7 a.m. The open rodeo begins at 6, and the Sunday matinee kicks off at 2, preceded by Cowboy Church.

Admission is $40 for adults, 13 and under is $20 and kids 5 and under are free. Military and first responders are $35.

The new VIP special is $100, which includes parking, VIP seating, and food and drink. There is a limit of 125 tickets per performance.

For more information, visit leecountyposse.com.