In 2015, Florida became the first state to welcome more than 100 million out-of-state and international tourists, and according to our partners at Experience Kissimmee, over 7 million visitors stay in Kissimmee annually. Between the beaches, theme parks, and all the other cool things you can do in Florida, it's no surprise that Central Florida is a top U.S. destination for domestic and international travelers.While all those attractions are a great way to start off your vacation, there's more to Florida than castles – both the fairytale and sand varieties. Believe it or not, there was a time when citrus and cattle ruled, and rodeos were one of a few ways to have fun. And frankly, few things have changed. On this blog post, we're exploring a few reasons why rodeos in Florida like the Silver Spurs Rodeo are a MUST for every family vacation to the Sunshine State.

At Silver Spurs, it's more than just a rodeoWhile the Silver Spurs Rodeo started as an event for ranchers to show off their skills, it was also used as a way to raise money for the war efforts in the mid-twentieth century. And the giving didn't stop after the war was over! Since 1944, the Silver Spurs Club has used portions of the proceeds raised during the rodeo to give back to the community in the form of scholarships and charitable donations. Just over the past decade, the Silver Spurs Club has donated over $145,000 to other non-profits, such as the Howard Phillips Center, the Florida Hospital Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Heavenly Hooves. So while you and your family are enjoying the events, you're simultaneously helping our community!

An event everyone in the family can enjoyBetween the calf scramble, taking selfies with rodeo clowns, and being able to scream as loud as you want, it's safe to say that your kids will love attending rodeos in Florida. But they're not the only ones who will have a good time! If you're not a cowboy or cowgirl already, attending a rodeo gives you the opportunity to dress up in your best western attire and make it a family affair. By dressing up in coordinating cowboy boots and hats, everyone in your family will be able to enjoy the rodeo.

Experience something old and new in one fell swoopFor generations, our arena has hosted thousands of families from all across the world to watch the sport of rodeo. And while a few people may know that rodeos in Florida have roots in ranching chores, people often think that these events are a thing of the past. Contrary to popular belief, many of the rodeo events you'll see during the rodeo include skills that are still necessary on a ranch today. Events like steer wrestling and tie-down roping showcase a version of chores that ranchers have needed to perform to administer medicine to sick animals or to tag them so they don't lose a profit if their cattle get mixed up with another rancher's herd. In fact, many of the contestants that you'll see during Monster Bulls and the Silver Spurs Rodeo still help out at their family ranches when they're not competing in a rodeo.Are you ready to rodeo? Join us Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st for the 143rd Silver Spurs Rodeo where you can watch seven of rodeo’s traditional events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, women’s barrel racing, and team roping! Hope to see y’all then!