Page 2 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015

Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association What started with a lot of heart and pas-sion and a small youth membership has grown over the past five years into one of the top youth rodeo organizations in the State of Florida. Today our organization boasts more than 140 members competing in 14 differ-ent events; they hail from all over the state and have included youth from Canada and Mexico. Backed by the Arcadia Rodeo and manned by a dedicated Board of Di-rectors, our volunteer workers include

Arcadia Youth Rodeo

February 21, 2015March 21, 2015

April 18, 2015 (Finals) Events start at 10:00am

Want more information on theYouth Rodeo?

Visit their website at:ArcadiaYouthRodeo.com!

ScheduleFREE ADMISSIONTO SPECTATORS

parents, family members, professionals and lay people who volunteer their time to produce a full rodeo our youth mem-bers look forward to competing in each month. Our members, aged 4-18, are dedicated athletes in their chosen sport of rodeo. Many of them compete in other youth rodeo organizations as well as the Wrangler Junior Series and Florida High School Rodeo; several even compete and rank nationally. The AYRA looks forward to continue growing and to providing a safe, learning and competitive environ-ment for our youth in a sport they love!

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Photos by: Kelly Baker

Page 3Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015

Mosaic proudly invests in programs that help our hometowns thrive.By providing essential crop nutrients to farmers, The Mosaic Company helps the world grow the food it needs. Across Florida, we focus on feeding communities, safeguarding wildlife, protecting critical water sources and supporting education. We understand that the strength and vibrancy of our local communities are the seeds of our success.

Mosaic believes in partnering with nonprofits in

innovative ways that address their specific needs and closely align with our mission. This includes monetary donations and partnerships, as well as the engagement of Mosaic employees volunteering their time and energy.

Visit www.mosaicindesoto.com to learn more about Mosaic’s efforts in your area.

Let’s keep our communities growing, together.

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Correct Care supports our Rodeo Association Volunteers,

Linda Strickland and Sharon Gray

Dr. Donald Sawyer, Administrator www.correctcarers.com

Florida Civil Commitment Center

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and much, much more!

Downtown Arcadia, W. Oak Street

1st Saturday MONTHLYFeb. 7 • Mar. 7 • April 4 • May 2 Feb. 7 • Mar. 7 • April 4 • May 2

8AM to 3PM 8AM to 3PM Antiques, Collectibles, Crafts, Specialty Items, etc., etc.,

etc... and much more Call 863-494-2038

A RCA D I A ’ SA RCA D I A ’ S A RCA D I A ’ S OLDE TOWN

MARKET

Turner Center Upcoming Events

TURNER AGRI - CIVIC CENTER 2250 NE Roan Street, Arcadia • www.TurnerCenter.com

863-993-4807

January 24th 2015 – Hamfest Admission Only $5 All Ages – Gates Open 6AM Country Breakfast and Concessions Available

January 31st, February 1st 2015 – Tidewell Hospice Ranch Rodeo

Tickets for Sale at the Door, Adults $10 – Kids 5 & Under $5

Show at 2PM - Sat., Jan. 31st - BBQ Dinners will be sold January 31st 2015 – A doptathon –

P oodles & P oodle S kirts Free Concert – Free Admission For All Ages

10AM – 3PM All Ages Welcome February 8th 2015 – Draft Horse Pull Show 1pm

Tickets for Sale at the Door – Admission $5 All Ages Concessions Available

February 14th 2015 – Gun Show Sat. 9AM - 5PM, Sun. 9AM - 4PM – Free Parking

14 and Older $7 – 14 and Under Free – Concessions Available February 21st 2015 –

Peace River Wood Carvers Show Doors Open at 9AM – Donations Appreciated

Concessions Available

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Page 4 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015

Arcadia All-Florida Championship RodeoThe Granddaddy of 'em all

Bareback Riding

Immense physical stress is placed on the arm and back, and bareback rid-ers face more long term injuries, such as elbow and lower back problems,

than other rough-stock cowboys. Sheer strength isn’t all that’s required. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned away from the horse throughout the ride and his “expo-sure,” or willingness to lean far back and take whatever may come during a ride. The horse’s bucking action also contributes half a rider’s score.

Steer Wrestling

Calf Scramble

WPRA & Junior Barrel Racing

Steer wrestling is the quickest event in rodeo. The objective of the endeavor is evident in its name: to wrestle a steer to the ground using

only leverage and strength. The steer wrestler, or “bulldogger,” begins his run behind a barrier along with his “hazer,” a second cowboy whose task is to keep the steer from veering away from the steer wrestler.

Cloverleaf barrel racing, established in 1957, became the competitive event for cowgirls that would determine who would be named the

All-Around Champion Cowgirl. It will be these cowgirls who will add the color and excitement of championship rodeo here in the rodeo arena. An important part of barrel racing is, of course, the well-trained and seasoned horse. It takes months of practice, years of hauling and thousands of dol-lars to produce a barrel racing prospect. The barrel horse must have speed, stamina and strength. They must be able to run fast, stop short, roll back in a turn and - most importantly- they must have the will to win. Training and riding the barrel racing horse takes dedication and patience. A good horse can’t perform without a determined and experienced rider.

This event is announced just before intermission,

and no application is neces-sary. The calf scramble takes place inside the rodeo arena. There will be several calves decorated with a bandanna, and the winners are those kids who “undecorate” them. Kids ages 4 – 12 are eligible to participate, and prizes are awarded to the winners.

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle bronc riding requires the balance of a gymnast, the timing of a springboard diver and grace of a dancer – all

aboard a 1,200 pound pitching, twisting bronc. Considered rodeo’s “classic” event, saddle bronc riding evolved from ranch work of breaking and training horses. Many cowboys say bronc riding is the most difficult rough stock event to master because of its technical requirements. Spurring action must be synchronized with the horse’s movements. If a rider is able to “keep in time” with the horse, the ride will be fluid and grace-ful – not wild and uncontrolled.

Page 5Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015

Lock your doors, hide your women and keep your livestock corralled; the Tater Hill Bluff

Gang is coming to town! The Gang has been around on a regular basis since approximately 1966. It was originally started by Terry Welles around 1963. This group consists of individuals from in and around our commu-nity. Now, there are approximately 50 members. They are all volunteers who enjoy having fun and entertaining the rodeo fans. The Director of this dastardly bunch is Walter Brown, a lifelong Arcadia resident. He has been with the Shootout since approximately 1966. Then there’s Willie Wood, the stumblin’, staggerin’, let’s hang ’em now Judge who’s been with the Gang since around the time it was originated. In addition to Mr. Brown and Mr. Wood, there are numerous Outlaws, Townspeople, a Banker, Otis – the town’s whiskey quality control inspector (he does a great job) - the Sher-iff, several Deputies, a Town Judge, Bartender, a Saloon Madame and of course, the very attractive yet hardly virtuous Dance Hall Girls.

Arcadia All-Florida Championship RodeoThe Granddaddy of 'em all

Mutton Bustin'

Quadrille

Shoot Out

The Quadrille is a very popular event which can best be described as “square dancing on horseback.” The Quadrille has been performed all

over the state of Florida for different rodeos as a specialty act. The couples wear jeans and matching shirts with chaps, black hats and matching gear on horses. The riders are all members of the Arcadia All-Florida Saddle Club.

Photo provided by Kelly Eggers

Tie Down Roping

More than any other event in professional rodeo, Tie Down roping has roots dating back to the old west. When a calf was sick or in-

jured, it had to be caught and immobilized quickly for treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on how fast they could rope and tie calves, and soon they began informal contests. Being quick and accurate with a lasso aren’t the only requirements in calf roping. A successful roper also must be an experienced horseman and fast sprinter.

Most rodeo events originated on ranches and cattle drives of the old west. Roping cattle and riding broncs in competition were natural

extensions of ranch work. Climbing onto a bull, however, was not. Many people, in fact, view attempting to ride a surprisingly agile and powerful 2,000 pound bull as a concept that is not totally sane. But those who make their living riding bulls swear by the lifestyle. Bull riding requires balance, coordination, quick reflexes, flexibility and (perhaps above all else) a positive mental attitude.

Our Mutton Bustin’ event has become one of our

most popular, talked-about events since its introduction. The contestants are 4 – 6 years old, and the winner is the contestant who rides the sheep the longest distance inside the arena. The winner receives a shiny new belt buckle, ribbon, and his or her picture is posted on the website.

Bull Riding

Team Roping

Team Roping is the only team event in rodeo. Like tie-down roping and saddle bronc riding, team roping grew out of the ranch chores

of the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the cowboys and their horses. The two cowboys involved in team rop-ing have unique goals. The first, known as the header, does just what the name implies and ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs.

Page 6 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015

Arcadia

Tampa

Orlando

Sarasota Okeechobee

Port Charlotte

Premium Seats - $25 • Adults - $20 / $18 in advance • Children 11 & under - $15Advanced ticket sales end March 12, 2015 • Tickets will not be mailed aft er February 28, 2015

To order tickets:• In person at the Rodeo Offi ce• 800-749-7633 or 863-494-2014• www.ArcadiaRodeo.com• Fax to 863-494-2751• Mail to: 124 Heard St., Arcadia, FL 34266All ticket prices are per person/per day. Group rates are available to groups of 40 or more. Tickets are sold on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis and there are no refunds or exchanges.

Mail orders must be accompanied by a check, money order or credit card information.

Online and telephone orders - Visa,MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Check, Cash, Money Order

RODEO PARADE10 AM - Saturday, March 14Downtown Antique District

Gates Open - 11 AMShoot Out- 1 PM

Show Starts - 2 PM

FROM THE EAST - Take I-4 west to Highway 27 Exit; go south on 27 to Avon Park.Turn right onto Highway 64 west until it ends in Zolfo Springs. Turn left onto Highway17 south and continue for 20 miles until you reach Heard Street; turn left onto rodeo grounds.

FROM THE NORTH - Take 1-75 south to exit No. 217 onto Highway 70 east. Drive approximately 45 miles to Arcadia; turn right at the fi rst traffi c light onto Highway 17 south. Turn left onto Heard Street for north side seating, or go to the next block (Palm Avenue) for south side seating.

Driving Directions

Aviation DirectionsArcadia Municipal Airport

Exit airport and turn right onto Airport Road. Take quick left onto Maple Drive. Go 1 mile to Hillsborough and turn right.

Go 1/2 mile and see Rodeo grounds on your left.

Airport ID: X06CTAF 123.0

Latitude: 27-11.520NLongitude: 81-50.238W

FROM THE SOUTH - Take I-75 north to exit No. 142 onto Highway 80 heading east; stay in the left lane to Highway 31, at the end of Hwy 31, turn left onto Hwy 70 West. Stay in left lane and left side of the fork. Continue about 6 blocks and turn left onto Hillsbor-ough Ave; go past two stop signs and the arena will be on your right. (OR Take I-75 to exit #164. Stay on right side of ramp merging onto Highway 17 north. Go approximately 20 miles to Heard Street and turn right.)

FROM THE WEST - Take I-75 south to exit No. 205 onto Clark Road (Hwy 72). Go east approximately 45 miles to Highway 70 in DeSoto County. Turn right onto Hwy 70 east (stay in the right lane); turn right at the fi rst traffi c light. Turn right onto Highway 17 south to Heard Street; turn left onto rodeo grounds.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

FILL ‘ER UP FRIDAY!10% OFF

GROUPS 20+CALL 1-800-749-7633

Aviation DirectionsArcadia Municipal Airport

Airport ID: X06CTAF 123.0

Page 7Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015 ad

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Livestock Provided By:For years providing the best livestock in the business

Page 8 Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 13-15, 2015