rodeo day

an osceola county holiday for over 7 decades

While many counties around the country mark President's Day on the third Monday of February with a school break, Osceola County proudly stands out by celebrating Rodeo Day instead. Digging through old school calendars, the earliest official mention of Rodeo Day occurred in 1953. But, it might go back even further into history, given the limited record-keeping practices of the early days.

Rodeo Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a beloved local tradition deeply ingrained in Osceola County's identity. For those lucky enough to have experienced it, this day signifies more than just a school holiday; it's a joyful tribute to Osceola County's  rodeo culture. Some of our seasoned residents fondly recall their youthful adventures, which often involved boldly skipping school to immerse themselves in the heart-pounding thrills of the rodeo.

In fact, for a handful of enthusiasts, a single day away from school couldn't satisfy their hunger for rodeo excitement. Rodeo Day was so irresistible that a few folks found themselves needing not just one, but multiple days off to fully revel in the rodeo spirit. This shared enthusiasm for Rodeo Day reflects the profound impact it has had on our local culture and the enduring connection between Osceola County and its storied rodeo traditions.
silver spurs in the community

education

In the sport of rodeo, there are seven traditional rodeo events split into two types of events: timed and roughstock events.

rodeo day

While many counties around the country mark President's Day on the third Monday of February with a school break, Osceola County proudly stands out by celebrating Rodeo Day instead (and please, Mr. President, no offense intended...). Digging into the old school calendars, we find the earliest official mention of Rodeo Day in 1953. But, who knows, it might reach back even further into history, given the limited record-keeping practices of those early days!

Rodeo Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a beloved local tradition deeply ingrained in our community's identity. For those lucky enough to have experienced it, this day signifies more than just a school holiday; it's a joyful tribute to Osceola County's lively rodeo culture. Some of our seasoned residents fondly recall their youthful adventures, which often involved boldly skipping school to immerse themselves in the heart-pounding thrills of the rodeo.

In fact, for a handful of enthusiasts, a single day away from school couldn't satisfy their hunger for rodeo excitement. Rodeo Day was so irresistible that a few folks found themselves needing not just one, but multiple days off to fully revel in the rodeo spirit. This shared enthusiasm for Rodeo Day reflects the profound impact it has had on our local culture and the enduring connection between Osceola County and its storied rodeo traditions.

The smell of freshly churned dirt mingles in the air. The sound of hooves pounds against the ground. The rodeo announcer's voice booms over the speakers, welcoming everyone to this celebration of cowboy heritage. The crowd responds with exhilarating cheers. This can only mean one thing - it's rodeo season!

And in Kissimmee, Florida, there is no rodeo more iconic than the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. Our roots run deep in the heart of Osceola County, Florida, where our history stems from a humble gathering of ranchers in the early 1940s. For more than 80 years, we have been preserving and showcasing the thrilling sport of rodeo.
As a non-profit organization, our mission goes beyond providing exhilarating entertainment. For us, it's not just about the thrill of riding broncs or taming bulls. It's about preserving tradition and celebrating the courage and resilience that defines our heritage.

Every rider, every spectator and every volunteer contributes to creating an atmosphere filled with unwavering support and adrenaline-fueled excitement. But beyond all the dust kicked up by hooves and all the cheers echoing through the stands lies something even more profound—the deep sense of community in Osceola County and our ability to give back to it.

rodeo day activities
for kids

learn about the silver spurs riding club