On Friday and Saturday night, Sept. 28 and 29, the Suwannee River Riding Club of Branford will hold its 51st annual rodeo at the arena located at 9132 254th Terrace, less than a mile north of Scaff’s grocery store on SR 129. Sponsors of the event, according to SRRC, include Scaff’s Markets, Suwannee American Cement, Branson Tractors, and Lee’s Custom Services. Festivities will commence at 8 p.m.

Every year since 1955, SRRC has entertained the community as well as visitors with a variety of shows and colorful pageantry such as bull riding, calf roping, chute dogging, barrel racing, team roping, break-away roping, calf scramble for children, a Queen and Jr. Miss contest, and a performance by the SRRC Drill Team.

The arena sits on land purchased by James Severance, the first president of the club and a life long resident of Branford. “In 1955, a group of fellows got together and formed the Suwannee River Riding Club. Mr. James Severance was the first president and Mr. Bill Ross was vice-president at that time. They had to buy and clear the land for the arena and surrounding area. Bill Ross said he, his brother Bubba Ross, and Pee Wee Sapp hauled stumps out in a horse and wagon,” Jonita Summers, wife of Darrell Summers, SRRC president said.

When it first began the rodeo was held the first weekend of October. According to Rita Bates, a member of SRRC, the date was changed to allow the club’s members to participate in Florida Sherrif Boys Ranch events in addition to SRCC events.

Anyone may join and participate in the rodeo. Before they can actually enter the arena, Summers said they have to pay a fee and sign a waiver of liability. They can also enter more than one event. Winners of each event receive a prize in the form of a set cash amount.

Some of the participants in past rodeo events have advanced to the next level such as college and professional rodeo. Several local residents who were winners at SRRC past events were Tyler Byrd and Rance Brown who were three time Florida High School State Champions and International Youth Finals Rodeo Champions in Shawnee, Ok.

Advanced competitions include Florida High School State Champions, International Youth Finals Rodeo Champions, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, National Barrel Horse Association, Miss Rodeo Florida, Miss Rodeo America, and Wrangler Division Team Roping.

Bates, as well as other members of SRRC, hope the community and surrounding areas will continue to support the rodeo so it can be here for many years to come. “As our past record indicates, we hope that we are still strong in the public and a place where families can meet and have fun. We would like to take this time to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for without them this would not be possible,” Bates said.

To watch SRRC members put on their show, ticket prices are $10 for adults 13 and older, $5 for children ages 5-12, and children ages five and under are free. For information, visit www.srrcbranford.com, or contact Bates at 352-258-3491.