Parade, Monster Bulls, 154th Rodeo highlight next two weekends
With a new Big Boss—with old ties to it—the 81st year of the Silver Spurs Rodeo is set to kick off with five days of exciting ropin’ and ridin’ action over two weekends and nine days.
Wrapped around the Osceola County Fair and Livestock Show Feb. 14-23 at Osceola Heritage Park, the Monster Bulls pro bullriding event and the 154th Silver Spurs Rodeo are mainstays of a community that has long heritage on ranching, raising cattle and other stock—and then climbing on them to see who wins between man and beast.
Sara Berlinsky—just the third Lady Boss in this history that goes back to the 1940s— passed on the torch of chairman of this year’s events to Randy Booth. He’s no stranger to it, as his grandfather “Doc” Partin (1946), father Tom Booth (1989), brother Ricky Booth (2011) and brother-in-law Chris Fluke (2018) are all past Big Bosses.
“I am so honored to lead this organization as a fourth-generation Big Boss, following in the footsteps of my grandfather, father, and brother, who also served in this role. My commitment remains to continuing the cherished traditions of the rodeo for all families while our board stays true to the club’s original purpose—giving back to the community. Through meaningful contributions to nonprofits in need, we are honored to continue this legacy of generosity.”
The first event was held on July 4, 1944, and soon after the Silver Spurs became known as the “Biggest rodeo east of the Mississippi River.” And, it has to do with a community that supports, embraces and emphasizes why the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s name is on the arena.
That arena will be busy once the winter “rodeo season” kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 15 with the annual Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade at 10 a.m. through the streets of downtown St. Cloud. The action shifts to the arena at 7:30 p.m. for Monster Bulls, a matchup of the best professional bull riders and the Silver Spurs club’s meanest stock.
The following week, it’s time for the 154th Silver Spurs Rodeo and four nights of steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, bull and bareback riding and saddle bronc. A special Feb. 20 Student Night performance returns from last year, with free admission for Osceola County students with student ID—after all, they get Feb. 21 off from school for Rodeo Day!
That’s followed by the usual Friday and Saturday night (Feb. 21-22) rodeos and the Sunday afternoon (Feb. 23, 2 p.m.) grand finale, all in the shadow of the 81st Osceola County Fair.
Tickets for all performances except for Thursday night are now assigned seating. Pricing for those days runs from $1535 dollars depending on age and seating areas. Parking for all events is free. Get all seating information and buy tickets at www.silverspursrodeo.com.