Kissimmee cowboy Parker Kempfer ready to compete
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Bull rider at Ram Rodeo -
Parker Kempfer
One local cowboy will saddle up when the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RAM NCFR) rides into town this weekend.
Kissimmee’s own Parker Kempfer will be one of 200-plus circuit champions from across the U.S. and Canada who will vie for $1 million in cash and prizes while trying to leave their mark on history in the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo April 9 and 10.
The entertaining event returns to Osceola County, bringing a level of rodeo competition unlike any other to the dirt-covered floor of the Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee.
“With the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo being in Osceola County for several years, we are building on and growing an amazing, one-of-a-kind rodeo that brings national champions and fans all under one roof,” said Brandon Arrington, Osceola County Commission chairman. "The final round on Saturday night, including some local cowboys and cowgirls, will have you on the edge of your seat as the best of the best compete against each other for $1 million in cash and prizes.”
Parker Kempfer
In January 2021, Kemper headed south to Davie, Florida to compete at the Southeastern Circuit Finals. In the first round, he climbed down into the chute onboard Girl Crush, a mare hauled by 5 Star Rodeo. When the chute gate swung open, Girl Crush stalled before carrying Parker to third place. Dakota Twist of Hi-Lo Pro Rodeo proved to be a handful in the second round, but a 77 was good enough for another third place. Kempfer went two for two to earn the title as the Southeastern Circuit year-end saddle bronc champion and a qualification to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo.
Sitting on the back of the bucking chutes at the original Silver Spurs Arena nearly 20 years ago, Kempfer idolized the rough stock cowboys that came to compete. As he grew, his love and admiration for the sport grew too. Kempfer traveled with his dad, George, and Uncle Doug to several rodeos across the state hauling bucking bulls. Parker and his family have always been involved in the rodeo industry. Though his mother wouldn’t allow him to rodeo as a child, he eventually found his way as a champion saddle bronc rider.
RAM NCFR events
•Monday, April 5 (3 to 6 p.m.)– Sixth Annual Cattle Drive
The cattle drive will include over 50 head of cattle that will make its way through downtown Kissimmee. It will begin at 1 Courthouse Square, traveling down Broadway and ending at Sproule Avenue. It’s free and open to the public.Celebrate at the Cattle Drive After Party near Broadway Pizza Bar and Sproule Avenue.
•Thursday, April 8 (7:30 p.m.) Healthcare Heroes Night (Invitation Only)- All healthcare employees will receive complimentary tickets with a valid identification. (One per ID. Capacity is limited. First come, first serve)
•Friday, April 9 (7:30 p.m.) Military Appreciation Night – Pay tribute and honor our local active and retired military and first responders, free with a valid identification. (One per ID).
•Saturday, April 10 (1:30 p.m.) Family Day – Looking for fun for the entire family? Grab your boots and enjoy good food and good family fun.
•Saturday, April 10 (7:30 p.m.) Pink Heals Night – Wear your best “pink” and honor those who are fighting and have fought cancer. A $1,000 donation will be made to the Pink Heals Organization of St. Cloud, Florida. Staff, competitors, and livestock will be sporting their pink rodeo gear! Plus, it will be is the final round of the RAM NCFR, where the top eight contestants from each event advance to the semifinal round, then move to sudden death competition that determines the National Champions in each event.
Ticket information
Tickets range from $25 - $85 for adults, kids 3 - 12 range from $12.50 – $15 for each performance, and kids 2 and under are free. Seniors 55 and older may receive $3 off any ticket purchase with valid identification. Tickets can be purchased at the Silver Spurs Arena Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com.
For more information, visit www.RNCFR.com
For regular updates, photos, news and more, follow the RAM NCFR on Facebook at Facebook.com/Rncfr, on Twitter at Twitter.com/RNCFR, and on Instagram at @RncfrKissimmee.
