The Arcadia rodeo began back in the middle of 1928 when the American Legion wanted to raise money to help pay for a new building.  A local businessman, who was a member of the American Legion, asked a prominent rancher (Zeb Parker) if a rodeo could be held to raise money.  Mr. Parker agreed it could be done and offered to furnish the stock for free.

In preparation for this event, special arrangements were made to bring in a group of Seminole Indians.  The American Legion and the Lion's Club volunteered to sponsor a parade.  Two thousand Shriners were expected to march in the parade.  The Governor of Florida, Doyle E. Carlton, notified officials he would be attending the rodeo and the Wauchula band provided the music.  The first rodeo was such a success that the American Legion was able to pay off the mortgage on the new building in four years .

During the early thirties (even though the local economy was devastated by the national depression) the rodeo continued as people struggled to simply earn enough to afford the necessities of life.  During these years the rodeos were held in the Limestone Community of Desoto County, where the interest in rodeo was kept alive.

In 1938 at the urgings of his son (Billy Welles) and a friend (Gerald Taylor- a local rancher and businessman), Ed Welles agreed to promote and finance the rodeo.  The Arcadia rodeo became an annual event at the Welles' arena until the sudden death of Ed Welles on June 11,1950.  However, the tradition of rodeo was so firmly entrenched in the hearts of so many Desoto Countians that on January 10, 1952, at a meeting of the Rotary Club, what would become the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. as we know it today was reactivated .

The rodeo continued at the Welles' arena until 1959 when the arena was moved to its present location.  In 1973 the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. joined the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. has evolved from its pioneer beginnings (when competing cowboys and ranchers matched their skills for the entertainment of local audiences) to a national sport drawing top cowboy athletes from all over the nation.  Cowboys who compete for purses and points are aiming for the "Super Bowl" of rodeo: the National Finals held annually in Las Vegas.

Like to see early photos? Click here.

 

To Honor Our Old Friends

Please join us in paying homage to Jack Kennedy, a longtime cowboy and friend of the rodeo who passed on September 5, 2005. His son Donald has given us permission to share a poem he wrote about his father. Please join us in showing our respect by following this link, and learn a bit more about this man who loved the rodeo.

"Mr. Rodeo", Pat Hansel was an integral part of the Arcadia Rodeo for many years, and he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Our friend Winnie Duncan wrote an excellent article about Mr. Hansel, which can be viewed here.