Osceola County is proudly celebrating the 80th anniversaries of two of its most iconic events: the Osceola County Fair and the Silver Spurs Rodeo. Both events have played a significant role in the community, offering a blend of tradition, culture, and entertainment.

The Osceola County Fair, Osceola’s largest annual event, is set to make its grand return for its 80th edition from February 9 to 18, 2024, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. This fair, a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and local culture, offers an exciting lineup of attractions and events suitable for all ages.

“Throughout its 80-year journey, the Osceola County Fair and the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show (KVLS) have profoundly impacted our community, weaving a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and agricultural tradition. This fair is not just an event; it’s a vibrant showcase of our collective identity, merging thrilling rides, mouth-watering fair food, diverse musical entertainment, and enlightening exhibits. It embodies education, fellowship, and a deep-seated pride that resonates across generations of both residents and visitors. As we celebrate this significant milestone, it’s heartening to see the fair continue to evolve, grow, and ‘wow’ more people than ever. This is a testament to our commitment to keeping the fair dynamic and engaging, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of community spirit in Osceola County.” – Joel Rose, General Manager, Osceola County Fair.

This year, the 80th Osceola County Fair is set to be bigger, better, and more exhilarating than ever before, promising a spectacular array of events and activities that epitomize the spirit of the community. As the fairgrounds come alive, visitors will be greeted with a vibrant tapestry of live entertainment, ranging from soul-stirring music concerts to captivating dance shows, offering something for every taste. The fair’s heart-pounding amusement rides and fun-filled games promise endless joy and laughter for families and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.

A feast for the senses awaits at every corner with a wide array of delectable fair food, offering culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds. The fair’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage shines through in the livestock shows, where the pride of Osceola’s farming community is on full display. For those seeking thrills, the truck and tractor pulls offer awe-inspiring displays of power and engineering prowess. The demolition derby adds to the excitement, offering a high-octane competitive spectacle.

Adding a touch of grace and talent, the Young Hearts Beauty Pageant and Osceola Idol showcase the best of local talents, celebrating the community’s artistic flair. Furthermore, the local marketplace stands as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans and vendors, offering a unique shopping experience. All these elements combine to make the 80th Osceola County Fair an unforgettable event, rich in heritage, excitement, and community pride.

Tickets are available on the Osceola County Fair website. This year’s fair is sponsored by Experience Kissimmee, KUA, Florida Coast Equipment, and Advent Health.

Silver Spurs Rodeo: Embracing Western Traditions

The Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, celebrates its 80th anniversary with a year-long celebration. Established on July 4, 1944, this event has become a symbol of the American West spirit in Osceola County.

The 152nd Silver Spurs Rodeo’s 2024 season begins with a parade in Downtown St. Cloud on February 10th at 10am. The parade, sponsored by Experience Kissimmee will feature stunning black-and-white-themed floats, a visual feast that will transport you back to the early days of this beloved event. It’s more than just a parade; it’s a journey through time, celebrating the Silver Spurs Riding Club’s rich heritage and community spirit.

The parade will wind its way through downtown St. Cloud, starting at Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Avenue, between Lakeshore and 12th Street. It’s a perfect setting for families, friends, and visitors to gather and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

And that’s not all! Later in the evening, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience as the fan-favorite Monster Bulls take center stage at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee at 7:30 PM. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

Sara Berlinsky, President of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, reflects on the significance of this celebration, “As we mark 80 years of rodeo tradition, we are reminded of the passion and dedication that have been the hallmarks of our success. Our volunteers, fans, and the community have been the backbone of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, and this anniversary is a tribute to each and every one of them. We’re dedicated to making this year’s celebration a memorable experience for all, showcasing the best of rodeo while honoring our history and looking forward to our future.”

The following week, during the 152nd Silver Spurs Rodeo performances that take place Thursday February 15 through Sunday February 18, rodeo fans will watch contestants from all over the world (such as Brazil, Mexico, and Canada) compete in rodeo’s seven traditional events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women’s barrel racing, steer wrestling, and team roping for an entire year of bragging rights as Silver Spurs Rodeo Champion and a total of $77,000 in cash which will be awarded to each event’s winner. Plus, rodeo fans will be entertained by the talented Silver Spurs Quadrille team, who perform a square dance on horseback, a tradition that truly rides on with generations of Silver Spurs Members since 1941 and recently showed the world their skills at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2024!

Both the Osceola County Fair and the Silver Spurs Rodeo reflect Osceola County’s rich heritage, community spirit, and commitment to providing memorable experiences. These events represent the vibrant and diverse nature of Osceola County, making it a place of growth, excitement, and endless fun.

For tickets and more information, visit SilverSpursRodeo.com.