By Positively Osceola
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — As Osceola County prepares for one of its most anticipated traditions, the spotlight turns to **Silver Spurs Rodeo Big Boss Kaye Whaley, a lifelong educator, community leader, and third-generation Spurs Club member whose roots run as deep as the rodeo dirt itself. A legacy generations in the making
For Whaley, serving as Big Boss during the 2025–2026 season is more than a title — it’s the continuation of a family legacy that helped shape the Silver Spurs Club itself. Her grandparents, Doc and Petie Partin, were among the organization’s original members, helping build the rodeos that would become a cornerstone of Osceola County’s identity. Her father, Doug Partin, later carried that torch as both Big Boss and longtime stock contractor, a legacy honored each year through the Doug Partin Spirit Award presented at the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant.
“I grew up in it,” Whaley shared during a recent interview with Positively Osceola at the Silver Spurs Arena. “We grew up working the rodeo, and now to be back here as an adult — making decisions and helping run the show — it’s incredibly special.”
Whaley is only the fourth woman to hold the Big Boss title in the Club’s more than 80-year history, a distinction she carries with pride and purpose.
From the classroom to the arena
Beyond the arena, Whaley brings more than three decades of leadership from the classroom. A teacher in Osceola County for 31 years, she has been named Teacher of the Year three times, earned the Disney Teacheriffic Award twice, and currently serves as Reading Coach at Harmony High School.
That educator’s heart is reflected in this year’s rodeo programming. Thursday, February 19, will once again be Student Night, with students admitted free — and in a special addition this year, teachers, faculty, and staff with valid school ID will also receive free admission.
“Education, literacy, and understanding your community really matter to me,” Whaley said. “That definitely carries over into how I lead here.”
Giving back at the core
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Silver Spurs Club has always used rodeo as a vehicle to give back. In 2025 alone, the organization donated more than $100,000 to local nonprofits and community organizations across Osceola County.
“That’s who we are,” Whaley said. “We raise money doing what we love, and then we turn around and give it back to help our community thrive.”
A rodeo that grows with its community
As Osceola County continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida, Whaley believes the rodeo’s enduring popularity speaks volumes.
“The stands keep filling — new fans, longtime fans — all enjoying a great, safe, affordable night out,” she said. “We’re blessed that even as the county grows, people continue to come out and support this tradition.”
With a full schedule ahead — from the downtown parade to Monster Bulls, Student Night, and four action-packed rodeo performances — Whaley’s message is simple: come be part of it.
“If you’ve never experienced the Silver Spurs Rodeo, this is the year,” she said. “It’s tradition, it’s community, and it’s something special.”
The excitement kicks off Saturday morning, February 14, with the beloved Silver Spurs Rodeo Parade rolling through St. Cloud beginning at 10 a.m. The celebration continues that same night with the 15th Annual Monster Bulls event, charging into the Silver Spurs Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Just days later, the tradition rides back into town as the 156th Silver Spurs Rodeo runs Thursday, February 19, through Sunday, February 22, bringing world-class rodeo action, family entertainment, and a powerful sense of community to Osceola County. Tickets and event information are available at SilverSpursRodeo.com.
