PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo returns to Posse Arena
The PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo, stabled during the pandemic, is back in the saddle again.
On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, the rodeo returns to the Lee County Posse Arena in North Fort Myers, rain or shine.
The top cowboys and cowgirls from around the world will compete in bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more, with more than $20,000 in prize money up for grabs.
Before the two-year layoff, the rodeo packed the house so much it added a third day, with thoughts of doing another rodeo in the fall.
It’s long been a favorite of local rider Margo Crowther, who reached the National Finals Rodeo last year.
Whether she will be there for the rodeo’s return is not yet known. Because she was in the NFR last year, she gets to compete in all the huge Texas rodeos, including the San Antonio Rodeo which is happening at the same time. If Crowther makes the finals, which is on a Saturday, she will not compete in her own rodeo, where she is slated to run in the Saturday evening performance.
“Being on the road helps and also makes it harder for me, but being involved and rodeoing myself has brought a lot of attention to our community,” Crowther said. “The popularity of the sport has become more prominent in the area in the past few years, but it does make it more challenging when I’m on the road.”
Before the two-year layoff, the rodeo packed the house so much it added a third day, with thoughts of doing another rodeo in the fall.
Crowther, who in 2020 won the barrel racing event (and recently won in Jackson Miss.), is confident the rodeo can be the success it was in the past.
“We’re super pumped. We decided to do two performances to make sure we have it down. The Cracker Day Rodeo did really well and we hope we will be prepared for a big turnout,” Crowther said. “We always knew we would come back. It was a matter of timing, getting sponsors and volunteers.”
Doors open at 5 p.m., with both shows starting at 7. VIP tickets with parking, seating, food and drink is $85.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is $10.
Tickets are available online at ftmyersprorodeo.com. They can also be purchased at Mary Lou’s Western Wear at 8050 Bayshore Road, with a $5 discount for Friday’s show.
The Lee County Posse Arena is at 17401 Palm Creek Drive, off Bayshore Road.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com