Cracker Day Rodeo riders give it their all
The turnout was less than hoped for, but the Junior Cracker Day Rodeo at the Lee County Posse Arena proved a success: The weather couldn’t have been better – unusual for this time of year – and those who competed really gave it their all, with the junior barrel racing being decided by .002 seconds.
“We had things that hindered us, but things turned out perfect. The weather was great, we had a great turnout of kids and everyone had a good time,” said Bobbi Harrison, board member of the Lee County Posse Arena.
The kids took part in barrels, poles, goat tying and undecorating, a flag race, and breakaway, team and tie-down calf roping.
With the emphasis on timed events (no broncs or bulls here), the cowgirls outnumbered the cowboys. That didn’t stop Wyatt Haney from giving barrels and the flag race a try in an attempt to win the buckle for all-around cowboy and cowgirl in the junior and pee-wee divisions.
Al Curry, of Sweet Cypress Ranch, has announced the event for 20 years. He said the event is all about the kids and teaching them a way of life.
“I believe the best way to keep a kid off the street is to get him on a horse. The Posse does a great job providing a place for kids to learn horses and the western lifestyle,” Curry said. “It gives these kids a lot of responsibility.”
Laura Bramble watched her daughter, Kirsten, 16, compete. She said the best part is that all the local riders get together to compete and have a good time.
“My daughter has literally been riding since before she learned to walk. It’s a nice time to sit back and enjoy each other and watch our kids excel,” Bramble said. “I’m notorious for cheering the loudest. I cheer them all on. We’re not against anybody, we want them to all do their best.”
Chelsea Thomas, 16, did her best, winning poles and finishing second in barrels.
“I started riding with my parents’ best friend’s daughter. We get to win money and earn points. It’s fun to do,” Thomas said, whose parents built an arena for her to practice on.
Meanwhile, Harrison said she hopes the Junior Cracker Day Rodeo can find a permanent place on the calendar, perhaps early February.
“Next year we’ll follow up and make a date that’s closer to the Cracker Day rodeo and nothing will hinder us. Circumstances made us push it back, but we wanted to do this for the kids because they look forward to it,” Harrison said.
The final Posse Arena show will be on May 20. Four events in seven different divisions will be featured, including a green horse class for those in the training stages. Barrels, poles, stakes and keyhole will be featured.
The Lee County Posse Arena is at 17401 Palm Creek Dr, North Fort Myers.