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April 3, 2024

Saddle Up for Florida’s Top Rodeo

Yeehaw! Giddy up for the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo! The fifth oldest rodeo in the state of Florida, this year’s event is set to take place Friday, September 27 to Saturday, September 28, marking the 68th annual celebration of Branford’s rich rodeo tradition. Featuring thrilling events like barrel racing and team roping, alongside delicious food vendors and the entertaining antics of Hollywood Harris, the renowned rodeo clown, the SRRC rodeo promises wholesome family fun and serves as the perfect kickoff to the fall season.

A cowboy throws a lasso toward a young bull at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo in Branford, Florida.
Roping event at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo

Rodeos in Florida: Not Just for the Wild West

Amidst the bustling rodeo scene that spans the length and breadth of Florida, the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo stands as a timeless fixture. While the club regularly hosts roping nights and speed events bi-monthly, along with the growing youth rodeo, it’s the fall rodeo that truly etches its mark as one of the state’s most enduring and illustrious traditions.

A cowboy exits the gates atop a bucking bull during a bull riding event at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo in Branford, Florida.
Bull riding at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo

Annual Branford Rodeo Highlights

For just a $15 admission fee, rodeo enthusiasts can gear up to experience thrilling events such as calf roping, bull riding, bronc riding, breakaway, team roping, and barrel racing. Food vendors will be serving up rodeo favorites like hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, fried green beans, cheese sticks, sweet tea, and more. The weekend event is held on the Suwannee River Riding Club’s property in Branford at 9132 254th Terrace. And while food will be available within the rodeo gates, the rodeo grounds are also just a short drive from popular eateries like The Branford Gathering, Our Place Pizzeria and Ristorante, Sister’s Cafe, and China House. Two vendors will be in attendance: one with an array of ropes, hats and boots, while the other specializes in leather goods.

Suwanee River Riding Club

The Suwannee River Riding Club’s biggest event may be the fall rodeo, but it’s not the only event it’s known for. They also organize a youth rodeo and an annual awards banquet.

A rider takes a tight turn during a barrel racing event at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo in Branford, Florida.
Barrel racing at the Suwannee River Riding Club Rodeo

Branford Rodeo FAQs

Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo pro or a first-time buckaroo, here’s everything you need to know about the 68th annual SRRC Rodeo.

When is the Branford Rodeo?

The SRRC Rodeo is a two-day event, with this year’s festivities occurring on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, beginning at 8 p.m. each night. The rodeo parade will take place September 28 at 4 p.m. The parade route goes from Branford High School, down Highway 29 to the ag inspection station, then turns and goes back to the school.

Where is the Branford Rodeo?

The weekend event is held on the Suwannee River Riding Club’s property in Branford at 9132 254th Terrace.

Is there a ticket rate for children attending the Branford Rodeo?

General admission is $15 per person and kids age eight and under are free.

Are there any attendance restrictions for the Branford Rodeo?

The rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Parking is available on the south side of the arena. Capacity is limited, so get there early to make sure you have a seat! There is handicap accessibility, which brings guests close to the fence. This event is not pet friendly, but service dogs are welcome

Written by Hayli Zuccola

Woman holding dog sitting in a field of flowers

Hayli Zuccola has been a freelance writer for the last eight years for both digital and print publications across north central Florida. She enjoys traveling, finding the best food spots and spending time with her pets. You can find her latest adventures on Instagram @hayztravels.

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