Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo celebrates 80th year

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – The Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo is wrapping up night one in Bonifay. The annual event turns 80 this year.

There was plenty to see and do Thursday at the rodeo. Tonight’s theme was kids’ night so the festivities were centered around the little ones. From mutton bustin’ to stick pony races, there was something for every age group on Thursday night.

While some traveled from nearby cities or states to experience the event, one person traveled over 20 hours from Kenya, Africa to witness the rodeo firsthand.

“There is no rodeo in Africa. We don’t have horses. Although we have cows and we have bulls, no one rides on bulls. Actually, that part is amazing for me. This is the best part of me being here in the United States. I’m here for rodeo,” African Pastor Ben Okello said.

Event organizers say there are plenty of new things coming to the rodeo in the next two days.

“This year we have Broken Spoke, which is the Clydesdales coach. They actually pulled in earlier this week and they have a colt named Denver. So tonight, when people are watching, the Clydesdales come out, they’re also going to have a Little Pony named Denver that’s going to be going to be trotting along side of the them. We also have a John Harrison, who is a famous clown in town. And then, of course, buddy the bull, he’s a very big draw.”

They ended the night with the main rodeo event. The top participants in the mutton bustin’ will come back on Saturday for the final round of the competition.

The winners in each age group for the stick pony races received a medal for their participation.

The rodeo will host patriot night on Friday. They’re asking the public to wear red, white, and blue in support of the men and women in uniform. They will also have a parade both Friday and Saturday on Highway 79 starting at 1 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.