After a sold-out rodeo in April, the fan favorite event, occurred once again, this time with new competitors, new livestock and lots of action. On July 19 – 20, 2024, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds was packed full of cowboys and cowgirls. The Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival, presented by Bartow Ford, saddled up for an eventful two days of rodeo fun including bull riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, and more. On both Friday and Saturday, tickets sold out, and on Saturday night, so many people showed up that they had to turn away 2,000 people!
Have you ever watched bullriders fight to stay on their bull? Have you ever ridden on a monster truck? What about seeing a camel up close and personal? If you answered no to any or all of these questions, you just missed the perfect opportunity. Not only did the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival consist of delicious festival foods and a rodeo, it also provided live music, fun activities, lots of animals to see and visit, a monster truck ride, axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, and so much more. This event offered exhilarating events and entertainment.
The saying “not my first rodeo,” did not apply to Kassadi Indovina, who attended the Saturday night rodeo. “We’re just here to take our little one, come see the rodeo—this is my first time at a rodeo so… and it’s our anniversary—7 years,” said Indovina. The variety of events and activities were a new sight for Kassadi. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come to a festival consisting of yummy food, good music, and great entertainment? Not only did she celebrate her first time attending a rodeo, she also celebrated an anniversary… how exciting!
Some of the attendees participated in the rodeo events. Mike Wetzel took part in the calf roping event, in which the rider chases a calf, lassos the calf, dismounts the horse and ties three of the calf’s legs together with a rope. When asked why he engages in this event, he gave a very short and simple answer, followed by a big smile. “For the love and glory,” Wetzel said. Mike Wetzel simply plays a part in this rodeo event because he loves the thrill and excitement. After watching the event take place, I can sure say it provides an adrenaline rush!
Another event is bull riding, a rodeo event where a rider strives to stay on a bull while it continuously bucks. Ricky Ringer joined the bull riding event. “I don’t know I’m stupid I think,” said Ringer, followed by a laugh. From Ocala, Ringer mentioned he bull rides for the money. He also stated that the event is a one-man team, as the bull rider has to fight and stay on the bucking bull for 8 seconds. This event is fast-paced and dangerous. Best of luck to Ringer as he continues his bull-riding career!
Visitors from all over enjoyed the riveting Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival. Two full days of action-packed events caught the eye of new Floridians. “Yeah, so we’re from Texas so we love the country and all things country, so we found out there was a rodeo here so we got our tickets and came… we love that and then the different things we can do with our family—feeding the goats, seeing the different animals, so, ready for the show to get started though,” said Cieara Crosby. It is clear that the visitors attended due to the variety of events and entertainment that the Rodeo presented. From rodeos to petting and seeing a variety of animals, to live music, delicious food, and much more, the Tampa Bay Rodeo & Family Festival offered diverse options of activities and fun for every visitor and family to enjoy. I must say, if you have never been before, I definitely recommend going. Warning—you may leave the premises wanting to participate in the rodeo events… they look like so much fun!