Many newcomers may not realize that rodeos in the Stuart region exist, but they certainly do—and they are thriving! With over 18,000 cattle ranches in Florida, the state ranks 12th in the nation for beef production. Much of the Treasure Coast is rural and agricultural. Some of the most popular rodeos in the Stuart area are held in Indiantown and Okeechobee.
The Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo
The Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo, held in March each year, brings cowboys from all over the country in search of prize money and glory. It includes bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, and lots more. It's a well-attended Stuart area rodeo, usually filling the arena with spectators. For the full arena schedule, contact the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association.
In addition to the adult events (roping, riding, and busting), the Mutton Bustin' contest is loved by kids and adults alike. During this event, young cowboys and cowgirls try to hang on and walk away with great pride after the competition. You've never seen anything cuter. It's serious stuff for these kids, and they love it.
Indiantown Rodeo
Held in October, the Indiantown Rodeo is a favorite of Stuart area rodeos for folks of all ages. Cowboys from all over the country come to compete in Indiantown's rodeo. It's set in lush Timer Powers Park on Citrus Blvd, and the area has a long tradition for everything Western, appropriate for western Martin County. My mom grew up in this little town in the '50s. It's a great place to raise a family.
With all that nature can offer, Indiantown has it all. If you're considering this area of the Treasure Coast, you'll love the freshwater fishing in Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca to the west. My absolute favorite fish to eat is freshwater catfish. There's plenty to do living the country life. Ranches and wildlife areas are abundant. It's "Old Florida" beauty with all its flora and fauna. Cabbage palms, live oak hammocks, Cyprus stands, grasslands, White-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, an occasional gator, and friendly people.
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Want to look the part?
Eli's Western Wear is the place to shop if you want some Western wear. A new cowboy hat, some great boots, shirts, jeans, and belts, Eli's Western Wear is the place to shop in Okeechobee. The inventory is vast, and they can likely order it if they don't have what you're looking for.
The Adams Ranch
The Adams Ranch includes 65,000 acres just west of Ft. Pierce. I met Bud Adams several times and rode shotgun in his old pick-up to view some of his ranch's gorgeous landscape and cattle. Four generations have raised cattle here (Bud stands in the photo). Their cattle auctions are second to none, creating a top-notch hoedown for young and old alike.
From raising money for victims of human trafficking to putting on an excellent shindig for the Cattleman's Ball to raise money for the Sunrise Theatre, this family-owned and operated ranch (ranked in the top 50 seed stock ranches in the country) is part of the heritage of the Treasure Coast.
For more information on other terrific Stuart area rodeos, contact Mona Leonard at www.monaleonard.com or call 772.530.6131. As a blogger for Treasure Coast Insider, feedback is always appreciated.