Silver Spurs Rodeo Gives Back to the Community and Preserves Ag Roots
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Since its beginning in the 1940s, the Silver Spurs Rodeo has become integral to the heritage of Osceola County, Florida. With 80 years of history, the rodeo continues to bring people together – from across the county and beyond – to celebrate the area’s rich agricultural traditions.
In 1941, a group of 16 local ranchers formed the Silver Spurs Riding Club, resulting in the first Silver Spurs Rodeo on July 4, 1944. The price of admission to this event wasn’t cash but the purchase of a war bond to support the war effort. The Silver Spurs Rodeo has since grown into the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi but maintains a community-minded focus.
See more: Silver Springs Park in Florida Has Been a Marvel for Centuries
“It’s just good, solid, clean fun,” says Sara Berlinsky, 2023-2024 Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Riding Club.
The rodeo has been part of Berlinsky’s life since her first job serving snow cones at the old arena. As Big Boss, Berlinsky’s mission has been to raise awareness of the rodeo’s impact on the community, from preserving its agricultural roots to supporting Osceola County youth.
“We are trying to preserve the old way of life: rodeo, ranching, citrus production and introduce new people to the rodeo,” Berlinsky says.
See more: Women Drive Florida’s Dairy Industry Forward
Saddling Up for a Cause
With three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned events each year, rodeo culture has become so ingrained in Osceola County that Rodeo Day is an official countywide holiday.
Community impact reaches far beyond the rodeo. The nonprofit, managed entirely by a group of more than 300 volunteers, has given away more than $130,000 to other nonprofits since 2020 and provides multiple $1,000 scholarships to high school students interested in agriculture each year.
“We give back to the community in so many ways,” Berlinsky says.
The Silver Spurs Rodeo celebrated its 80th anniversary in February 2024 and will honor 20 years of its cherished Special Rodeo, a unique competition for special needs youth, in 2025. As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, the Silver Spurs Quadrille team, led by Ashley Fluke and Kaye Whaley, attended the annual New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California,
with support from Experience Kissimmee and other sponsors.
From selling snow cones to being named Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, the rodeo has been an important part of Berlinsky’s life. While the event continues to entertain sold-out crowds each year, Berlinsky remains proud of the influence the event has on lives beyond the arena.
“I love the performance, but probably the thing I love most about Spurs is the impact it has on the community,” Berlinsky says.
See more: Florida Farmers, Ranchers and Fishermen Contribute to Environmentally Conscious Agriculture