Title: "The 155th Silver Spurs Rodeo: A Celebration of Tradition and Community in Osceola County"

An Osceola County tradition of more than 80 years returns this weekend with bucking bulls and fast-paced horseback riding for the entertainment of the community.

The 155th Silver Spurs Rodeo is in Kissimmee this weekend, presenting families with rodeo’s seven classic events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, and steer wrestling. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi, which dates back to 1944, celebrates a continuation of agricultural tradition at Osceola Heritage Park May 30-31.

During both nights, the Silver Spurs Riding Club will honor the sacrifice of military members by giving veterans and active duty military (with proof of service) a free hot dog or hamburger with a drink.

“For more than 80 years, our fans have stood by us, and it’s because of their support that we’re able to give back to the community we love,” said Randy Booth, the rodeo’s big boss, in a news release. “Every summer, it’s a true honor for the Silver Spurs Club to recognize and give back to the service members who have given so much to all of us. Serving those who’ve served our country is one of our most meaningful traditions.”

The rodeo weekend kicks off with the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant on Thursday at Silver Spurs Arena with an event that’s free and open to the public. The Silver Spurs Club created the title of Miss Silver Spurs to serve as a rodeo ambassador and to share the club’s tradition during community events and while visiting other rodeos.

At the rodeo, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. May 30 and 31, fans can see junior barrel racers and junior bull riders competing, performances from the Silver Spurs Quadrille, a kids’ mutton bustin’ contest, and rodeo clowns — all in addition to the seven traditional events.

As a charitable organization, the Silver Spurs Riding Club is donating proceeds from ticket sales to support scholarships, cancer support, military organizations, foster care, and more.

If you go
The 155th Silver Spurs Rodeo kicks off with the Miss Silver Spurs Pageant at 6 p.m. May 29 at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. The event is free and open to the public with no ticket required. The rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. May 30-31 with doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night. Tickets cost $15 per child ages 4-10, $25 per adult in silver assigned seats, and $35 per adult in gold assigned seats. Children 3 and younger enter for free with lap seating. Parking is free. More information: silverspursrodeo.com