The traditions of fall are back in season. That means the Citrus Stampede Rodeo is riding back into Inverness. 

Rodeo Tradition Supports Youth

Sponsored by the Citrus County 4-H Foundation, this annual family-friendly event supports funding for local 4-H programs. Come out and enjoy the 25th Anniversary Rodeo on Friday, November 19, 2021 and Saturday, November 20, 2021. All your rodeo favorites will be there.

Rodeo fans will recognize Georgia native, Roger Mooney. He returns as the Pro Rodeo announcer for the “greatest show on dirt.” 5 Star Rodeo, Marty Johns and Paul Bowers Jr, continue to provide the quality livestock — steers, calves, bulls, and horses — for the many events. Another fan favorite is the entertainment of rodeo clown Trent McFarland. Trent has shared his plans for a high energy, family-friendly show under the covered arena. This second-generation rodeo clown looks forward to a great weekend of rodeo in Inverness.

Cowboys and cowgirls are coming from near and far to compete for national points in this Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event. The 10-member 4-H Drill Team will also be performing. Team members range in age from 10-18. Timing, teamwork, and months of practice all come together in their choreographed routine. Also riding are the rodeo royalty. The 2021 Florida Rodeo Queens and 2022 Florida Ladies in Waiting will be in attendance. Did you know that to be selected as a Rodeo Queen, a young lady must be prepared to ride any horse available?

The littlest rodeo fans are invited for a special treat. Each night of the rodeo, youngsters take over the Rodeo Arena for the “Boot Scramble” during intermission. This event is a crowd pleaser that is not to be missed (although you might want to bring an extra pair of socks for the ride home… and write your name on the bottom of your shoe!)

Each night of the Rodeo has a special theme. Friday night, “Patriotic Night,” is dedicated to the men and women that proudly serve the U.S. Armed Forces. Saturday night’s theme is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink.” Rodeo fans and riders are invited to proudly wear pink to promote breast cancer awareness.

4-H is the youth development program (open to youth ages 5-18) of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) with programs in all 67 Florida counties. Funds raised at the Rodeo support programming for over 3500 students in our community. Since 1999, over $100,000 in college and technical school scholarships have been awarded to young people from Citrus County.