Rodeos and racing pigs

MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Fair kicks off March 29, continuing its 27-year tradition of supporting the local community and educating the public on agriculture.

In addition to the events traditionally offered at the fair, there will be some new experiences this year. Here are some things to expect when attending this year’s Santa Rosa County Fair:

RODEOS

Each weekend of the fair, there will be professional rodeos. During the first weekend, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association will compete. According to Santa Rosa County Fair Association volunteer and project manager, Kyle Holley, competitors come from all over the southeast U.S. and even south Florida.

During the second weekend, the Tristate Rodeo Association will compete.The association spans Louisianna, Mississippi and Alabama, but has recently incorporated Florida, Arkansas and Texas into their group.

The tradition of rodeos links back to the original fairs that celebrated cattle and other agricultural elements. According to Holley, Florida has the oldest cattle culture in the country, starting when the Spanish brought cows to the region.

LIVESTOCK SHOW

During the second weekend of the fair, there will be a youth livestock show and auction. Last year, the SRCFA raised enough funds to provide $7,500 worth of awards and scholarships for the youth competing in the show.

The youth livestock show schedule is as follows:

• 6 p.m. March 29 rabbit show
• 6 p.m. March 31 poultry showmanship
• 7:30 p.m. April 6 goat show
• 9 a.m. April 7 heifer show
• 9 a.m. April 7 youth open steer show
• 9 a.m. April 7 youth market steer show, youth beef heifer show immediately following
• 3 p.m. April 7 youth market swine show
• 5:30 p.m. April 7 youth livestock auction

CLOWN CIRCUS

NOJOE and TooT’s Clown Circus — a father and son act that performs juggling, wire walking and general comedy — will perform each day.

EASTER BUNNY

On the Saturday before Easter and on Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny will be available from 12:30-4 p.m. for pictures.

RACING PIGS

There will be pig racing, brought to you by Chase’s Racing Pigs, on each day of the fair — two performances on the short days and three performances on the long days.

FARM TRUCK OF THE YEAR

Announced during the rodeo on the first weekend of the fair will be the Farm Truck of the Year. Sponsored by Grover T’s BBQ, the community is to nominate their favorite farm truck with a picture on Facebook.

For more information on the Santa Rosa County Fair, visit srcfair.com.

When:

March 29-April 1, April 5-7

• Thursdays: 5-10 p.m.
• Fridays: 5-10 p.m.
• Saturdays: 12-11 p.m.
• Sunday: 5-10 p.m.

Where:

Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds and June Ates Arena

8604 Bobby Brown Rd., Milton

Entry:

• Age 5 and under: free
• Age 6 and over: $5

Tickets:

• Single tickets: $1
• 10 tickets: $10
• Package deal: 32 tickets for $30

Armbands:

• Thursdays, Sunday: $12
• Fridays: $15
• Saturdays: $20

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Rodeos and racing pigs