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2008 Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival 4 October 2008 page one of three |
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| The 2008 Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival put on by the Florida Cattlemen's Association attracted quite a crowd for what is hoped to become an annual event intended as a ". . . fundraiser for the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation to fund cattle research, educational programs and scholarships to perpetuate the beef cattle industry in Florida." (as stated in the program) | |
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Various county Cattlemen's Associations competed against each other in the Beef Cook-off. |
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Indian River County was well represented. Above, from left, Davie Pittman, Will Barker, and Mark Tripson help run the booth. Left: A crowd gathers to sample Indian River's fare. Below: Others in the competition included Orange (left) and Manatee (right) counties. |
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| The festival featured Joe Akerman, Jr., noted author of Florida Cowman: A History of Florida Cattle Raising along with other works of Florida Cracker and cattle history, signing his books. |  |
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Above: A view of one of the Cracker cow camp reenactments. Left: Numerous storytellers provided some tall tales about Florida's pioneer days. |
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Several roping demonstrations warmed up the audience prior to the start of the Whip Cracking Contest. |
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Go to page two of three > > > |
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