Vortex Spring Rodeo kicks off Friday

The Third Annual Professional Cowboy Association Rodeo will be held May 20 – 21 at The Original Vortex Spring, in Ponce de Leon. Gates open each day at 3 p.m. with events beginning at 7 p.m. nightly.

Tickets are $10 at the gate with no advance ticket sales available. Primitive field camping sites are available for $35 a night. Inside Park camping is available with limited availability as well as a few lodge rooms left for rent.

The rodeo will coincide with the 50th anniversary of The Original Vortex Spring and will have winners from each of the eight events earning a one-of-a-kind belt buckle to commemorate the occasion.

The events include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping. There will also be fun for the kids in the mutton bustin’ event that will be held nightly. Special guest Smokey the Bear is set to award buckles to the mutton bustin’ winners.

Sign ups for mutton bustin will be at 5 p.m. nightly with the event starting at 6 p.m. There will be a $20 fee for each child to compete.

A portion of funds raised will be used to pay for reading programs, purchasing school supplies, helping fund the senior trip and purchasing graduation supplies for students in Ponce de Leon.

For more information or to make camping reservations call 850-836-4979.