By Ali Moreland
Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo (NFCR) is set to take place October 2-4 (Thursday-Saturday) at Memorial Field in Bonifay. Since 1944, the Bonifay Kiwanis Club has brought rodeo fun to Holmes County annually on the first weekend of October. This year the tradition continues with events taking place throughout the three-day event.
Gates open at 5 p.m. each night, and main rodeo events start at 7:30 p.m. Children’s events, including Mutton Bustin’, start at 5 p.m. Any child over 4 years old and weighing less than 60 pounds is encouraged to sign up for the Mutton Bustin’ event near the 4H table each night. Signs will be posted for registration.
Thursday, October 2, is Kid’s Night, where children under 10 are able to attend the rodeo for free with a paid adult entry ticket.
Friday, October 3, will have the Rodeo Parade at 1 p.m. The route will start in front of the Piggly Wiggly at the north end of Bonifay and head south on Waukesha Street/Highway 79, turning right on Veterans Boulevard and ending in front of Memorial Field. The Friday night theme is Patriot Night, a night for rodeo guests to wear red, white, and blue in honor of military and other service members.
Saturday, October 4, offers a Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. hosted by Bonifay Fire & Rescue, Rodeo Parade again at 1 p.m., and the theme for the night is Celebrating 80 Plus Years of Rodeo Tradition. Bonifay Fire & Rescue will have pancakes, sausage, and beverages available for $10. The Rodeo Parade will again begin at 1 p.m. and follow the same route. The final night of the rodeo gives fans the opportunity to celebrate the 81 years of rodeo tradition here in Holmes County.
Tickets are available in person at the gate ($18 child (4-10) admission and $22 adult admission) and online at https://www.nwfcrodeo.com/tickets. Weekend passes are available for purchase onsite Thursday night only, or online prior to the event. There is no charge for parking at Memorial Field.
For more information, visit the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo website here: https://www.nwfcrodeo.com
Staff Report 