A rider holds on tight during a bull ride at the 2025 Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]
Bonifay welcomed thousands of rodeo fans October 2–4 for the 2025 Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo, celebrating 81 years of tradition at Memorial Field. Organized by the Bonifay Kiwanis Club, the weekend featured PRCA-sanctioned events, parades, mutton bustin’, and nightly themes that celebrated the rodeo tradition and community spirit. Bonifay Fire-Rescue kicked off Saturday morning with the annual Shay McCormick Memorial Pancake Breakfast before the final night of rodeo festivities. From barrel racing to bull riding, the rodeo showcased top-tier talent in Holmes County’s biggest annual event. Proceeds from the rodeo benefit the Kiwanis’ community efforts, including thousands of scholarship dollars given each year to students in Holmes County, supporting school clubs throughout the district, and donating Christmas presents to children in Head Start.
This competitor races for the best time in the Tie-Down Roping event. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]Youth compete in a stick horse race before the rodeo events. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]A rider presents the American flag before the rodeo events in honor of country and tradition. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]In the spirit of Friday night’s Patriot Night theme, rodeo fans take a moment to honor the family and memory of fallen Holmes County Sheriff Office’s (HCSO) Lieutenant Brett Wilson Jr. HCSO Sheriff John Tate is pictured standing with Wilson’s son, Liam Wilson. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick] This rider hangs on during the bareback riding event. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]Competitors in the calf scramble hold up their ribbons in victory. [DAVE MCKISSICK PHOTOGRAPHY | Dave McKissick]Lori Carter of Emerald Coast Hospice presents a donation of $5,000 to Bonifay Fire-Rescue at the annual Shay McCormick Memorial Pancake Breakfast. [CONTRIBUTED]The Shay McCormick Memorial Pancake Breakfast is a rodeo weekend tradition, with all proceeds going to support Bonifay Fire-Rescue. [CONTRIBUTED]
By AMBER PATINO
Ali Moreland 
Staff Report 