OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association rodeo celebrates their 75^th anniversary this year.

At their March 12 meeting, Okeechobee County Commissioners honored the rodeo with a proclamation.

“It’s our history, our heritage,” said Commission Chair David Hazellief.

John Williams said the whole idea of the rodeo came from what cowboys did on the ranches.

The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association started the rodeo in 1951 as a Labor Day event. In 1982, the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce asked the cattlemen to add a March rodeo as part of the Speckled Perch Festival weekend events.

“It’s a big rodeo,” said Williams. “It’s as big as a lot of the other rodeos in the country that have a professional staff.”  The historic Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena on U.S. 441, is an old-fashioned outdoor arena.

“Rodeo has been an enduring and cherished tradition in Okeechobee County for 75 years, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage, western values, and community spirit of our region,” the proclamation states. “Since its founding in 1937, the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association has brought together residents, families, and visitors to celebrate horsemanship, ranching skills, and the historic way of life that helped shape Okeechobee County.

“For three-quarters of a century, the rodeo has provided entertainment, economic benefit, and cultural enrichment to the county, while honoring the dedication of cowboys, cowgirls, stock contractors, volunteers, sponsors, and organizers.

“The rodeo has served as a gathering place for generations, fostering community pride, preserving western traditions, and inspiring future generations to appreciate the values of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship.”