Written by Sue Erwin, Photos by Sue Hoffman and provided
The Arcadia Rodeo has been going on for decades, and it continues to attract attention from some
of the best cowboys from all around the nation – and world. Their lifestyle includes traveling
around from one event to another to compete in bull riding, bareback horse riding, team roping
and much more.
“We get some of the best riders from all over the world,” said Sue Hoffman, who works in Arcadia
and has attended the rodeo for the past ten years. “It’s really quite a show. And there is a brand new
constructed arena. It now has a roof – no more blasting hot sun – it’s also larger.”
Boca Grande native Mike Nabers was working as a fishing captain on the island when he decided
he wanted to compete in bull riding at a local rodeo. As a teenager, he worked at a ranch in Charlotte
County and that sparked his interest.
"I was probably the only guy from Boca Grande who ever rode bulls," he said. "I had friends in
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