A TOUR OF KISSIMMEE’S Local historical landmarks include a quirky monument, noteworthy buildings and the Silver Spurs Rodeo. By Idoia Gkikas One of Kissimmee's most recognizable landmarks is the 21-tier Monument of States, located at Kissimmee Lakefront Park and constructed by Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis as a symbol of national unity after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. It contains a horde of offbeat objects donated by governors, a prime minister, a U.S. President and tourists. Look for the embedded buffalo horns. If you’re into historical buildings, pay a visit to The Osceola County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the state’s oldest operating courthouse in continuous use since its opening in 1890. The Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek with an old Cracker house, citrus packing house and blacksmith’s shop will also be up your alley. And the Seminole Indian Homestead will give you an idea of how the Seminole tribe lived before the European influence. Quaint and all-American, Historic Downtown Kissimmee bustles with boutiques and restaurants. Fueling its beauty is the Annual Kissimmee Sculpture Experience—outdoor artworks loaned by the artists and available for purchase through September. Pick up a brochure and map at the Kissimmee Main Street Welcome Station at 421 Broadway. Heritage IN DOWNTOWN ST. CLOUD Peghorn Nature Park and Trail Take a journey that extends from the late 1800s to today via two hiking trails, the 1900s Cracker village and the Old School House. HERITAGE Historical Landmarks St. Cloud Lakefront Park Take a quiet walk, ride your bicycle on the two-mile recreational pathway and enjoy a picnic or swim at this park located on the south shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga. Historical Mural Walking Tour Discover downtown St. Cloud’s historic buildings and murals depicting aspects of their former function. Pick up a brochure at the St. Cloud Main Street office at 903 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hipstoric 3 rd Friday At this monthly themed celebration, shop at host businesses, sample food truck dishes at The Food Truck Bazaar, enjoy live music and watch an outdoor movie in Centennial Park. RIDING HIGH AT THE SILVER SPURS RODEO Watch authentic cowboys in action at the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi. By Amy Nance There’s a hum of anticipation as the rodeo queens tear out into the dirt ring of the dark arena, sporting Silver Spurs flags. As the lights go up, the announcer’s voice ignites the crowd and all eyes focus on the chute where a bucking bull or bronc will soon burst out, cowboy perched atop his back and hanging on to a rope with just one hand. It’s not easy holding on to a bull or bronc that is doing its best to throw you to the winds, but with the cowboy’s eyes on the big prize, he'll prevail for eight seconds. The word rodeo was derived from the Spanish term for “round up,” rodear. Spanish explorers brought cattle to Florida 400 years ago and ever since, “cowmen” in the area have been rounding them up. It’s no wonder that a full-on rodeo was born in Florida, the state with the longest ranching history in the United States, and SILVER SPURS ARENA Watch some of the biggest names in the business compete at these rodeos. TOP RODEO EVENTS AT THE in Osceola County no less—a place where agriculture predates attractions and where abundant pastures, groves and wetlands have given rise to a vibrant community of land-lovers. Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Riding Club began in 1941 to promote horsemanship and fellowship. These eastern cowboys created their take on a western tradition in 1944 with the very first Silver Spurs Rodeo, an event that is still the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. You can experience family-favorite events like bull riding, bronc riding, team roping and barrel racing, all in a state-of-the-art arena. With the help of families whose heritage is home-grown, the Silver Spurs Rodeo has created a reputation for quality entertainment for thousands of fans, young and old. Silver Spurs Rodeo RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo Silver Spurs Rodeo FEBRUARY APRIL JUNE ExperienceKissimmee.com 59
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