The Silver Spurs Rodeo is dusty and old, but it’s anything but out of date. Riders, wranglers and clowns made last weekend’s 77th annual rodeo in Kissimmee an incredible sight and Orlando Weekly was there to capture it all.

For more on the family traditions and modern upstarts that make the Silver Spurs what it is today, don’t miss our interviews with this year’s contestants.

Photos by Christopher Balogh.

While some of the young Quadrille riders wait to enter the practice arena, they check Snapchat and Instagram, scrolling in the saddle. Credit: Photo by Christopher Balogh
Chris Baker, the current Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, is retiring after this year. When he’s not running the big show, Baker is the director of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Bureau. As Big Boss of the rodeo for the past two years, Baker finds passing the torch to be part of the tradition, not a relinquishment. “I’m just stepping aside, not stepping away,” he says. “I’ll continue to serve as a member and help out in any way, but it’s somebody else’s turn to take this opportunity.” Credit: Photo by Christopher Balogh
Clint Parrish, rodeo clown and barrelman, waits for the national anthem to end to start his pre-show act.
Clint Parrish, rodeo clown and barrelman, waits for the national anthem to end to start his pre-show act.
Lane Rowland, a 25-year-old cowboy based out of Dalton, Georgia, took second place in bareback horse riding. Credit: Photo by Christopher Balogh
Dee Lewis’ initials are branded on his spurs.
Hometown hero Dee Lewis, the only Black bull rider in the 77th Silver Spurs Rodeo, got a standing ovation. Credit: Photo by Christopher Balogh