Young Kids Take on an Old Rodeo

For 76 years the historic town of Florence, Arizona, has been the scene of its annual Junior Parada.  This year’s event is held on Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30, 2008 during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

This Florence Junior Parada is the oldest sanctioned youth rodeo in the United States.  It pits the youngest of riders against the oldest of venues to showcase their youthful cowboy skills. The rodeo attracts youngsters ages five to 18 from across the Southwest.  Over the years, some of these youngsters have gone on to compete nationally. The rodeo is held Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Entry to view the rodeo is only $5.00 per carload.

The Saturday morning rodeo parade evokes times past with stagecoaches, mounted posses and young and old on horseback. However, adding to the parade are vintage vehicles, clowns, line dancers, and more so everyone who wishes is included. Through the many years of the Parada, celebrities such as Gene Autry, Ken Curtis of Gunsmoke fame, and other notables have led the parade down Florence’s historic Main Street as Parade Marshals.

This year the parade down Main Street will be led by Grand Marshal Adolfo “Harpo” Celaya. Celaya was a young sailor during World War II, stationed on the U. S. S. Indianapolis when the ship was sunk in the Pacific.  Celaya was one of the few who survived the shark-infested waters. Florence is honoring this hometown naval hero this Junior Parada Weekend, November 29th and 30^th.

While for many attendees, the Florence Junior Parada is a yearly must-see event, newcomers to the area and visitors who haven’t spent much time in the Old West will catch the “Cowboy Spirit” and enjoy their time spent in Florence, the “Cowboy Cradle of the Great Southwest.”

The Junior Parada is a charity event sponsored by the Town of Florence, Pinal County Mounted Posse, and the Pinal County Historical Museum.  Proceeds benefit youth programs across Pinal County. Don’t miss this unique slice of Western life that combines the best of young rodeo talent and an authentic old West town of many historic adobes of the 19^th Century. If time allows, visit the historic district, museums, fine restaurants and stores in Florence to round out your Western experience.

For more information about the event contact:
Chris Reid at the Pinal County Historical Museum
520-868-4382 or  email florencejuniorparada@yahoo.com