Arcadia's 98th rodeo draws crowds, spurs $3M boost to local businesses

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK)—The annual Arcadia Rodeo kicked off, marking its 98th year of drawing huge crowds to watch bull riding, barrel racing and more on Friday.

Organizers said it's the biggest this side of the Mississippi. The arena was full, with thousands of people from across the states and even other countries coming to Arcadia to watch and compete.

Judge Don T. Hall, president of the Arcadia All Florida Championship Rodeo, said the event is a huge economic driver for the town. The rodeo brings in millions of dollars each year, and that money gets spent at hotels, shops, restaurants and other businesses in town.

"Just these four days that we have here, this will bring in $3 million plus," Hall said. "And we've had some studies that show that. So, you know, that trickles all the way down to, for instance, the waitresses who serve our restaurants."

The rodeo continues through the weekend. A rodeo parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. in downtown Arcadia on Saturday.