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The Junior Parada, a youth rodeo, began during the Great Depression in 1932 to raise money to supply milk for children in need. The Parada continued to grow, which led to an annual rodeo for children ages five to 18. Because many Florence Junior Parada contestants went on to receive national recognition, the Junior Parada helped Florence become the “Cowboy Cradle of the Great Southwest”. Young cowboys and cowgirls compete in roping, goat tying, barrel racing, sheep riding, and more!
The origin of the “parada” is rather curious. Parada is a Spanish word literally meaning “a hold-up or gathering place”. In the early days of open ranges, it is described as a place designated as a meeting point for the round-up, to which the cowboys drove the herds. Branding was usually done at the parada, and drives started at the respective ranches. A more modern definition of the word is “a place of meeting for celebration”.
Things you should know for the 90th Florence Junior Parada:
Saturday, Nov 26th:
10 am: Annual Parade on Historic Main Street.
1 pm: Grand Entry & Performance - Rodeo Arena.
4 pm: High Flying Motocross Stunt Team - Rodeo Arena.
5 pm: Country Artist Tribute Show - Rodeo Arena.
Sunday, Nov 27th:
1 pm: Grand Entry & Performance - Rodeo Arena.
4 pm: High Flying Motocross Stunt Team - Rodeo Arena.
Donations are accepted at the door for the parada events at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds.
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