Seamark Ranch is hosting Rodeo at the Ranch May 15-16 at the Seamark Ranch at 3631 Seamark Ranch Road in Greene Cove Springs.
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 7 p.m.
The two-day evening event includes bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and mutton bustin’ along with food, drinks, vendors and kid activities.
Nathan Stanley, the executive director of Seamark Ranch, said the “Bulls, Broncos and Barrels” event is so much more than a rodeo.
“Each ticket sold directly helps to support kids and families in Northeast Florida, while creating an incredible family-friendly event for the community to enjoy together,” he told the St. Augustine Record via email. “Our turnout last year exceeded anything we could’ve imagined, and this year the excitement has been even greater.”
Stanley said he anticipates 4,000 guests over the course of the two-night event to “kick up dust for a good cause.”
Because the ranch incorporates rodeo disciplines into its ranch programming, Seamark residents are assisting with pre- and on-site event production.
“Under the leadership of our Equine team, we have watched these young people grow tremendously in confidence, responsibility and leadership,” he said. “This is the first time they will experience being publicly celebrated for responsibility, leadership and achievement rather than being defined by the crisis circumstances that brought them into care.
“We believe in the impact our equine and rodeo programming has on youth and families in crisis,” he said. “Seeing them work hard all year to build confidence through the equine program and then have the opportunity to ride sponsor flags out in front of thousands of cheering fans will be so rewarding.”
Founded in 2001 by Keith and April Denton, Seamark Ranch is a 465-acre working farm that provides a faith-based home environment with married house parents for children between the ages of 10 and 16 who have been abused, neglected or abandoned with little hope of family reconciliation.
Admission into Seamark is not based on race, class, religion or creed. While priority is given to children from Northeast Florida’s five counties – St. Johns, Baker, Clay, Duval and Nassau – all children are eligible for admission.
Stanley underscored the overwhelming support the broader community has shown for Seamark Ranch.
“There is something incredibly inspiring about seeing the community come together out at the ranch, watching families, businesses, churches, volunteers, all rallying around the mission while enjoying an event that feels really authentic to who we are and what Seamark represents,” he continued.
Event sponsors include IMC Construction, IMC Electrical, The Church of Eleven22, Bozard Ford, Providence Home by Bill Sellars, Auxano, Townplace Suites By Marriott, Vallencourt Construction Companies, Sunbelt Rentals. J.D. Hinson Company, Simes Exterior, Russell Farms, The Promise at 100.7, Amphibian Pool, ECS, The Baldwin Group, Cellgate, 1041 Train Real, The Media Beast, Clay AG Feed & Farm, Intrepid Capital Management, Cattle Co., West Dentistry, Floaters Portable Sanitation, Woodpeckers BBQ, Creme de la Cocoa, the Shee Family, and more.
Stanley said he plans to grow Rodeo at the Ranch into “a signature Northeast Florida event.”
Seamark Ranch Board Chair Chris Shee said that Rodeo at the Ranch is a “great example of Northeast Florida coming together to enjoy an incredible event while also investing in the lives of kids and families who need the hope of the Gospel, stability and support.”
“It is always so encouraging to see the way our community rallies behind the mission of Seamark Ranch,” he said.
Tickets: Adults are $25, children $20, ages 3 and younger free. Limited preferred seating tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for children. Parking is free.
Event information can be found at https://www.seamarkranch.com/rodeo.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Rodeo at the Ranch returns to Greene Cove Springs for a good cause
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
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