The Adventures of a Lifetime
The idea for the Great Florida Cattle Drive was born during the Annual Gathering and Auction, conceived as a way to commemorate Florida’s 150th birthday in 1995. The vision was to reenact the historic cracker cattle drives integral to Florida’s heritage. Over two years, a dedicated committee of 25 people meticulously planned the event, which saw 1,000 head of certified Cracker cattle driven 100 miles through Florida’s cow country. More than 600 riders, 600 horses, and 25 wagons participated, striving to recreate the authentic cow hunter experience. Participants donned period-appropriate clothing, slept under the stars, and embraced what truly became the adventure of a lifetime. This monumental endeavor also led to the formation of the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee.
In 2006, the committee organized a second cracker cattle drive, featuring 500 cattle and around 450 riders. While the route differed slightly, the event once again concluded at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee with a public celebration honoring Florida’s rich history as a cattle state. Like the first event, it was a tribute to the legacy of the cow hunters who shaped the state.
The most recent Great Florida Cattle Drive took place in January 2016. Participants faced harsh weather, enduring cold temperatures and persistent rain, unlike in previous drives. Despite the challenges, 500 head of cattle and 450 dedicated riders—this time including veterans from the Wounded Warriors program—completed the journey, forging unforgettable memories.
The 2016 drive also included a team of photographers and filmmakers who documented the event. Their efforts resulted in the acclaimed film The Great Florida Cattle Drive: Unbroken Circles and an accompanying book of the same title, preserving the spirit and stories of this extraordinary tradition for future generations.
