Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch
Contributor
The 67th Annual Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch (FSYR) Open House and Horse Show is gearing up to be an exciting weekend for families, donors and riding clubs from across the state. This year, FSYR will have reserved camping, horse games, an antique tractor show and many other activities.
This event will begin on Friday, Feb. 21, and run through Sunday, Feb. 23. Admission is $10 per vehicle for the entire weekend. Reservations are required for camping and can be made online at www.youthranches.org/fundraisers.
Friday morning, the fun kicks off with pole bending with the Union and Bradford County Riding Clubs, as well as trail rides through the FSYR campus. The fun will continue at 5 p.m. with a free chicken pilau dinner followed by musical entertainment. Saturday’s line-up includes the Grand Entry ceremony featuring the Riding Ranchers, Clover Leaf, Buddy Pickup, a barbecue lunch and tours of the ranch. Sunday morning will begin with a worship service prior to the games resuming.
The annual Open House and Horse Show is proud to welcome a wide array of prominent sponsors and supporters, including: First Federal Bank, Circle of Life, Tri-County Metals, Florida Cattleman’s Association, Florida Blue, Marsh McLennan Agency, Hobo Tractor, Florida Gateway Fairgrounds, L&J Gas and Diesel Inc., Florida Power & Light, Busy Bee, Florida Certified Contractors, Murray Auto Group, Seminole Feed and Pro Tech Coating Specialists.
The mission of the FSYR is to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens. This year, the youth ranches will serve over 4,000 boys and girls.
This charitable, nonprofit corporation was founded by the Florida Sheriffs Association in 1957 and operates three residential child-care campuses, along with three summer camps. Additionally, it provides community-based services to as many of Florida’s neglected, troubled children as funds will permit. Voluntary contributions are the primary source of funding, especially thoughtful gifts made through special bequests in wills and trusts.
The FSYR is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. and the American Camp Association. For more information about the ranch or this year’s Open House, contact 1 (800) 765-3797 or visit www.youthranches.org.