Leanna Billie wins the breakaway roping event with a 2.01 second time at the 63rd annual Cracker Day Rodeo Sunday at the Lee County Posse Arena. CHUCK BALLARO

It was another huge weekend for the Lee County Posse Arena as it celebrated the Old Florida heritage at the 63rd annual Cracker Day Rodeo.

Two warm nights Friday and Saturday, followed by a cool matinee on Sunday provided perfect conditions for fans and competitors alike, resulting in a successful event that serves as the biggest fundraiser for the arena.

The arena has changed significantly in the past year. There is now a second scoring tower on the other side of the arena, with a catwalk connecting the two that flies over the chutes and the alleyway.

There are also new bleachers and a cement walkway on the far side bleachers, as well as a smaller tower for a DJ to play music while the show is in progress. Also added was a second large pavilion next to the original one, where vendors sold western wear.

Cracker Day also expanded its offerings. For the first time it had a rodeo entertainer, Dave “Showtime” Meyer, a rodeo clown who has traveled nationwide to entertain the fans and give them something to laugh about.

Rhett Dikeman rides in the mutton bustin' event at the 63rd annual Cracker Day Rodeo. CHUCK BALLARO

“I rode bulls for 10 years and started clowning in 2013. You get to the point where your body falls apart and you get smarter and say ‘Hey, I can stay involved in rodeo and be safer and take a check home every show,” Meyer said, who does about 120 shows a year.

The rodeo has always featured unusual events to compliment the bull riders and barrel racers. The Cowgirl Trifecta was scrapped this year, replaced by a co-ed event, calf undecorating, where a cowboy ropes a calf, but instead of tying it, he holds it so the cowgirl can grab the ribbon on the calf and race for home.

Also, there was the buddy pick-up, one of the most exciting events, where a rider picks up someone standing atop a barrel.

There was also breakaway roping, the fastest-growing event in rodeo. Among the fastest contestants was North Fort Myers cowgirl Whitlee Way, who held the lead with 2.04 seconds until Leanna Billie topped her with a 2.01.

Way, who competes on the high school circuit as well as larger rodeos, said she was disappointed at being a runner-up, but still happy with a performance that would have won most days.

CHUCK BALLARO

“It’s disappointing when you’re winning and someone does a little bit better, but she did a really good job and I’m glad I came in second,” said Way, who has competed since age 7 in roping events. “I love the horses, the practice and being around a group of people.”

As for those who attended, it was a fun time. Shari LaRiviere, who winters in Cape Coral and also lives in Ontario, has been to the Cracker Day Rodeo many times, including all three days last year.

“I’ve come every time. I love coming here because I love horses. I petted a horse for an hour on Friday and kissed his nostril,” LaRiviere said. “I did rodeo in Ontario when I was younger. I do a lot of trail riding with friends down here. I love being with horses.”

CHUCK BALLARO

CHUCK BALLARO

CHUCK BALLARO