After being cancelled for two years during the pandemic, the PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo returned last year with sell-out crowds for both of its performances.

Last year’s rodeo was so successful that it has added a third performance for the 10th edition for the event that will take place at the Lee County Posse Arena Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 25, with a matinee at 2.

Rodeo fans will get to watch the thrills and spills of bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, along with roping, wrestling and barrel racing, with competitors battling it out for more than $20,000 in prize money.

Last year’s event was also unusual in that the rodeo’s main promoter, Margo Crowther, did not attend as she reached the finals at a major rodeo in San Antonio, where she won more than $16,000.

She will be back, along with all the fun and spectacle people have come to expect from this event that has become one of the most anticipated in this area.

“Last year we had a great turnout. We’re excited to be back this year with three days and bring a premiere performance,” Crowther said. “We have some of the best announcers and stock contractors and bucking horses and bulls, along with some NFR qualifiers.”

There will be numerous food trucks, vendors selling western wear and trinkets, a mechanical bull and a whole lot more.

There will be a demonstration with protection dogs before the rodeo. During the rodeo there will be a trick rider.

The PRCA Fort Myers Rodeo had expanded to three performances in 2020 and the promoters were considering a fall rodeo before the pandemic wiped out the rodeo, forcing them to start over.

Now that they have returned to a three-day rodeo, Crowther said she would consider having a rodeo in the fall, but hopes people will come to this one.

“People can come out and enjoy the rodeo. There will hopefully be great weather and we’re excited to bring the rodeo back to Fort Myers,” Crowther said.

Tickets are $35 for adults, ($30 in advance at Mary Lou’s Western Wear) with a special VIP admission of $125, which includes parking, food and drink. It’s $15 for kids and kids four and under are admitted free. You can get tickets online at Eventbrite and at the gate. Gates open two hours before each show.

The Lee County Posse Arena is at 17401 Palm Creek Drive. For more information, go to fortmyersprorodeo.com.