By Lulu

We LOVE this yearly event! 100 vendors, rodeo games, stunt shows, Universal Championship Wrestling, food court, bike show and 3 days of non-stop music! This happens in Sarasota at the fairgrounds. It ends up being more like a music fest than a rally. But they include a Ride So Children Can Thrive on Sunday, so you do get some time in your saddle! This is a huge fundraiser, so you spend a LITTLE to hear GREAT bands! This year the headliners were Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad and Creed Fisher. In 2024 the festival pretty much ended up a rain out and Grand Funk wasn’t even able to take the stage. When I heard them this year, I was totally bummed out that the rain God’s made me miss them in 2024. They put on an amazing show. But honestly, ALL the music was excellent. Along with the small gate fee, there is also a VIP tent with a well-organized 3-night affair, which includes meals catered by Sonny’s BBQ and free drinks to entice you into bidding on too many to mention silent raffle items. The VIP is well worth your ticket as it also gets you shade and seating, and VIP in front of the stage. All this feeds the kitty, Suncoast Charities for Children. This organization helps fund critical programs and services for children, teens, and adults with special needs. This year’s total was $240,000 and in the past 27 years they have raised an amazing 3 million dollars!!! Lucy Nicandri would like to acknowledge the key sponsors Precision Garage Door Service, FCCI Insurance Group, James D. & Ellen White Family Foundation, Budweiser, and Sonny’s BBQ, and also thank all the sponsors and volunteers who made this a huge success. Thank you, Lucy, and your team of volunteers for your great efforts. Next year’s dates are February 13-15th! Join us there!!