Cracker Trail riders coming Wednesday

Back in Florida's wild west days, the ranchers rounded up stray cattle and pushed them down the Cracker Trail to harbors in Tampa or Fort Pierce or Bradenton, where they could be shipped to market in Cuba.

The remnants of the Spanish herds were a bonanza for Seminoles and settlers because they were paid from $16 to $24 a head - a fortune in 1850s dollars.

For the past 22 years, modern day cowboys and cowgirls have "kept history alive" - the Cracker Trail Association motto - by recreating the ride. The 2010 event started Friday morning, with camp at Kibler Ranch in Manatee County.

On Monday, about 250 riders will arrive at the Peace River campsite in Zolfo Springs, and on Tuesday, they'll move to the Kahn Ranch.

"Marvin Kahn is the originator of the Cracker Trail ride," said trail boss David Reed. "It was his idea to create the Cracker Trail, and we camp there every year." Kahn is a Highlands County grove owner.

On Wednesday, the horses start down S.R. 66, and they'll arrive at the U.S. 27/98 junction before noon.

"We'll break out the flags and the banners and we'll cross 27, parade style. They'll stop traffic," Reed said.

That night, the cowpunchers will camp at the Ashton Ranch, and they'll have a fun show.

"It's not a rodeo," Reed said. "They'll be speed events, like barrel racing, pole bending and a buddy pickup."

A buddy pickup? That's where a rider races to the center of the arena and rescues a buddy. Then they ride double to the ending point.

The public is invited to the fun show, Reed said. Follow U.S. 98 to Lorida, turn left at Arbuckle Creek Road, and drive north about one mile. Look for the lighted arena and a herd of horse trailers. Bring folding chairs.

The Cracker Trail cowboys and cowgirls will ride out of Highlands County on Feb. 25. They'll ride across the Montsdeoca Ranch and into Hickory Hammock - South Florida Water Management property - and stop at the Edna Pearce Lockett Estate.

At midday, they'll wave their hats goodbye as they cross the bridge into Okeechobee County.

The 6.5-day ride ends Saturday, Feb. 27, with a Fort Pierce parade and a ride down Frederick Douglass Beach.

More info: www.crackertrail.org