Published: September 30, 2009 02:03 pm      

Boys Ranch open house, horse show starts Friday

The Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch kicks off its annual open house and horse show Friday at 5 p.m. with a pole bending event and free chicken pilau dinner.

The open house runs through Sunday and offers free primitive camping, horse games, live entertainment from 41 South, a Valdosta band, and other activities. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend.

"We usually have about 400 to 500 horses registered in the event," said Maria Knapp, director of marketing for the Boys Ranch.

Saturday will offer the Texas Barrel Weave, a barbecue lunch, tours of the Boys Ranch and even more live entertainment. In addition, the buddy pickup event Saturday is expected to be a real crowd pleaser, Knapp said.

"Riders race to the opposite end of the arena and have to pick someone up while in motion," she explained. "That should be really neat."

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches work to prevent juvenile delinquency and develop lawful, productive citizens through a broad range of family-centered services. Youth ranches throughout the state plan to serve over 10,000 boys and girls this year alone.

The local community is asked to come out and show its support.

"We're expecting about 2,000 community supporters to attend," Knapp said. "It's a great family-friendly event."