Arcadia is Cowboys, Antiques, and Watermelons

Arcadia is one of the most interesting little towns in Florida. Everything from residents to shops is anything but a typical Florida community. The cattle ranchers and cowboys are not what one might expect to see in this part of the country. Describing Arcadia is three simple words: cowboys, antiques, and watermelons! A great recipe to build a wholesome neighborhood. What is a town with cowboys without a rodeo you may ask? Not to worry as Arcadia is the home to the most prestigious rodeo east of Mississippi.  After all, the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo attracts athletes from all over the US. The event takes place every march in Mosaic Stadium.

Antique Shops

Antique shops and fairs are in the DNA of Arcadia. They have established a reputation as the best place for treasure hunters to regularly visit. There are 24 permanent antique stores plus a section of Arcadia Opera House. In addition, antique vendors from other areas gather at Arcadia Antique Fair on the last Saturday of each month.

Having Fun Activities in Arcadia

Come for antiques and stay for fun activities in Arcadia. This may sound like a local chamber of commerce slogan but it is true in the case of Arcadia. There are so many things to do around this wonderful city making people keep coming back over and over. Schedule your visit based on the annual events spread throughout the year. Or, just stop by at your leisure and enjoy what Arcadia has to offer.

Some of the annual events that we try not to miss include:

Arcadia All-Florida Rodeo Championship

It is amazing to see that rodeos of this magnitude is taking place in Florida. This event has gained national popularity to become one of the main events on the rodeo circuit. Arcadia Championship Rodeo takes place every March.

Desoto County Fair

This Fair has been amusing people every February since 1953. For children, there is an area exhibiting and selling livestock. The rides, fair food, and beauty pageants for different ages are designed to offer a perfect day for every family.

Watermelon Festival

Another annual fun event in Arcadia is the Desoto County Watermelon Festival. The event takes place In May around harvest time in the Veterans Park along Peace River. While checking out the arts and crafts vendors attendees are entertained by live music. There is a Watermelon Pagent as well as the Wacky River Raft Race as well an antique car show. Most importantly, the delicious Arcadia sweet watermelons are everywhere. This is a festival made for the enjoyment of the entire family. An all-American fun day around genuinely good people.

Arcadia FL Growth with Extension of Florida Southern Railways

In 1886 the City of Arcadia was established and became the county seat for Desoto County. Arcadia was recognized as a city after Florida Southern Railways crossed the area. The railroad tracks crossed Arcadia on its route to Bartow and Punta Gorda. The growth of the City of Arcadia was further influenced by 1907 when the extension of Northern Railways also reached the City.

At the time Desoto County covered a very large area of Central Florida. Eventually, Desoto County was divided into five separate counties. The result was the creation of Desoto, Highland, Hardee, Charlotte, and Glades Counties. However, Arcadia remained as the county seat for Desoto County.

The History of Arcadia Survival of Wars

Arcadia survived a major fire on the Thanksgiving holiday of 1905 as well as a few wars. Residents fought the fire hard all night. But the fire was devastating and consumed the entire town. All wooden buildings were destroyed and only three brick buildings survived. This led to the first building code in Arcadia being established.

The first war was the Seminole Indian war that lasted from 1855 to 1858. The Seminole led by Chief Billy Bowlegs was defeated and the majority of the remaining tribe relocated to Oklahoma. After that, this war was followed by the American Civil War. In 1861 Florida was the third state to join the Confederate States and secede. The Arcadia Mill was the site of several battles between the Confederate and Union forces.

Besides enduring wars, Arcadia has played a role in the training of servicemen during both WWI and WWII. Starting in 1917, the Carlstrom Field in Arcadia became the military pilot training site for five years. Many pilots who were engaged in World War I was trained in Arcadia. In 1941, the Carlstrom Field became active for training again during World War II.