OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee Main Street will present the 2023 Speckled Perch Festival March 11 and 12 in downtown Okeechobee.

The festival will be held in Flagler Park form 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The festival parade is on Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m.

The Chobee Wrestling Club will have matches every hour on Saturday during the festival.

The Speckled Perch Festival is the oldest annual community celebration in Okeechobee, dating back to 1965. The event includes arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities, food and more.

The Cowtown Rodeo, held in conjuction with the festival, is  set for March 11 and 12 at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena, 1885 U.S. Highway 441 N.

Gates open at noon. The Mutton Bustin’ event – in which children try to ride sheep – is at 2 p.m. Rodeo events start at 2:30 p.m. Rodeo tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Okeechobee 4-H and FFA clubs will run food concession stands at the rodeo.

New this year, at noon the rodeo will offer a VIP “Behind the Chutes” experience with a one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and interactive experiences for an up close and personal view of what it takes to put on a rodeo. Ticket sales are limited.

Rodeo tickets are available at Eli’s Western Wear in Okeechobee or online. For information see the Cowtown Rodeo page on Facebook.