"The Grandaddy of 'Em All"

The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

The Desoto County Mural Society a non-profit organization was formed in 2009 to utilize murals and other art forms as an educational tool for the enhancement and invigoration of downtown Arcadia, while preserving DeSoto County's history and culture as well as teaching and inspiring all viewers.

The Mural Society's founding members, Charlotte and Fred Carter, Renee Otto, Martha Craven, Algie Didlaukies, and Joe Gallimore wanted to add to the ambience of Historic Arcadia. After touring neighboring "mural cities" like Punta Gorda and "the City of Murals", Lake Placid plans were created to paint the first mural in Arcadia.

The first mural to painted in downtown Arcadia, was designed and painted by Art Effects which is Tim Haas and Linda Cassels-Hofmann. The Rodeo Mural is located on the corner of Polk Avenue and Highway 70 east.

The Desoto County Mural Society and The Arcadia Rodeo Association worked together to raise funds for the first mural to depict the history of the rodeo in Desoto County...The Grandaddy of 'Em All.

The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is a non-profit organization that was established in 1952 by the Arcadia Rodeo Association, which evolved from a group of American Legion Members who held the first rodeo in 1929.It is the oldest rodeo organization in the state of Florida, and benefits all of Arcadia and DeSoto County.

Muralists Tim and Linda tried to use as many historic references as possible when designing the mural. A 1929 truck was used to signify the founding date of the rodeo. And sitting on its' running board is Zeb Parker and leaning over it's bed is Ed Welles two of the men credited for founding the Rodeo.