Cracker Day Celebrates Florida’s Cowboy Heritage
Discover Florida’s cowboy heritage at Cracker Day, an annual Elkton festival celebrating Florida Cracker cattle, horses, horsemanship and centuries of ranching tradition.
Each fall, that history comes to life at the Annual Cracker Day in Elkton, just outside St. Augustine. Hosted by the St. Johns County Cattlemen's Association, the longtime community tradition celebrates Florida's ranching heritage with Cracker horses and cattle, horse races and games, family activities, local vendors, and plenty of barbecue!
When & Where
Date
Saturday, October 9, 2027
Time
8am-6pm
Location
St. Johns County Fairgrounds | 5840 SR 207, Elkton, FL 32033
Admission
Admission for Cracker Day is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle, cash only. Horse game registration fees range from $5–$15.
Event Details
You don’t need to know anything about horses or cattle to enjoy Cracker Day! For visitors familiar with Florida’s beaches and historic attractions, this festival offers a chance to experience another side of the region—one shaped by agriculture, ranching, and generations of Florida families.
Hear the pounding of hooves, watch skilled riders compete, and discover traditions that have been part of Florida life for centuries. Come hungry, too! Food vendors serve festival favorites throughout the day, including barbecue, snacks, and sweets.Horse Events
Cracker Day combines Florida history with an old-fashioned community festival. Horse competitions are the main attraction, with local riders of different ages competing throughout the day.
Events include:
- Pole bending
- Pick-up race
- Cloverleaf
- Arena race
- Flat races
- Jackpot barrels
- Jackpot poles
Other Activities
Visitors can also enjoy pony rides, over 70 craft and market vendors, local products, and food trucks.
The Cracker Day Market runs from 9am-4pm and features vendors selling crafts, woodwork, local products, and other goods.
What is a Florida Cracker?
The term "Florida Cracker" has a long history, but in Florida ranching culture it is closely associated with the state's early cattlemen.
Spanish explorers and settlers introduced cattle and horses to Florida beginning in the 1500s. Over generations, cattle ranching became an important part of life in the state. Florida cowboys became known for using long whips to help move cattle through the state's brush, wetlands and open ranges. The distinctive crack of those whips is commonly associated with the name "Cracker."
Florida's cattle culture predates the iconic cowboy traditions of the American West by centuries.
What are Florida Cracker Cattle?
Florida Cracker cattle are a heritage breed descended from cattle brought to Florida during the Spanish colonial period.
Small, hardy and well adapted to Florida's heat and environment, the cattle developed characteristics that helped them thrive in the state's challenging landscape. Today, Florida Cracker cattle are recognized as an important part of the state's agricultural heritage, with preservation efforts helping protect the historic breed.
Florida Cracker horses share a similar story. Descended from horses brought to Florida by the Spanish, they became working partners for generations of Florida cattlemen.
Make the most of your Cracker Day visit by extending your stay on Florida’s Historic Coast. Explore the area’s restaurants, shops, attractions, and activities, then find accommodations and helpful resources…
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