The public is invited to attend the Southwest Florida Historical Society\u2019s Annual Cracker Dinner Fundraiser set for March 21.<\/p>\n
The program, \u201cCalusa, Creeks, and Crackers: 500 Years of Cattle History in South Florida,\u201d will take place at Marion Hall, St. Cecilia Catholic Community, 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers Saturday, beginning at 5:30. The night will include a catered barbecue dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the featured program at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at swflhistoricalsociety.org<\/a> or zeffy.com<\/a>. There is limited seating.<\/p>\n The featured speakers will include fifth-generation cattleman Clint Raulerson, and archaeologist Theresa Schober.<\/p>\n Raulerson is a former PRCA bullfighter, poet, and author of \u201cCowboy Legacy \u2013 A Lifetime in The Saddle.\u201d He is the general manager of Cattle Operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. <\/p>\n Schober is the former museum manager of the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, and co-founder of the Immokalee Cattle Drive and Jamboree through the Collier County Museum system.<\/p>\n The cattle industry in Florida dates back more than five centuries, beginning with Ponce de Leon\u2019s 1521 expedition. From the open-range and unclaimed herds to cow-hunters, cow towns, and cattle barons, shaped the region and people. The dinner program will explore the legacy, as well as the cowboy traditions that remain alive in the history of South Florida. <\/p>\n Genevieve Bowen, who has been involved with the Florida Historical Society, as well as the annual Cracker Dinner for many years, was born and raised in Fort Myers. She said the proceeds of the fundraiser will help keep their doors open and support the society\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n The society began from a grassroots effort of people that got together and wanted to have a historical society, Bowen said, adding she became involved due to her husband. <\/p>\n She encourages individuals to attend the annual dinner because they can learn something new, have fun, and at the same time help the society.<\/p>\n