RIVER RANCH, Fla. — Every Saturday night, the bulls and broncos put on a show.

The action at the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo is non-stop with the most dangerous sport in the world, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Westgate River Ranch Resort and Dude Ranch offers a variety of amenities and lodging options

  •  One of those amenities is the rodeo held every Saturday night

  •  Ray Ducan is the resort's general manager and also the rodeo announcer

But even with all of that excitement in the arena, the real show is up in the booth.

That’s where Ray Duncan does his best work.

When you’re in charge of an entire resort, there’s a lot of responsibility and obligations. As the general manager of the Westgate River Ranch Resort and Dude Ranch, Ray wears a lot of hats. But a cowboy hat is his most natural look. There’s something about a rodeo that brings out the best in Ray.

“It’s just, it’s America,” Ray said. “It’s America at its roots.”

That pageantry kicks off all the action, but it’s Ray who sets the tone. This is a man who knows his rodeo. He used to ride bucking broncos. And he really knows how to make a crowd feel welcome.

The rodeo is one of the many amenities the Westgate River Ranch resort has to offer. Guests who stay here never get bored. A quick tour of the grounds provides a glimpse of the variety of lodging. From old school tents, to luxury wagon wheels and glamorous camping, or glamping, there are a lot of options.

“You don’t have to leave. We’ve thought ahead of everything for you,” Ray said. “And if you need it, you let us know and we’ll get it for you.”

You want wildlife? It’s sprinkled throughout the property. Of course, there are cattle and even buffalo.

You want spiritual guidance? There is also a chapel where Ray conducts services every Sunday. It’s non-denominational and doesn’t discriminate. Ray wants anyone looking to have their soul fed to come on in.

“I believe in taking the word,” Ray said. “I believe there’s something for everybody in there to encourage you.”

When you manage the No. 1 glamping resort in the nation, there’s a lot of pressure to maintain that level of excellence. Saturday nights offer Ray a way to relax. And return to his rodeo roots.

“That old expression of ‘American as apple pie,’ that’s what rodeo is,” he said.

The fans show up for the bull riding, of course. But they stay because Ray makes them feel welcome. This is small town cowboy country. And Ray Duncan is the master of ceremonies.

“It’s family oriented,” Ray said. “You’re not going to have anybody slinging no cuss words or doing anything obscene.”

“It’s very clean, very family oriented and a little something for everybody. Everybody, from dad to the kids, loves it. You just can’t beat it.”