Rowell Chili Cookoff Postponed

This year's Rowell Ranch Rodeo celebration will not include its famous Chili cookoff this year, President of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley, Dwight Perry, announced late last week. The celebrated event was scheduled for May 13 at the rodeo grounds but has been postponed until 2023, Perry wrote in the Rotary newsletter.

"[It was] a difficult decision to make as all of us working on the event were excited to resume ‘normality.’ Unfortunately, the postponement is necessary due to unforeseen circumstances," Perry said.

The rodeo is returning to Castro Valley after a two-year delay from COVID-19 restrictions, just in time to celebrate its 100th birthday. The theme this year is “Back in the Saddle Again.” Events will now kick off with the rodeo parade down Castro Valley Boulevard on Saturday, May 14, and finish on Monday, May 22, with the rodeo itself.

Perry added that, "the Castro Valley Rotary is so thankful for all the entries, volunteers, organizations, and government entities who worked together on this community event and looks forward to its return in the future."