Howdy Partner! Rowell Rodeo Fun Returns
It is time again to dust off your 10-gallon hats and polish your boots. The annual Rowell Ranch Professional Rodeo kicks off its preliminary events tonight, giving the community a chance to experience the historical sport and an American tradition in action.
“The one thing I can say about our sport of rodeo is that we're not afraid to fly the red, white, and blue and stand up and cheer,” says Rowell Rodeo legend Cindy Rosser.
More than 100 years ago, Harry Rowell, “The Rodeo King of the West,” first hosted the rodeo. Today and every year in May, the Cecil Jones Arena is the site of several Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PCRA) sanctioned competitions and one-of-a-kind experiences.
“There are activities for the whole family at our rodeo that you can't find anywhere else,” Joe Paulo, a Rowell Ranch Rodeo star and board member, told the Forum.
One of those activities is the Cowboy Experience, a chance for ticketholders to learn firsthand about the sport of rodeo, the equipment used, and to see the animals up close, which Paulo has been leading for over twenty years.
Another "only at the Rowell Rodeo" occasion is the Grand Entry, a procession of the livestock from the grazing hills above the corral led by a downhill burst by Brooke Fagundes with her horse and American flag at her hip.
This week will also be the first time people can meet the newly crowned Rodeo Queen, Castro Valley native Phoebe Bruns.
“I’ve come full circle,” Bruns told the Forum. “I used to attend the Queen’s ball with my friends when I was five, and now these lifelong friends are coming to support me. I’ve looked up to so many of the Rodeo Queens in the past. Now, it’s my turn to inspire the next generation.”
Events kick off tonight with the Cecil Jones Local Team Roping Challenge at 4:00 p.m., followed by the Steak & BBQ Dance starting at 6:00 p.m.
On Thursday, May 16, the Cowgirl Picnic—a ladies-only luncheon—is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m.
On Friday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m., the Rockin’ Bull Bash will feature some of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s best bull riders showing off their skills. The after-party will feature music from Northern California independent country stars.
Next comes two days of rodeo competition.
Saturday, May 18, is designated as Armed Forces Day, in honor of those who serve or have served in the U.S. military. Sunday, May 19, is Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a day to support the fight against breast cancer.
On Saturday, at 10:00 a.m., Rowell Ranch also will host its long-established Special Partners Rodeo. This event will be limited to 40 local children with mental or physical challenges between the ages of 4 and 17 and their family members.
The rodeo will take place at Rowell Rodeo Park off Highway 580 between Dublin and Castro Valley. Tickets are on sale now. Visit rowellranchrodeo.com for more information.