Rowell Ranch Rodeo Fun Kicks Off This Weekend
Break out your 10-gallon hat and dust off your boots, it’s time to get back in the saddle again. After two years, the Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo is returning this month with even more excitement than usual as this is the event’s 100th year.
A full slate of celebrations kicks off this Saturday, May 14. Between 7 and 10 a.m., the Alameda County Firefighters are holding their pancake breakfast at the San Miguel fire station with the proceeds benefitting the ALCO Firefighters charity fund. Then at 10 a.m., the Rowel Ranch Rodeo Parade hits the middle of town. More than 60 entries are expected to march up and down Castro Valley Boulevard between Nunes Avenue and Redwood Road. The procession will include traditional entries such as the Alameda County Sherriff’s Mounted Posse, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Aahmes Shriner’s as well as business-oriented floats and banners from Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps, Shamrock Realtors, and Body Mechanix Fitness.
Marching bands from Castro Valley High School, Wells Middle School, the Pride of Hayward High, the Prince Charles Pipe Band, and the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs Activities League Rhythm Cadets Drumline will provide some toe-tapping music. And be sure to wave to the students from Palomares Elementary and Marshal Elementary, as well as the winners of the Art and Essay Contest as they pass by.
Car enthusiasts should keep an eye out for classic cars from the Bay Area Mustang Association, Forrest Hills Park, Alfred Meadows, and the Perry family. Several traditional Mexican charro and charra riders will be on hand for equestrian fans. Sports nuts can enjoy the wagon full of Castro Valley Little League players.
The big excitement for this year’s parade is the inclusion of all the candidates for Rowell Ranch Rodeo Queen. Historically, the title is chosen before the parade, but this year, the candidates will each ride in the parade with the winner being announced on Saturday, May 21.
Next weekend, festivities switch to the rodeo grounds. The Cecil Jones Cowboy Challenge BBQ & Dance will be held on Wednesday, May 18 starting at 4:00 p.m. The Cowgirl Picnic—which is a ladies-only luncheon—is scheduled for May 19 at 11 a.m. Later that Thursday at 5:00 p.m., there will be local team roping competitions.
On Friday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m., Rowell Ranch hosts 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.
Later that night, the Rockin’ Bull Bash will include some of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s best bull riders showing off their skills. The after-party will include music from Northern California independent country star, Kurt Van Meter. He’s shared the stage with icons like Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Gary Allen.
This is followed by two days of professional rodeo action beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22. Fans wanting a chance to learn firsthand about the sport of rodeo, the equipment used, and to see the animals up close can come early for the Cowboy Experience in the arena from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the Saturday and Sunday performances.
Highlights of the Centennial celebration will include lots of added awards and recognitions and a special visit from award-winning charro, Tomas Garcilazo who was the season one winner of Snoop Dog’s TBS “Go Big Show.” Along with his wife Justine and son Louie, Tomas is preserving the history of the charro and will show fans his amazing skills as a rope artist and horseman.
The rodeo takes place at the Rowell Rodeo Park off Highway 580 between Dublin and Castro Valley. Tickets are on sale now. Visitrowellranchrodeo.com for more information.