Rowell Ranch Rodeo: Time to Cowgirl Up!
photos courtesy of Phil Doyle / phildoylephoto.com
It’s getting close to Rodeo time, which means it's time to get tickets to this year’s Cowgirl Picnic.
Every year the Rowell Ranch Rodeo holds a ladies-only luncheon that honors the cowgirls in the community. The event takes place at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park's Earl Dawes Picnic Area and starts at 11:00 a.m. on May 18.
Initially started in 2012, the picnic is a time for the ladies to come together and celebrate the cowgirl spirit, with the added bonus of being served and pampered by professional local cowboys, ranchers, and firefighters.
General admission is $75. A table for six people can be reserved for $525. Any business that wishes to sponsor an entire table will get eight lunch tickets with exclusive seating and special recognition.
“It’s a wonderful lunch, and it’s so beautiful out there with the big oak trees and picnic tables,” says Janet Lemmons, owner of the Rowell Saddlery.
The luncheon is also a fundraiser to help support the Cowgirl Spirit Scholarship, which is awarded every year to any high school senior girl who exhibits strength and conviction of purpose.
“Anyone can apply. You don’t have to have a horse. The only criterion is that you truly believe in what you're doing,” Lemmons said.
The scholarship was inspired by Margaret M. Rowell, who wrote in her last will and testament that she wanted “to continue in the memory of those who have gone down the trail ahead of us ...and for those who will come after us.”
In addition to the picnic, the public is invited to attend the BBQ Axe Brew on Friday, May 12, from 5 - 9 p.m. The event replaces the chili cookoff, which did not return following the COVID pandemic.
Teams of three to four people can compete in throwing axes. The event is broken down into as many as 20 teams with a $500 dollar first prize at stake. There is a $200 second prize award and $100 for the third prize. Registration is $150 per team. The Axe event will also include a cornhole tournament with cash prizes for 2-person teams.
Promised Land Brewing Company will be supplying the beer with BBQ provided by Canyons Barbeque.
Check out the website (rowellranchrodeo.com) for more information.