As the nation’s oldest weekly running rodeo, the New Jersey Cowtown Rodeo kicked off its new season Memorial Day weekend. Every Saturday night from now through the end of September, visitors to the rodeo on Route 40 in Pilesgrove will witness professional rodeo events such as bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more. Gates open at 6 p.m., and all events start at 7:30 p.m. each week.
Two all-bull riding events include Xtreme Bulls on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, and a PBR Challenger Series on Oct. 4.
According to an NJ Advance Media report, the Cowtown Rodeo began in 1929 through the efforts of Howard Harris and his son Howard “Stoney” Harris Jr. The father and son duo hosted a rodeo in Woodstown, a short distance from the rodeo’s location in Pilesgrove. In 1955, the rodeo became a weekly event. An arena seating 4,000 people was built in 1967.
In addition to the rodeo, Cowntown also hosts an indoor and outdoor farmers market and flea market, open throughout the year every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The rodeo’s website notes that the rodeo attracts thousands of people every summer to witness all the professional rodeo action. Visit the site to purchase tickets and find more information.
