Courtesy of Cowtown Rodeo
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It first kicked up its heels more than 90 years ago, but Cowtown Rodeo remains one of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets. Said to be the nation’s longest-running weekly rodeo, this Western-style slice of Americana is now run by fourth-generation proprietor Howard Grant Harris and his wife, Betsy.
In keeping with tradition, the rodeo consists of seven classic competitions: bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle-bronc riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping and barrel racing. The rodeo still raises most of their livestock, too; the horses seen today are the grandchildren of those that pawed the turf here in the early 1970s.
Cowtown Rodeo takes place every Saturday night from Memorial Day weekend to the end of September. Gates to the 4,000-seat arena open at 6 pm; the show starts at 7:30 and typically ends around 10. Parking is free, and tailgating is permitted. Arrive early to browse the neighboring Cowtown Farmers Market, open year-round every Tuesday and Saturday, 8 am-4 pm.
780 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove, 856-769-3200