Dirty Dancing

The Cowtown Rodeo in southwestern New Jersey offers riding and roping in a pastoral setting.

By: Susan Van Dongen

Watched by a veteran roper, a youngster practices roping a toy calf. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   Somewhere between "yo" and "yeee-haaa" there’s a rodeo tradition in New Jersey. That’s right.
   Way down at the bottom end of the Turnpike lies Cowtown Rodeo, which calls itself the longest-running regular Saturday night rodeo in the United States. An oversized cowboy statue stands smiling on Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township, welcoming folks to the facility owned and operated by the Harris family since 1929.

A cowboy prays before his turn in the ring. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   The present summertime Saturday night rodeo, run by Grant Harris, began in 1944. New Jersey has probably quintupled in population since then, but Cowtown is still surrounded by the pastoral landscape of Salem County in the southwestern corner of the state.

A rider prepares to mount a wary bull in the holding pen. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   Between the crowd in their cowboy hats and leather chaps and the horses grazing in the nearby fields, you’d never know Philadelphia was just 20 minutes away. The bucolic setting and easy-going, family atmosphere is a big part of the charm here.
   Cowtown cowboys won’t walk away with huge winnings like they do at rodeos in the West, but it’s a serious sporting event nonetheless. When it comes to spending quality time aboard a bucking bronco or Brahma bull, beginners need not apply. Plus, a successful night at Cowtown could help qualify the men — and women — for a shot at the nationals.

A rider and bull burst out of the chute into the ring. The average ride lasts 8 seconds. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   Unlike the large national rodeos, you can get up close to the competitors at Cowtown. After their individual events, the riders and ropers settle back in the stands to watch their opponents and friends, or wander the fairways in search of some down-home cooking. A seat near the holding pens or release chutes is the best place to watch a rider steel himself for the excitement.

After their individual events, the riders and ropers settle back in the stands to watch their opponents and support their friends. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   Incidentally, people often wonder whether the animals are injured or hurt during a rodeo. The latest statistics found that out of 187 rodeo performances last year, five-hundredths of one percent of the horses and cattle sustained injury. The humans are probably more susceptible to danger.
   The Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association has a special link to its Web site (www.prorodeo.com) that outlines more than 60 rules and regulations, which are part of its animal welfare program. The rules are enforced by professional judges on site. Veterinarians must be present as well. After all, the animals are star athletes.

The grinning cowboy welcomes visitors to Cowtown. If it looks like he should be holding a lasso, he was — until it was removed. Photo by Bryan Grigsby

   Salem resident Bob Hill, who, along with his wife, Diane, published Roundup, a rodeo picture-newspaper for many years, addresses the animal rights issues another way.
   "They eat well, have all the sex they want and only have to work eight seconds a week."
   Cowtown Rodeo is on Route 40, west of Sharpstown in Pilesgrove Township, off Exit 1 of the N.J. Turnpike, 8 miles east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Rodeo events are held Saturdays through Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10, $5 for children under 12. For information, call (856) 769-3200. On the Web: www.njsouth.com/index-cowtown.html