Going down to Cowtown – Nation’s Oldest Weekly Rodeo – in NJ!

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Mod Betty thinks it’s just so darned cool that the country’s oldest weekly rodeo is in New Jersey of all places, and not in some more cowboy-friendly state. Just look for the giant muffler man / cowboy on Route 40 and his oversized cow friend and you know you’ve arrived at Cowtown.

Started in 1929 by the Harris family, it has been continually since 1954, and as I write this the ownership is transitioning its 5th (!!) generation of family ownership.

The rodeo is held every Saturday night starting at 7:30 from the end of May to the end of September. Rodeo riders travel from states away to compete in professional rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, roping and more.

If you have no idea what these things are (like Mod Betty did) you’ll get to see all of them, up close and in person during the event.

There’s also the Cowtown Farm Market - open every Tuesday & Saturday year round (8am-4pm) for produce and meats, ready to eat treats and flea finds.

Parking is free and bench seating in the grandstand is first come first served,Bring your cash for snack bar type refreshments and there’s an all you can eat BBQ buffet at the Cowtown Cafe. If you prefer to bring your own vittles (says Cowgal Betty) you’re welcome to tailgate and BYOB within reason, please.

It’s so unusual to be able to experience rodeo first hand here on the east coast, that I just have to say Yee-haw, Jersey!

Oh and PS - Music Nerd Mod Betty has had this silly song going through her head the entire time I've been writing this (hence the title!)