When you think of rodeos, New Jersey might not be the first place that comes to mind. But nestled in the farmlands of Salem County is Cowtown Rodeo, the oldest weekly professional rodeo in the United States. Established in 1929 and running weekly since 1955, this rodeo has become a beloved Garden State tradition that transports visitors straight to the Wild West every Saturday from May through September.
Cowtown Rodeo was founded by Howard Harris Sr. and his son, Stoney, as part of the Salem County Fair. After a hiatus during World War II, the rodeo returned in full force under the direction of the Harris family and continues to thrive today. The event features everything you’d expect from a classic rodeo—bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more, all in a rustic 4,000-seat arena.
Visitors to Cowtown are treated to a piece of Americana that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Philadelphia and New York City. The rodeo’s atmosphere is as authentic as it gets, complete with an opening ceremony where cowboys ride into the ring, often with the national anthem playing under a cotton-candy sky ad dusk.
Families pack the stands, eager to watch daring feats of horsemanship and rodeo skills passed down through generations.
Cowtown has garnered national attention throughout its history, even appearing on television in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it’s still a draw for top-tier cowboys and cowgirls from across the country. In fact, many of the animals used in the competitions are raised by the Harris family themselves, ensuring that Cowtown continues to be a truly homegrown operation.
If you’re ever in South Jersey on a summer weekend, this rodeo is a must-see event that mixes history, excitement, and a bit of that cowboy spirit. So, throw on some boots, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride—Cowtown Rodeo is living proof that New Jersey’s roots run deeper than you’d think!
