New Details: Chili Cookoff on Friday, Parade and Band on Saturday

It's time for the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, a week's worth of events that promise the kind of fun and thrills that are at the heart of Castro Valley's very identity.

Chili Cook-off

Friday, May 13, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. —  at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park. Take your family to taste over 20 different chili recipes. For directions, click here.

You can buy a family package for $25 if you order online. A 22 percent discount is also available for a la carte tickets purchased online.

A new award will give families a chance to vote with their wallets for the best chili, in addition to traditional judging by a distinguished panel. The "votes" are actually donations to the Rotary Club's polio prevention program. You can see a YouTube video about that program by clicking here.

To see the chili cookoff's Facebook page for more info, click here.

To find out who's behind the scenes at the cookoff, click . You very well may know many of them.

Enjoy a laugh with Patch blogger David Ashton, who wrote "But I Don't Even Like Chili" about social behaviors at community events including the cook-off and about how Castro Valley can avoid becoming a "false-front Mayberry."

Parade

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to noon —  on Castro Valley Boulevard between San Miguel Avenue and Lake Chabot Road. The annual parade features horse teams, rodeo queens and local community groups.

The Castro Valley Community Band will play for one hour BEFORE the parade. This year (because of the new parade route) the band is in the parking lot of , between Lake Chabot Road and Wisteria Street. Come out and hear your local musicians! 

Rodeo

Wednesday, May 18, 4 p.m. — Team Penning BBQ & Dance

Thursday, May 19, 5 p.m. — Local Team Roping and Wild Cow Milking

Friday, May 20, 9 a.m. — Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Slack. 7 p.m. — Rockin’ Bull Bash PRCA Bull Riding

Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, come on out to the off of Eden Canyon. Each day features a Cowboy Experience from noon to 1 p.m.  There will be a Tri-Tip BBQ and Dance, a special-needs rodeo, and a Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day on Sunday. 

Stay tuned for more details.