Saddle Up for This Year's Rowell Ranch Rodeo and Parade

By Janet Lemmons,

Due to the planning of Harry and Maggie Rowell, the rodeo grounds are now owned and maintained by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.

In 1978, a non-profit corporation was formed, in compliance with Maggie’s wishes to assure the continuation of rodeo as a living legend in Dublin Canyon. 

The Rowell Ranch Rodeo Executive Board was formed with six members. Today seven executive Board members continue to oversee the yearly management and production of the annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo and Rowell Ranch Jr. Rodeo. 

The Rowell Ranch Rodeo Advisory Committee consists of more than 80 men and women; ranchers, businessmen, professional, and tradesmen. Every year they spend countless hours preparing for the annual event. Planning out every aspect of the rodeo in detail, including parking, concessions, security, sponsors, and awards. 

During the rodeo they move livestock, time events, pull gates and feed stock, not to mention organizing all the functions that precede the rodeo itself including: the Special Rodeo, an event that gives persons with developmental disabilities a chance to experience rodeo events in the arena, Armed Forces Day, supporting the statewide organization ‘Operation Mom’, and Tough Enough to Wear Pink, breast cancer awareness, and fund-raiser.

The task of producing a successful professional rodeo is an extensive undertaking and wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Hayward Rotary, Castro Valley Rotary, Castro Valley Breakfast Lions Club, and numerous volunteers.

Generations of families and rodeo fans continue to carry out the heartfelt wishes of Harry and Maggie Rowell.

92nd ANNUAL ROWELL RANCH RODEO 2012 Schedule of Events

• Friday, May 11 — Chili Cook-Off, , 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 12 — Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade, Castro Valley Boulevard, 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 16 — Celebrity Team Penning, Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, 4 p.m.
• Thursday, May 17 — , Early Dawes Picnic Area 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Local Team Roping, Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, 5 p.m.
• Friday, May 18 — "Rockin' Bull Bash," Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, 7 p.m.
• Saturday May 19 — 92nd Annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, Gates open at 10 a.m. Grand entry is at 1:30 p.m.

1. “Special Rodeo” for challenged kids, 10 a.m.
2. “Cowboy Experience," 12-1 p.m.
3. “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Performance, 1:30 p.m.
   
4. BBQ and Dance, 5 p.m. at Earl Dawes Picnic Area

• Sunday, May 20 — Cowboy Church, 9:30 a.m. at Earl Dawes Picnic Area and “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Performance (wear pink to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness) at 1:30 p.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. Grand entry is at 1:30 p.m.