This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Kids & Family

Rowell Rodeo Announces This Year's Rodeo Queen, Jordenne Burns

Castro Valley celebrates its old-west roots with an annual Chili Cook-Off and a downtown Rodeo Parade. But one of the first steps to kick off the Rowell Rodeo season is the choosing of this year's Rodeo Queen.

On a stormy, blustery, cold day, Rowell Ranch Rodeo kicked off its annual festivities at Apple Creek Farms on Crow Canyon with its traditional rodeo queen contest.

There were four contestants, every one of them a beauty and a talented horsewoman.

Each contestant was evaluated on her poise, riding ability, knowledge of the Rowell Rodeo history, and ability to speak extemporaneously.

Find out what's happening in Castro Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The evening of the contest, at the annual queen’s banquet and dance, the winner was announced. This year’s queen, Jordenne Burns, 19, lives in Placerville. She is currently a student at Folsom Lake College pursuing a degree in business and obtaining a career in the world of western fashion.

Horses have always been a part of life for Jordenne, who has competed in Western Pleasure and Reining. As a member of California High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) she also competed in pole bending and barrel racing (two popular western gymkana speed events). 

Find out what's happening in Castro Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The runners up were:

  • Samantha Materne, 22, from Castro Valley, who competes in gymkhana events and appeared at the Walnut Creek Horse Faire on Saturday, April 7, with Charles Wilhelm.
  • Elizabeth Reams-Peixoto from Castro Valley,18.  Elizabeth is from a long-time local ranching family, so horses and cattle have always been a big part of her life. She participates in team penning and sorting as well as riding for the Flying Fillies Drill Team.
  • Samantha Moore, from Brentwood, 19, began riding at the age of 3 on lead line. She rides both English and Western classes and has been competitive in gymkhana events.

Spring is definitely in the air. In another month (from May 16 through 20), Castro Valley’s Rowell Rodeo will take place. Many events lead up to the rodeo —the chili cook off on Friday May 11, an art and essay contest, and the Rodeo Parade on Saturday, May 12. More info will follow as we get closer to those events.

Castro Valley is one of the few communities in the greater East Bay that celebrates its unique cowboy history with the vibrant story of and  Rowell Ranch Rodeo. If you’ve never been before, plan to stop by and get a taste of the world of cowboys and cowgirls — it's right in your own backyard!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?