Coronavirus

Operating continuously since 1955, coronavirus wreaks havoc on historic N.J. rodeo

Posted May 28, 2020

By Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

As the sun begins to set on a warm Saturday night, the parking lot starts to fill with cars from New York and Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia. ... There would be plenty from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, too. ... Families from near and far had come to see real cowboys and cowgirls in action.

Held from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September for decades, the Cowtown Rodeo is the place to be for an up-close-and-personal look at bull riding, steer wrestling and much more.

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Located on Route 40 in Pilesgrove, the Cowtown Rodeo is a fixture in Salem County. It was started in 1929 by Howard "Stoney" Harris Jr. in conjunction with the Salem County Fair and held annually until 1937. World War II caused it to be put on hold until 1955.

This year marks its 66th consecutive season, which was scheduled to kick off May 23. But due to the coronavirus outbreak, the longest-running weekly professional rodeo in the United States is in serious jeopardy. ... Its first three weekends were canceled and the possibility exists for more.

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Kevin Minnick may be reached at kminnick@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.