When you think of Rodeo's, you are not the only one to mistakenly associate it with the Southern states of America. Due to the landscape and history of the area, a lot of people imagine Rodeo's are only held in Texas or Wyoming. However, Cowtown Rodeo is held in Southern New Jersey, a mere couple hours drive from the metropolitan of Manhattan. This is exactly what makes the events that occur here, even more interesting to photograph.
Howard Harris Sr. and his son, Howard "Stoney" Harris Jr. founded the historic "Cowtown Rodeo" in 1929. It was originally held in Woodstown, alongside Salem County fair on the original auction grounds on North Main Street; an area now known as Harris Acres. The rodeo was held annually until WWII caused the whole affair to be put on hold until 1955. It was finally reinstated when Howard Harris III came back from University, proudly carrying the 1954 National Intercollegiate All Around Rodeo Championship saddle with him. Since then, the rodeo is known as the "oldest weekly rodeo in the United States" and it is also part of the Professional Rodeo circuit. The original site of the rodeo was expanded in 1967 when a new arena with a seating capacity of 4000 was built. In comparison to rodeo's that take place in other states across the country, Cowtown definitely stands out. Whereas out in the west, rodeo and ranches are intrinsically tied into day-to-day life; Cowtown welcomes a lot more "city folk" who get dressed up for the occasion in their cowboy hats and boots. One thing that definitely stays in common in this practice is the love for involving the whole family in the event; the kids get really into dressing up. The Harris family have successfully carried on generations of tradition and hard work to keep this part of the American Dream alive.