There’s nothing like a little friendly competition, good food, and time together outside the office! This September, the Associated Fire Protection team headed back to Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove, NJ, for our second year attending the rodeo as a team. And just like last year, it was a great night filled with plenty of excitement, laughs, and a little taste of the Wild West right here in South Jersey.
From the moment the action kicked off in the arena, there was something for everyone to enjoy. We watched talented cowboys and cowgirls take on the challenges of professional rodeo, from fast-paced barrel racing to the excitement of bull riding and bronc riding. Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or experiencing it for the first time, there’s no shortage of entertainment!
A Little Cowtown History
One of the things that makes Cowtown Rodeo such a special local attraction is its history. What started as a family tradition nearly a century ago has grown into a nationally recognized rodeo destination.
Founded in 1929 by Howard Harris Sr. and his son, Howard “Stoney” Harris Jr., Cowtown originally held its rodeo in conjunction with the Salem County Fair in Woodstown, NJ. After a break during World War II, the rodeo returned in 1955 and eventually became what is recognized today as the oldest weekly professional rodeo in the United States.
Still family-operated today, Cowtown has been keeping the spirit and traditions of the Old West alive for generations. It’s pretty special to have a piece of rodeo history right in our own backyard!
Good Food, Great Company, and a Whole Lot of Fun
Of course, no team outing is complete without good food! The crew enjoyed some delicious eats from the Lapp’s Dutch Market concession stand, followed by funnel cakes fried fresh by Salem County 4-H Association volunteers. It’s safe to say nobody went home hungry!
More importantly, the evening gave our team a chance to relax, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company outside the day-to-day routine. With team members from different departments and locations coming together, events like this are a great reminder that being part of AFP is about more than the work we do. It’s about the people we do it with.
Keeping the Tradition Going
We’re happy to make our trip to Cowtown Rodeo an AFP tradition! This was our second year attending together, and we’re already looking forward to making more memories at future outings.
At Associated Fire Protection, we work hard, but we also believe in making time to have fun, build connections, and celebrate the people who make our company what it is.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made it another memorable night. Until next year, Cowtown!
