Rodeo canceled because of outbreak

CASTRO VALLEY >> The Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo won’t go on this year, as it joins the long list of organized public gatherings that have been canceled because of the coronavirus. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association announced the cancellation on its website in a listing of dozens of rodeos across the country that won’t take place or are postponed.

“It is incredibly disappointing to come to an abrupt halt, as we are currently experiencing,” said Paul McCreary, general manager of the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District, which operates and maintains the grounds where the rodeo is held. “We’ve had to close all facilities and park amenities, including canceling classes, programs and rentals. So many families, seniors and individuals are impacted by these closures.”

McCreary noted the long partnership the park district has with the rodeo organizers. “I hope we can work out a plan for the future or later this year,” he said. A parade through Castro Valley traditionally takes place in the runup to the rodeo, which this year was set for the weekend of May 16 and 17.

“I have really mixed emotions,” said Eric Mills of Oakland’s Action for Animals, which has campaigned to ban rodeos, saying the events are cruel to animals.

Mills welcomed the cancellation, saying it will protect the horses and cattle used in the rodeo’s activities. “But I am also concerned about all the people who have invested time in this, the organizers, cowboys and vendors.”

A representative of the local nonprofit that organizes the Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo was not available for comment.

The cancellation is part of the effort to discourage large public gatherings and promote social distancing as a way to curb the spread of the coronavirus.