Cow Palace Arena Hosts 70th Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show & Rodeo. For 70 years the iconic Cow Palace Arena & Event Center has been celebrating the old west and inspiring youth to take part in the agriculture industry through their annual Grand National Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo event.
From top to bottom, the Cow Palace is filled with the ultimate western experience including an agriculture exhibition, a professional Rodeo in partnership with the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), and a classic western marketplace – including mechanical bull rides, live music, BBQ, shopping, and more. The family-friendly event takes place all day over two action packed weekends on Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22, 2016. Although tickets must be purchased for the Grand National Rodeo in the main arena, the Livestock Exposition, Horse Show, Interactive Agricultural Area, and Marketplace are FREE to the public.
“Our team has been working hard to make the 70th year of the Grand National amazing! We are excited about all the new things we are incorporating into the event this year including “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” day, in support of breast cancer awareness; and our Military Day has expanded to partner with organizations that provide services for Veterans. We’re even renewing wedding vows for a couple that was married at the Grand National 20 years ago, and partnering with the historic 7 Mile House restaurant to host a Cow Palace Burger eating contest! Make sure to come join the fun there will be lots to see!”, shares Cow Palace CEO Lori Marshall.
The Rodeo, produced for the past 47 years by Cotton Rosser and the Flying U Rodeo Co., features traditional rodeo events, including bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing to name a few. An annual highlight for the rodeo community is the contest for ‘Miss Grand National Rodeo Queen’, a title that is held for one year to serve as a good-will ambassador for the sport of Rodeo.
During the livestock exposition, real farm equipment and animals are on site with interactive displays to learn about how food is grown. Exhibitors will show cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and rabbits, along with photography and fine art inspired by agriculture and western lifestyle.
Schools are able to bring students to the agriculture fair for “Kids at the Palace”, a free event during the day on Friday, October 14 and must reserve their spot ahead of time (contact media@cowpalace.com for reservations). Space is still available for vendors in the Western Marketplace, and businesses interested in becoming an event sponsor can contact the Cow Palace for more information. Pre-sale tickets to the rodeo are now on sale and range from $12- $42. Tickets can be purchased on the Cow Palace website (cowpalace.com). For more details contact info@cowpalace.com or call 415-414-4100.
FULL EVENT SCHEDULE:
Friday Oct. 14 – Opening Day
Kids at the Palace (scheduled school tour)
Open/Junior Livestock Show
Color Guard & Drill Team
PRCA Rodeo
Saturday Oct. 15 – Cattleman’s Day
Open/Junior Livestock Show
Classic Barrel Racing
Lunch At The Palace – Cowgirl Luncheon
Livestock Person of the Year Banquet
PRCA Rodeo
Sunday Oct. 16
Open/Junior Livestock Show
Classic Barrel Racing
Monday Oct. 17
AQHA Ranch Horse
Versatility & Ranch Riding
Thursday Oct. 20
NCA Dog Trials
Friday Oct. 21 – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day
NCA Dog Trials
PRCA Rodeo
Saturday Oct. 22 – Military Day
Team Penning Super Stakes
ARBA Rabbit Show
PRCA Rodeo
Cow Palace Burger Eating Contest w 7 Mile House
Sunday Oct 23
RSNC Ranch Sorting & Championships
ARBA Rabbit Show