The rodeo itself begins with an impressive parade of flag bearers and contestants, all on horseback parading through the arena. There are flags of the USA, the State of New Jersey and the Cowtown Rodeo, but also flags for sponsors such as Dodge trucks, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco and Wrangler Jeans.
I had to laugh when I saw a flag for Prosport Chiropractic and another promoting the Jesus Loves Cowboys Ministries. By the end of the evening I wondered who needed the services of Prosport more, the cowboys or the cows.
While most of those in the parade are men other than the flag bearers, the rodeo does have one event that's all female. The Girls Barrel Racing features professional cowgirls race a twisting, turning course around strategically placed barrels.
In true patriotic fashion, all rise for the singing of the national anthem. Much to my dismay, I didn't see Borat come into the arena to sing his version of the Kazakhstan anthem to the tune of The Star-Spangled Banner. In fact, none of the regular attendees near me even seemed to get the Borat reference I made.