Unleash the Thrill: Rodeo Days 2025 Edition

Don Senneville and Jim White

The practice of using broken eggshells in ground coffee isn’t just a folk tale; it effectively settles grounds and reduces acidity. This intriguing method, attributed to cowboys, raises questions about potential impacts from the ongoing egg crisis on this cherished beverage. Looking for the quintessential cup of cowboy coffee, we ventured to the Cave Creek Rodeo arena, which felt eerily empty. The vast gravel spread seemed to echo the stories of past bronc riders and announcers, all recalling contests from the “Great State of Somewhere.”

Don long harbored dreams of becoming a rodeo announcer, imagining himself reminiscing about legendary cowboys. He notes that these announcers often share anecdotes linking current riders to their predecessors. Meanwhile, we made a spontaneous stop at a Starbucks drive-thru only to discover that they don’t serve eggshell dark cowboy roast. However, Roc2 offers it, with an added twist—customers must supply their own eggs. We plan to return to the rodeo grounds when inspiration strikes.

Later, we gathered in front of Big Earl’s with family, eagerly awaiting the town’s annual parade. Surprisingly, Big Earl’s Greasy Eats served the best cowboy coffee we’ve tasted—sans eggshells. The parade, a community highlight, filled us with anticipation as we claimed our seats early. We witnessed a lively procession headed toward the parade starting gate, featuring the always-present Shriners and the Arizona Rangers. Tyler from Big Earl’s effortlessly catered to parade-goers, serving up food to a mix of locals and visitors. The honor guard finally appeared, riding beautifully adorned horses while proudly displaying our flags.

March proved to be eventful in our towns, with a hippie bus in Carefree, the cheerful singing cowboy, and marching mariachis all making an appearance. The parade included a diverse collection of locals, including marshals, sheriffs, fire personnel, and even John Deere tractors. Yet, in contrast to the revelry, the recent Miners’ Dinner at the museum raised questions about the local vibe. If rodeo clowns mingled among the festivities, was it all just good fun? We’re grateful for our diligent law enforcement present at the parade, maintaining safety in our towns.

We invite residents to share their rodeo experiences with us at The CUP via email at [email protected]