Rodeo Houston cancels for 2021

HOUSTON It all started with the cancellation of Rodeo Houston 2020, and now the coronavirus has reached its full circle in the Houston area with the announcement that the 2021 event is no more.

According to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the week-long event, which has been rescheduled for May 4-23, has been canceled.

Rodeo officials have announced that they will be holding competitions, concerts and entertainment, carnival and other attractions and activities “due to the ongoing health situation”.

RELATED: Houston Rodeo Announces $ 14.1 Million Scholarship for 2021 Educational Commitment

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‘While we were optimistic that moving our Rodeo to May would provide a better opportunity to host our annual community event that Rodeo fans have fallen in love with and expected, it has unfortunately become clear that the current health situation is not up to par. degree has not improved. to host our event, ”said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “While this is an extremely heartbreaking decision for our Rodeo volunteers and the wider Rodeo community, we believe this decision is in the best interests of the health and well-being of our community.”

According to a news release, the Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions will still be held in March and the Junior Market Auctions and Champion Wine Auction will also be held in May, both as private events.

The Rodeo Parade of Downtown, Trail Ride Activities, Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites competition, and the world championship Bar-B-Que competition. The Rodeo will be held virtually, according to the release, with more details.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner released a statement on the decision, saying he fully supports it.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the most important events held in Houston every year. It is part of our Western heritage, attracts guests from around the world and offers more than a $ 220 million boost to the local economy and valuable scholarships to young people pursuing higher education. I commend the HLSR for upholding its commitment to allocate more than $ 21 million to scholarships this year to help students attend colleges and universities despite the cancellation. I know that the cancellation of the Rodeo in 2021 was a difficult decision for President and CEO Chris Boleman, and the thousands of dedicated volunteers, vendors, workers and competitors who make the show a success. I support their decision and look forward to a bigger Houston Rodeo in 2022. ”

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also issued a statement saying:

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‘I want to praise the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for protecting the health and safety of our community. The next few months are crucial to determine if and how quickly we can achieve herd immunity. I know it is never easy to cancel such events, especially when there is so much at stake for local vendors and residents who depend on the scholarship for scholarships, entertainment and business. The truth is, the smarter we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 now, the faster we can get back to normal, make our economy work at full speed, and enjoy amazing events like the Rodeo again, making us who we are a province. ‘