Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cancelled for 2021

By R. Hans Miller | News Editor
Posted 2/4/21

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced Wednesday that the 2021 rodeo, which had been previously rescheduled to May, has now been cancelled outright, according to a press release from the …

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cancelled for 2021

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced Wednesday that the 2021 rodeo, which had been previously rescheduled to May, has now been cancelled outright, according to a press release from the group that organizes the event. The RODEOHOUSTON competitions, concerts and entertainment, carnival and other attractions were cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

“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 come to love and expect, unfortunately, it has become evident that the current health situation has not improved to the degree necessary 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 larger Rodeo community, we believe this decision is in the best interest of the health and well-being of our community.”

The decision was made after rodeo officials examined the current state of the pandemic and decided to make a decision in the best interest of public safety, the statement said. Last year, as the novel coronavirus first began to spread throughout the region, the rodeo was one of the first public events to be curtailed. This year’s cancellations include the associated parade, trail ride, Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition and the Wold’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. The Rodeo Run will be held virtually.

While the rodeo is cancelled, the junior livestock show and horse show for younger competitors will still be held. Those competitions will be held in March as private events with limited occupancy in accordance with state and federal guidelines, the press release said.

“The Rodeo and our volunteers are committed to continuing to provide fans with a community event that all can be proud of,” Boleman said. “We look forward to welcoming Rodeo fans back to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2022 for our 90th anniversary celebration.”

Dates for the 2022 event will be announced as soon as they are available, the release said.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was established in 1932 to support agriculture. It has evolved since then into an annual event that supports Texas youth that are interested in agriculture and showcases Western heritage. Since its inception, the rodeo has committed more than $500 million to Texas youth and education.

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