Houston Rodeo canceled for 2021

HOUSTON – It all started with the cancellation of Rodeo Houston 2020 and now the coronavirus has taken a complete turn in the Houston area with the announcement that the 2021 event no longer exists.

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

Rodeo officials announced that they have turned off competitions, shows and entertainment, carnival and other attractions and activities “due to the continuing health situation”.

RELATED: Houston Rodeo Announces $ 14.1 Million in Scholarships for the 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 come to love and hope for, unfortunately, it has become evident that the current health situation has not improved the degree necessary to host our event, ”said Chris Boleman, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Although this is an extremely painful decision for our Rodeo volunteers and the Rodeo community in general, we believe that this decision is in the best interest of the health and well-being of our community.”

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

Also canceled this year are the Downtown Rodeo Parade, Trail Ride activities, the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites competition and Bar-B-Que Contest World Championship. The Rodeo will be held virtually, with more details to come, according to the statement.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner released a statement about 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 visitors from around the world and provides more than $ 220 million to the local economy and valuable scholarships for young people pursuing higher education. I commend HLSR for maintaining its commitment to provide more than $ 21 million in scholarships this year to help students attend colleges and universities, despite the cancellation. I know that canceling the 2021 Rodeo was a difficult decision for President and CEO Chris Boleman and the thousands of dedicated volunteers, suppliers, workers and competitors that make the show a success. I support their decision and expect a bigger rodeo in Houston in 2022. ”

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also released a statement that said:

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“I want to commend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for protecting the health and safety of our community. The next few months are crucial to determining whether and how quickly we will be able to achieve collective immunity. I know that when it comes to canceling events like this, it is never easy – especially when there is a lot at stake for local vendors and residents who have come to depend on rodeo for scholarships, entertainment and business. The truth is that the smarter we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 now, the faster we can get back to normal, make our economy run at full steam and, again, enjoy incredible events like the rodeo, which makes us who we are. county. “