Youth competitions will still go on in March.
Despite rescheduling and earlier announcements otherwise, officials have ultimately decided to cancel the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo due to the circumstances of the pandemic. [Featured image: @ledoc via Unsplash]
“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 HLSR president and CEO, Christ Boleman, in a press release.
“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,” said Boleman
Following state and local public health guidelines, The Junior Livestock and Horse Show will proceed in March, while the Junior Market Auctions and Champion Wine Auction will follow in May.
“Throughout these uncertain times, we have remained committed to upholding our mission and our support of Texas youth and education,” said Boleman. “We are proud to host Texas 4-H and FFA members, as well as the Horse Show exhibitors, who will all be participating this March. And, thanks to the support of our 35,000 dedicated volunteers, we were able to commit nearly $21.7 million in 2021 educational support.”
“I know that canceling the 2021 Rodeo was a difficult decision for President and CEO Chris Boleman and the thousands of dedicated volunteers, vendors, workers, and competitors who make the show successful,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I support their decision and look forward to a bigger Houston Rodeo in 2022.”