Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has canceled its 2021 show and competition due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, according to its social media page.
According to Brad Barns, President and General Manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show’s executive committee deemed it necessary to cancel the 2021 stock show and rodeo.
“The Coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside down. Everything we do from how we work, socialize, educate our children, see our doctor, and even how we interact with our family and friends has changed,” he said in a video posted to social media. “This was a heartbreaking decision for our leadership and was not made lightly.”
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has been canceled only once before in its 124-year history – during World War II, in 1943.
“Then as now, the stock show was canceled in an effort to overcome an enemy common to all Americans,” he said. “Today’s enemy is invisible and very deadly, having taken the lives of more than 210,000 Americans.”
As there are more than 1.2 million guests, exhibitors and competitors visiting the stock show during the 23-day show, Barns said there’s a chance for the virus to spread beyond North Texas – “especially in the midst of flu season.”
“Short term gain is no substitute for the long term well being of our many loyal exhibitors, guests, their families and the community at large,” Barns said. “Canceling the stock show’s a very difficult and painful decision, but a prudent one when taking all factors into consideration.”
Barns said the stock show, as everyone will miss Fort Worth’s largest and oldest public event in 2021, will return for another century and beyond.
“We’ll see you in 2022 for what will be the best Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo ever,” he said. “Thank you for your support and remember, this thing is legendary. God bless America.”
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