The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show has officially been canceled.
At a press conference with city, county and rodeo officials Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that because of a coronavirus case in Montgomery County, he will sign an emergency declaration for the City of Houston that will remain in place in for seven days.
The event, which was scheduled to last from March 3-22, brings in about 2.5 million people over three and generated $227 million for the city in 2019. According to the Houston Chronicle, about 566,000 people had attended events on rodeo grounds as of Monday.
Other events around Houston have also been canceled or rescheduled in the month of March.
Turner said the decision did not come easy but the health and safety of the community comes first and this decision was made to save lives.
The Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show released the following statement:
In the interest of public health, the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department have ordered the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ to close. The Rodeo will respectfully and dutifully comply with the City’s order.
The Rodeo is deeply saddened; however, the safety and well-being of our guests and our community is our top priority. Out of precaution, the City has decided that this is the best course of action for our community.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a fabric of this community since 1932. Having to close early is extremely difficult as guests, volunteers, exhibitors, rodeo athletes and entertainers look forward to the 20 days of the Rodeo each year.
We look forward to the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to continue to promote agriculture, education, entertainment and Western heritage. We will provide additional information as it becomes available. Updates will be posted at rodeohouston.com/2020.
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