Wyoming's six largest rodeos have been canceled with organizers citing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wednesday.
The six rodeos are the Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo in late June as well the Cody Stampede, Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo in Casper, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo and Breakaway Roping, Laramie Jubilee Days and Cheyenne Frontier Days, all in July.
The organizers joined Gordon in a news conference announcing the cancellations Wednesday afternoon. They made the decision jointly, citing economics, health concerns and logistics, according to Gordon's office.
Gordon said after several weeks of meeting with the rodeo representatives, they could come up with no safe or economically viable path to hold the events.
The announcement came just hours after Gordon sent a news release announcing he was lifting restrictions on outdoor gatherings to allow up to 250 people starting June 1. To hold these events, organizers would have to adhere to social-distancing guidelines and increase sanitation.
