The Cody Stampede Rodeo is cancelled.
In a joint statement released today, and in conjunction with Governor Gordon, Cody Stampede Rodeo announced its closure for the 2020 Summer season, along with the state’s 5 other largest rodeos – Cheyenne Frontier Days, Laramie Jubilee Days, the Sheridan Wyo Rodeo, the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, and the Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous – in order to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.
A statement released by the Governor’s office says this decision was made after several weeks of evaluation, discussions, and considerations of every possible scenario, in conjunction with representatives from all 6 rodeos. It was clear that there was no safe or economically viable path forward at this time for these events.
To quote Governor Gordon: “The health and safety of our fans, volunteers, contestants and first responders is our primary concern. I know what this means for rodeo, for our communities and to Wyoming’s summer. The financial and emotional impacts are immense. But it’s the right thing to do. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure smaller rodeos and events will still be able to occur.”
This is a breaking news story and more details will follow shortly. You can find more information and a statement from the Cody Stampede Rodeo and the other state rodeos released by Travel Wyoming:
