The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has canceled its 2021 event, citing the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is a heartbreaking decision for our leadership and was not made lightly,” Stock Show President and General Manager Brad Barnes said in a statement.
“We wanted to find a way to safely hold a Show for our 1.2 million guests, exhibitors and competitors. Unfortunately, the challenges we face to create practical and enforceable protocols and procedures to comply with COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are extremely daunting.”
Barnes also says the uncertainty of the potential for the coronavirus to spread during the upcoming flu season was another factor.
Officials say more than 30,000 animals are typically exhibited in more than 3,700 classes for horses, livestock, poultry, rabbits and ag mechanics. The 2021 show was scheduled for Jan. 15 through Feb. 6.
The only other time the stock show was cancelled was in 1943 during World War II.
Video: Why The Fort Worth Stock Show And Rodeo Won't Happen In 2021
This is a developing story, which will be updated.
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