The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will still fulfill its scholarship commitment despite the remainder of the event being canceled.
The rodeo announced that in 2020 it would offer more than $14 million in total scholarship money and more than 800 total scholarships were expected to be awarded throughout the three-week event. That money will go to junior show exhibitors and educational program grants.
Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has awarded more than $500 million in scholarship money.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo released the following statement about the cancellation Wednesday afternoon:
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.
This is the first year the event has been canceled since 1937.