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We can all remember exactly what we were doing earlier this year when Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a breaking news press conference that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was shutting down operations.

Those of us not at the rodeo, and possibly preparing to head that way, sat glued in front of the televisions with our mouths wide open, and those of us who were on the rodeo grounds were left bewildered as ticket booths began to close windows and the ferris wheels stopped turning. No Black Heritage Night celebration, no highly-anticipated Lizzo concert and no rooting and tooting it up in the name of family fun and date nights.

It was March, and the world found out just how serious COVID-19 and coronavirus was. It was powerful enough to shut down a multimillion dollar tradition and send the world into quarantine.

Well Texans, get ready to grab your boots and hats, because RodeoHouston is coming back!

HLSR announced this week its plans for the 2021 Rodeo. Originally scheduled for March 2 – 21, RODEOHOUSTON® competitions, concerts and entertainment, carnival and other attractions and activities are now scheduled for May 4 – 23, 2021, pending COVID-19 health status. The Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions will still be held in March, as previously announced.

Pre-Rodeo events, typically held in January and February, are scheduled to move as well to coincide with the May Rodeo. These events include the Downtown Rodeo Parade, Rodeo Run, Trail Ride activities, the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition, and the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Details for these events will be announced once available.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is truly a community event that Rodeo fans look forward to each and every year,” said Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO. “With the evolving health situation, we have made the decision to move the 2021 Rodeo from March to May, with the exception of our Junior Livestock and Horse Show competitions, to be held as planned in March. We remain dedicated to fulfilling our mission to support Texas youth and hosting a long-time Houston tradition.”

There are no guarantees in the current environment but moving the dates of the 2021 Rodeo out by two months provides a better opportunity to host the events. Additional details surrounding the 2021 Rodeo will be shared by early March, as well as the full health and safety guidelines.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.