Taylor Rodeo Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

2020 is the unwanted gift that keeps on taking.

Today, officials with the non-profit Taylor Rodeo Association announced that their biggest annual event has been cancelled.

The Taylor Rodeo has been held every summer in Taylor, Texas since 1950, but this year the TRA is concerned about both the health and safety of visitors and low crowd sizes.

"It is with deep regret that we have decided to cancel the 2020 Taylor Rodeo," TRA President John Carter said. "We've held this event for the past 70 years and never have been forced to cancel. The uncertainties caused by the current pandemic simply make it impossible for us to plan a successful event."

Carter said the TRA is concerned about the potential harm to the public as the COVID-19 pandemic remains active during the summer.

"The health and welfare of our fellow Texans is our primary concern," he said. "We don't want anything to happen to our many loyal rodeo fans."

Carter added that restrictions on crowd size at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor wouldn't allow for crowds large enough to cover the cost of the event.

The two-day rodeo usually features live bands, food vendors, and family events in addition to the rodeo events.

Most of the proceeds go to fun the TRA's charitable efforts.

"We will miss seeing all our friends and fans, but we will be back," Carter said.

Closer to home, the 101st Belton 4th of July parade will be presented in a virtual format, with people wishing to participate submitting videos. However, the the 96th Annual  PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center is still scheduled for July 2nd-4th, as are the Backyard Party concerts at Schoepf’s on July 3rd and 4th.