SUNDRE - The Sundre Pro Rodeo has for the first time in four decades been cancelled, with an organizer citing the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason.
“We moved to August in 2013, the year the river flooded so bad, but it’s never been cancelled,” said Shane Crouch, the president of Sundre Rodeo and Race Association.
“It definitely was not an easy decision,” said Crouch.
“I’ve been staying awake at night worried about it and trying to figure out what the right answer was,” he said.
The board collectively came to the consensus that it could not in good conscience seek donations and sponsorships in light of lingering doubts about whether restrictions would be eased enough in time for the annual event to proceed later in June, he said.
“There was no way that we could ask patrons and our longtime sponsors for any money at this time. We just didn’t think it was right asking anybody for money,” he said.
“With the pandemic happening, and there’s so much uncertainty in the world, we don’t have any of the answers.”
Because of social distancing efforts and a maximum limit of 15 people at events or gatherings, the association simply was not in a position to proceed, he said.
Another big factor was the recent decision to cancel the annual parade, which goes hand in hand with the rodeo, he said.
“Every band dropped out just for the simple fact they’re not able to get together and practise,” he said.
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Many rodeo competitors are also from the U.S., creating further uncertainty over whether the border would be opened back up in time, he said.
And once restrictions are eased or lifted, Crouch wondered how long it would be before people would even feel comfortable enough coming out to packed events.
So the association will bide its time and consider plans to hopefully carry on the rodeo’s 41st anniversary in 2021 and make it the best and biggest yet, he said.
Crouch, who also sits on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's board of directors, said 16 pro rodeos have been cancelled across the country, with another four postponed.
Efforts to hold the Sundre Pro Rodeo later this fall fell through due to scheduling conflicts with stock contractors, he said.
However, for the time being, organizers remain cautiously optimistic that Bulls and Wagons in August might yet go ahead, he said.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the decades of unwavering community support, Crouch said the association is considering contributing something back.
“With the community giving so much to us over the last 40 years, we’re going to donate some funds back into the community,” he said, adding details were just being worked out and would be announced at a later date.
“Everybody gives to us, so we’re going to try to reciprocate that this year.”
