On May 27, it was announced at the Governor’s press conference that six of Wyoming’s largest rodeos scheduled during the months of June and July would be canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

These cancellations include the Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo, held in late June, and the Cody Stampede, Central Wyoming Fair and PRCA Rodeo in Casper, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo and Breakaway Roping, Laramie Jubilee Days and Cheyenne Frontier Days, all of which were scheduled for July.

“This hurts. I grew up with rodeo and it is part of Wyoming’s fabric and our culture,” stated Governor Mark Gordon. “All the rodeos impacted today are fabulous events. It is with a heavy heart, and only after many long discussions with these fine folks on ways we could make large-venue rodeos work, did we realize that it just wasn’t going to be possible this year.”

“Gordon said officials at each rodeo agreed it would be impossible to proceed with the events and follow social distancing guidelines designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”

“When you look at the overall picture of things, it’s so important to protect our community,” said Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr of the Cheyenne Frontier Days cancellation. “Frontier Days is so international and we have to do what we have to protect our citizens and volunteers. We don’t know what’s going on in other countries and how other outbreaks might happen. For right now, this was the best decision to make.”

With many disappointed contestants, stock contractors, committees, sponsors, and fans, some took to social media to share their thoughts of the news including 6x PRCA World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey:

I get it. You’re tired of rodeos being cancelled, you’re angry because we want to be rodeoing and want to be making…

Posted by Sage Kimzey on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

“When it’s time, I’ll be ready to ride…We’ll get through this, because that’s what cowboys and cowgirls do.”