On November 5, 2020, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced its commitment to the 2021 Junior Livestock Show, supporting the Rodeo’s mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth. In order to safely host a livestock competition and follow the health and safety guidelines, the 2021 Livestock Show will focus primarily on the Junior Show and select Youth Show events, foregoing its mostly adult-focused Open Show. The changes taking place including keeping the livestock and horse shows in place for March and moving all other activities to May. 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 are planning for participants to be able to compete in the 2021 Houston Livestock Show Junior Show, following the necessary health and safety protocols in place. Specific health and safety guidelines for Junior Show exhibitors will be posted as soon as they are finalized. Livestock entries for the 2021 Junior Show will open Nov. 15 and close Dec. 15, 2020. Junior Show competitions include Breeding Beef Heifers, Breeding Gilts, Breeding Sheep, Dairy Cattle, Market Barrows, Market Broilers, Market Goats, Market Lambs, Market Steers, and Market Turkeys. In addition, various judging competitions and contests will be held, including Ag Mechanics, Archery, Industrial Craft, Junior Commercial Steer, and Young Guns Shooting Sports and some virtual events like the Ag Science Fair and Public Speaking Contests. Youth competitions that will take place include Youth Meat Pen Rabbits, Youth Breeding Rabbit/Cavy, and Llama & Alpaca shows.
By foregoing the Open Show and focusing primarily on the Junior Show, it limits the number of participants on-site and allows event organizers to spread out Junior Show events over a longer period of time, allowing for the proper health and safety measures to be followed for the safety of exhibitors and guests.
“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.”
Additional plans for the 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as well as full health and safety guidelines, will be announced toward the end of the year. 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. The 2021 Rodeo is scheduled for May 4 – 23, 2021, pending COVID-19 health status.
Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
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