By Sahalie Donaldson Jun 9, 2020, 12:47pm MDT
View Article on Deseret News Site
OGDEN — Officials on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the Ogden Pioneer Days celebration and rodeo — the latest large-scale summer event called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to cancel the July event was made in consultation with the Ogden mayor and city officials.
Included among the canceled events is the Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame induction, a number of concerts, the Ogden Pioneer Days Parade, the rodeo, pageants and the Ogden Pioneer Days Horse and Hitch Parade.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to our fans, volunteers, committee, sponsors, supporters, PRCA contractors and athletes for making Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo one of the premier rodeos in the entire country,” a press release from the city states. “We look forward to being able to once again join together in large groups in our communities and celebrate all that Ogden Pioneer Days represent.”
Kashe Potter competes in bull riding at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo National Day of the American Cowboy at Pioneer Stadium in Ogden on Friday, July 21, 2017.[/caption]
Kashe Potter competes in bull riding at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo National Day of the American Cowboy at Pioneer Stadium in Ogden in this file photo from July 21, 2017. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
The pandemic also put the breaks on Salt Lake’s Days of ’47 celebration, Bountiful Handcart Days, the Deseret News Marathon and Salt Lake’s annual arts festival in June.
America’s Freedom Festival at Provo also canceled its summer events, however, organizers plan to hold a fireworks show on July 4 in honor of essential workers and first responders.
The Utah State Fair, held Sept. 10-20, is also still being held, though officials said they are closely monitoring the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and are prepared to adapt as needed.
