This year’s International Finals Youth Rodeo is only a month away. Preparations are progressing for IFYR 28.
As most of you are aware, the world’s richest youth rodeo wasn’t held a year ago.
Like so many events throughout our community, across Oklahoma and the U.S., it was put off due to COVID-19.
It became another casualty of the Coronavirus.
When I learned a year ago the IFYR wouldn’t be held like it had been for 27 consecutive years, I was really disappointed as I am sure were thousands of other people including the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority, volunteers, contestants, the IPRA and fans.
But the announcement didn’t come as a shock or as a great surprise.
Randy Gilbert, chairman of the SCCDA, told me a year ago, “We’re trying to be safety-oriented for our contestants, their families and our volunteers.”
Gilbert related the IFYR in 2019 drew contestants from 34 states and two countries.
This year’s opening date for contestants to enter was May 1.
Check-in for the rodeo begins on Friday morning, July 9 and continues through Sunday afternoon July 11.
The first performance of this year’s IFYR is set for that Sunday evening.
As I was looking this week at the Authority’s decision to cancel it last year, I saw where Gilbert issued this statement .
“After much discussion and reflection, the Board of Trustees for the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority have decided to postpone all International Finals Youth Rodeo activities until July 2021.
“The decision was not made lightly and the health of our athletes and their families, volunteers, rodeo personnel and staff is the top priority of the board during this unprecedented time.
“The IFYR is more than a rodeo, it is a family event.
“Those who have been involved through the years know the importance of the relationships, memories and opportunities fostered during rodeo week and we anticipate this to continue with the 2021 IFYR.
“To our athletes, volunteers, staff and fans know that you are in our prayers as we all face this together and we will be back next year ready to go. Watch for updates as they become available.
“We will see you next year at IFYR 2021!
Had there been an IFYR a year ago, it would have marked the 30th consecutive year for a major youth rodeo the size and scope of the IFYR to be hosted at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center dating back to when the National High School Rodeo Finals opened a three-year run from 1990-1992.
I said a year ago, I thought we’d get by this eventually and I truly believed that.
I added we could look forward to IFYR 28 in July of 2021 and that’s exactly what we are doing now.