When I learned last week the International Finals Youth Rodeo isn’t going to be held this summer, it didn’t come as a shock or a surprise.
Of course I am disappointed as are thousands of other people including the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority, volunteers, contestants, the IPRA and fans.
It’s understandable with the circumstances caused by COVID-19 in the U.S. and around the world. There is too much uncertainty and a decision, as difficult as it may have been to make, had to be made.
We can chalk up what would have been IFYR 28 this summer as another casualty of the Coronavirus.
Randy Gilbert, chairman of the SCCDA, told me that during a special virtual-held meeting last week the Authority agreed to postpone the IFYR this year and hold the next one in 2021.
“We’re trying to be safety-oriented for our contestants, their families and our volunteers,” he said.
Gilbert related that last year’s IFYR drew contestants from 34 states and two countries.
Normally the opening date for contestants to enter is April 1 each year. He informed me last week the Authority earlier already moved that back to May 1 so no entries had been submitted before last week’s action by the Authority.
He sent along this statement to me regarding the Authority’s decision.
“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 an event it is a family. 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!
This would have been the 28th consecutive year for the IFYR since it originated in 1993.
It would have been 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.
This is a smart decision on the part of the Authority.
It will be painful for many of those businesses that have counted on the revenue, including local and area retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, feed stores and so many others like the IFYR trade show vendors.
The board’s priority obviously was the safety for anyone involved with what is considered the world’s richest youth rodeo and that includes the thousands of spectators who visit each year.
We’ll get by this eventually and we’ll be OK I believe.
And we can look forward to IFYR 28 in July of 2021.