CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

COVID, health system concerns

Stampede cancels this weekend’s Broncs & Honky Tonks Rodeo

Sep 14, 2021 | 12:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Broncs & Honky Tonks Rodeo set for this weekend has been cancelled.

The Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede board of directors made the decision based on several reasons including the area currently having the highest number of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic and the current strain on the health-care system.

“This was not an easy decision for our board of directors to make,” says Kara Brake, general manager in a statement. “Unfortunately, cases continue to rise, including those in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and ICU. We have also seen an increase in deaths over the past couple of weeks. The board felt a social responsibility to not host an event that may further contribute to these numbers.”

This year’s spring rodeo was pushed to the fall amid concerns about the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Stampede says ticket refunds will be given starting on Wednesday. Anyone with tickets can contact the Stampede office at 403-527-1234 or mhstampede@mhstampede.com.

The 2022 Broncs & Honky Tonks Rodeo will be held in the spring.

This is the second year without Broncs & Honky Tonks after the 2020 edition was eventually cancelled due to the pandemic.