San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Is Still On, But Not The Carnival

This year's San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is still going on but without the carnival and fairgrounds.

Rodeo organizers announced on Thursday that the carnival is canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance, and we greatly appreciate the support and understanding of the community as we navigate these unprecedented times," Cody Davenport, executive director and CEO of the show, said in a statement. "We look forward to a successful Rodeo and livestock show in order to generate funds to educate future generations."

While disappointing, the decision is not surprising. Organizers previously announced that the rodeo would be downsized for 2021.

“This will be more of a rodeo-focused event and less entertainment-focused. Major acts are not touring and there are too many unknowns," Davenport told KSAT in December.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is still scheduled for February 11-28 at Freeman Coliseum. Asleep at the Wheel, T.G. Sheppard, and other musical acts are scheduled to perform, but most of the tickets are already gone. The rodeo is selling fewer tickets this year to keep people socially distant and to follow other local COVID-19 restrictions.

Photo: Getty Images