The 45th annual Kaw Valley Rodeo has been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19.
The decision came during the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association’s meeting last week.
It is not yet certain how this decision will impact the Riley County Fair and other related events, but Riley County K-State Extension Director Gary Fike tells KMAN he believes there will at least be a 4-H fair with all regular exhibits, but is uncertain what that may look like.
While nothing is finalized, it is possible the fair could include no carnival. According to Fike, a number of food vendors have already committed to participating in the fair even if there isn’t a carnival. Fike says he’s waiting on word back from Ottaway Amusements on their plans for this year’s fair.
Fike also claims that county officials, prior to Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision to give counties the authority to make decisions regarding local events, that a regular fair should be allowed to happen.
The Kaw Valley Rodeo was set to take place July 23-25 and typically features events such as bull riding and barrel racing, as well as youth events such as mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble.
No decision has been made on the rodeo for next year, but as of now, it is set to take place July 22-24, 2021.
