Another renowned Calgary Stampede attraction has been stomped into the ground for 2021.
Cowboys Music Festival has officially been cancelled due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, less than a month before gates open. The team, however, already has their sights set on Stampede 2022.
Today, Cowboys Dance Hall announced the decision to cancel the festival.
“This announcement breaks our hearts and we are as saddened about this as you are,” Cowboys Dance Hall said in a statement.
The tent would have been celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The team concluded that they would not be able to provide the true cowboys experience, after exhausting all options and efforts to make the festival safe during COVID-19.
“We need to get back to visiting and gathering with our family and friends. Our healthcare and frontline workers need a break. This list could go on and on,” the statement said.
“There are so many priorities that come before us, and we know that. There are still more important hurdles to clear in our collective efforts to get back to normal, before we bring CMF back to you.”
The decision has seen a large amount of support by those on Twitter, despite missing live music
Cowboys has promised to make the music festival for Stampede 2022 “bigger than ever”.
Praise from the mayor
During a Neighbour Day media briefing Thursday, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi was asked about the Cowboys decision and its connection to a Calgary Stampede celebration.
“A sentence that I’m not sure I ever thought I’d say, but wow, Cowboys statement on this was pitch perfect,” the mayor said.
“It was the statement about what really matters in the community. When I got to the point where they said, essential workers need a break, that was the point where I lost it.
“I just want to say thank you to them for being very thoughtful corporate citizens.”
While the mayor backpatted the Cowboys decision, he said it’s up to other businesses and individuals to make their own decision this upcoming Stampede season. The mayor believes the Calgary Stampede is going above and beyond to ensure the safety of guests.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations over the last few days with other governments on the issue of the Stampede and I’m very confident that the Stampede is going to put on the safest show they possibly can,” he said.
Mayor Nenshi reminded Calgarians that if they do go Stampeding, to be safe.
“Keep your distance. Wash your hands. Wear your mask wherever you can – all those good things you’ve been doing all this time,” he said.
The Calgary Stampede begins July 9. A safe parade will be held beginning at 8 a.m. July 9. Calgarians can view the parade live on Global Calgary.
Katari Right Hand from the Siksika First Nation was named as the 2021 Calgary Stampede parade marshal this year.
