Photo: Steven Ford | Ogden Pioneer Days via Facebook
Since 1934, Ogden Pioneer Days has been an annual celebration to commemorate the settlement of Ogden, Utah — as well as its strong tradition of cowboy culture, and with that, rodeo.
The Ogden rodeo has been ranked as one of the PRCA’s top outdoor rodeos and each summer draws crowds of some 30,000 to the small Utah town. Unfortunately, that will not be the case this year.
The Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo is among the latest national rodeos to announce it will not take place in 2020.
In the official press release put out this week, the rodeo committee stated:
The annual Ogden Pioneer Days Celebration and Rodeo have been canceled due to growing concerns about the health of athletes, staff and spectators. Held each July since 1934, the celebration has commemorated Utah’s statehood, as well as honor those who sacrificed so much to establish our beloved communities in the Intermountain West. Since the COVID-19 virus began its international spread, the Ogden Pioneer Days organization, along with Ogden City, have worked diligently to determine if the events could be held in a socially responsible way. After carefully reviewing all available information and considering the health and safety of the incredible fans and sponsors who have supported the event for generations, and the safety of our faithful committee members, Ogden Pioneer Days announces the following events are canceled for the summer of 2020.
• Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction: July 11
• Ogden Pioneer Days Horse and Hitch Parade: July 13
• Ogden Pioneer Days Special Kids Rodeo: July 14
• Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant (Miss Rodeo America previously canceled): July 20-24
• Ogden Pioneer Days PRCA Rodeo: July 20-24
• Ogden Pioneer Days Parade: July 24
• Any concerts associated with Ogden Pioneer Days
The Ogden Pioneer Days Committee, along with the mayor and city officials, feels that applying an abundance of caution this year is the right choice. Ogden Pioneer Days expresses gratitude to our fans, volunteers, committee, sponsors, supporters, PRCA contractors and athletes for making our rodeo one of the premier events in the country. We look forward to joining together in the summer of 2021 to continue in the celebration of the heritage of this great state.
