Rotary Club postpones Rotary Classic Rodeo

Due to public health and safety concerns, the Starkville Rotary Club announced on Monday that the club will reschedule their annual Rotary Classic Rodeo later in the year than the previously announced dates of February 12-13 at the Mississippi Horse Park.

Starkville Rotary Club President Grant Arinder said the club’s decision to reschedule the annual rodeo was not an easy one to make.

“The Rotary Classic Rodeo has for a number of years been our primary annual fundraising activity and this is not a decision we made lightly,” said Arinder. “The proceeds of the rodeo fund our many philanthropies in this community, and it is also a familyoriented event that children enjoy.”

Arinder said that club members had concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and believed that it is in the overall community’s best interest to reschedule the event at a time when the infection numbers are lower and there are fewer risks.

“Our sponsors and the public have embraced this event for many years, and we look forward to resuming our work in raising money to support local youth development, educational activities, Scouting, and other worthy causes,” said Arinder. “But like everyone else, we will look to public health officials and elected officials for guidance on when holding the rodeo is a safe proposition.”

Arinder expressed the club’s appreciation to the Mississippi Horse Park staff for their flexibility in working with the club.

“Bricklee Miller and her staff are always great partners in this event, and we appreciate having this marvelous venue,” Arinder said.

Go to www.rodeo.starkvillerotary.org for more information on the Starkville Rotary Club Rodeo’s status.