The Houston Rodeo, which attracts 2.5 million visitors a year, was abruptly canceled on Wednesday midway through its 20-day run due to the coronavirus outbreak, organizers said.
The event includes rodeo competitions, livestock and horse shows, farm displays and star-studded concerts as well as barbecues, retail stalls, and a fairground carnival.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and our community is our top priority,” the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo said in a statement.
“Out of precaution, the city has decided that this is the best course of action for our community… Having to close early is extremely difficult.”
About $390 million was spent at the 2019 rodeo, supporting nearly 6,000 jobs in Texas, according to official figures.
Acts booked for this year’s event included Lizzo and Gwen Stefani, both triple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriters.
“This decision has not come easily. But the health and safety of the people in our region is paramount,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.