This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/19/us/coronavirus-rodeos.html
The article has changed 23 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| The Summer Without Rodeos | The Summer Without Rodeos |
| (3 days later) | |
| STONYFORD, Calif. — Tucked into the hard wrinkles of Northern California foothills, the one-stop-sign town of Stonyford can feel like the middle of nowhere. | STONYFORD, Calif. — Tucked into the hard wrinkles of Northern California foothills, the one-stop-sign town of Stonyford can feel like the middle of nowhere. |
| Zoe Brandenberger, one of about 200 residents, has spent most of her life in Stonyford. | Zoe Brandenberger, one of about 200 residents, has spent most of her life in Stonyford. |
| “Right when you think you’re lost,” she said while offering driving directions, “you’re about here.” | “Right when you think you’re lost,” she said while offering driving directions, “you’re about here.” |
| Stonyford could always count on a few crowded days every year during its annual three-day rodeo, when the town’s population swells into the thousands. | Stonyford could always count on a few crowded days every year during its annual three-day rodeo, when the town’s population swells into the thousands. |
| Out-of-towners stay for much of a week. Pickups, campers and trailers, paying $25 each, fill the field behind Brother Moore Arena. There are nightly dances and rodeo queens. There is a pancake breakfast and a parade. | Out-of-towners stay for much of a week. Pickups, campers and trailers, paying $25 each, fill the field behind Brother Moore Arena. There are nightly dances and rodeo queens. There is a pancake breakfast and a parade. |
| The air is filled with dust, noise and the smells of barbecue and barn animals. | The air is filled with dust, noise and the smells of barbecue and barn animals. |
| “It totally transforms this town,” said Barbara Leach, a resident. “You have traffic.” | “It totally transforms this town,” said Barbara Leach, a resident. “You have traffic.” |
| Not this year. There was no 77th Stonyford Rodeo. Not with the coronavirus. | Not this year. There was no 77th Stonyford Rodeo. Not with the coronavirus. |
| On the blue-skied spring Friday that the rodeo was supposed to start, the grandstands were empty, the chutes filled with tumbleweeds. At the Stonyford General Store, the only store in town, there were more points on the antlers of the giant elk head mounted above the register than there were customers. | On the blue-skied spring Friday that the rodeo was supposed to start, the grandstands were empty, the chutes filled with tumbleweeds. At the Stonyford General Store, the only store in town, there were more points on the antlers of the giant elk head mounted above the register than there were customers. |
| “It’s sad because we’ve always had the rodeo,” said Ms. Brandenberger, who leads the Stony Creek Horsemen’s Association, which runs the rodeo. | “It’s sad because we’ve always had the rodeo,” said Ms. Brandenberger, who leads the Stony Creek Horsemen’s Association, which runs the rodeo. |
| She looked around the empty arena, named after her father, and sighed. | She looked around the empty arena, named after her father, and sighed. |
| Around the country, but mostly in small towns in the West, hundreds of professional rodeos have been canceled — hard blows to tradition and economics. In many places, the rodeo is the biggest event on the annual calendar. | Around the country, but mostly in small towns in the West, hundreds of professional rodeos have been canceled — hard blows to tradition and economics. In many places, the rodeo is the biggest event on the annual calendar. |
| Some rodeos, like Stonyford, with $18,000 in prize money, are relatively small affairs. Some, like Cheyenne Frontier Days or the Calgary Stampede, are immense undertakings that last a week or two and, besides being daily rodeos with $1 million or more in payouts, are filled with concerts, carnivals and livestock shows. | Some rodeos, like Stonyford, with $18,000 in prize money, are relatively small affairs. Some, like Cheyenne Frontier Days or the Calgary Stampede, are immense undertakings that last a week or two and, besides being daily rodeos with $1 million or more in payouts, are filled with concerts, carnivals and livestock shows. |
| The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the governing body of about 700 annual rodeos, estimates that about half will not take place in 2020. Those still on the schedule are working with fingers crossed, some moving dates to buy more time. | The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the governing body of about 700 annual rodeos, estimates that about half will not take place in 2020. Those still on the schedule are working with fingers crossed, some moving dates to buy more time. |
| A few small rodeos in places like Woodward, Okla., and Mesquite, Texas, took place recently, but most rodeos in June are canceled. | A few small rodeos in places like Woodward, Okla., and Mesquite, Texas, took place recently, but most rodeos in June are canceled. |
| “Covid-19 has impacted the entire country, every business you can think of,” said George Taylor, chief executive of the P.R.C.A. “Our business is a representation of that, but also represents a loss of community — something that brings these small towns together.” | “Covid-19 has impacted the entire country, every business you can think of,” said George Taylor, chief executive of the P.R.C.A. “Our business is a representation of that, but also represents a loss of community — something that brings these small towns together.” |
| Rodeo holds a unique spot in the American sports landscape. Golf, NASCAR, even the professional bull riding tour have resurrected made-for-television events from sequestered locations, mostly without fans. The N.B.A., N.H.L. and Major League Soccer are among those creating plans to quarantine teams all together to resume games far from their home arenas and stadiums. | Rodeo holds a unique spot in the American sports landscape. Golf, NASCAR, even the professional bull riding tour have resurrected made-for-television events from sequestered locations, mostly without fans. The N.B.A., N.H.L. and Major League Soccer are among those creating plans to quarantine teams all together to resume games far from their home arenas and stadiums. |
| Rodeos are different. They are not a league, but a loose coalition of community events, usually run by nonprofit organizations and volunteers. | Rodeos are different. They are not a league, but a loose coalition of community events, usually run by nonprofit organizations and volunteers. |
| The point is the place. | The point is the place. |
| You cannot move the Pendleton Round-Up to Texas from Oregon. Cheyenne Frontier Days cannot be held at Walt Disney World. Stonyford Rodeo cannot be moved to someplace else. | You cannot move the Pendleton Round-Up to Texas from Oregon. Cheyenne Frontier Days cannot be held at Walt Disney World. Stonyford Rodeo cannot be moved to someplace else. |
| “We wouldn’t have a town without a rodeo,” said Dale Seidel of Burwell, Neb., where Nebraska’s Big Rodeo has been the big annual event since 1921. | “We wouldn’t have a town without a rodeo,” said Dale Seidel of Burwell, Neb., where Nebraska’s Big Rodeo has been the big annual event since 1921. |
| While the Nebraska Sandhills and nearby Calamus Lake are draws to Burwell, nothing is a booster shot like the rodeo. This year’s event, scheduled July 22-25, is still on, for now. | While the Nebraska Sandhills and nearby Calamus Lake are draws to Burwell, nothing is a booster shot like the rodeo. This year’s event, scheduled July 22-25, is still on, for now. |
| “You put 20,000 people through a 1,000-people town, it is Christmas time for the businesses in Burwell,” Mr. Seidel said. | “You put 20,000 people through a 1,000-people town, it is Christmas time for the businesses in Burwell,” Mr. Seidel said. |
| In late May, when Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming tearfully announced the cancellation of July’s Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time in its 124-year history, he was surrounded by representatives of other canceled Wyoming rodeos. They were socially distanced, wearing masks and cowboy hats. | In late May, when Gov. Mark Gordon of Wyoming tearfully announced the cancellation of July’s Cheyenne Frontier Days for the first time in its 124-year history, he was surrounded by representatives of other canceled Wyoming rodeos. They were socially distanced, wearing masks and cowboy hats. |
| At least one went rogue. On Mother’s Day, a crowd estimated at 1,800 disobeyed stay-at-home orders and showed up to a rodeo (not sanctioned by the P.R.C.A.) in Cottonwood, Calif. It drew the ire of county officials and Gov. Gavin Newsom. | At least one went rogue. On Mother’s Day, a crowd estimated at 1,800 disobeyed stay-at-home orders and showed up to a rodeo (not sanctioned by the P.R.C.A.) in Cottonwood, Calif. It drew the ire of county officials and Gov. Gavin Newsom. |
| Mr. Taylor worries that, like restaurants or stores on Main Streets across the country, some rodeos will close permanently, too. | Mr. Taylor worries that, like restaurants or stores on Main Streets across the country, some rodeos will close permanently, too. |
| “Covid-19 is forever going to leave a mark on rodeo,” Mr. Taylor said. “Whether it’s the loss of some rodeos, whether it’s businesses that were impacted, whether it’s the number of cowboys that have to go find something else to do, and then don’t ever come back.” | “Covid-19 is forever going to leave a mark on rodeo,” Mr. Taylor said. “Whether it’s the loss of some rodeos, whether it’s businesses that were impacted, whether it’s the number of cowboys that have to go find something else to do, and then don’t ever come back.” |
| Lost rodeos are big blows to the 5,000 registered cowboys and cowgirls who compete each year, including bronc riders, steer wrestlers, calf ropers, bull riders and barrel racers. | Lost rodeos are big blows to the 5,000 registered cowboys and cowgirls who compete each year, including bronc riders, steer wrestlers, calf ropers, bull riders and barrel racers. |
| P.R.C.A. rodeos handed out $60 million in prize money in 2019. That sum is likely to be cut by more than half in 2020. And shutdowns may be even harder on stock contractors, those who breed, raise and supply the animals to ride, wrestle and rope. | P.R.C.A. rodeos handed out $60 million in prize money in 2019. That sum is likely to be cut by more than half in 2020. And shutdowns may be even harder on stock contractors, those who breed, raise and supply the animals to ride, wrestle and rope. |
| But the broader worry is on the network of rodeos themselves. | But the broader worry is on the network of rodeos themselves. |
| The precautions and shutdowns can feel overblown to people involved in rodeo. Many are in rural areas with few cases of the virus. They tend to lean conservative. | The precautions and shutdowns can feel overblown to people involved in rodeo. Many are in rural areas with few cases of the virus. They tend to lean conservative. |
| “We have people calling the office going, ‘What, there’s no rodeo this weekend?’” said Tina Tonascia, chief operations officer for the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo in California. | “We have people calling the office going, ‘What, there’s no rodeo this weekend?’” said Tina Tonascia, chief operations officer for the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo in California. |
| The rodeo moved to September from its usual slot in late May. | The rodeo moved to September from its usual slot in late May. |
| While the biggest rodeos are canceled, most smaller ones are desperate to make them happen. Often run by nonprofit organizations — another difference from most sports — they are a major fund-raising mechanism across small towns. | While the biggest rodeos are canceled, most smaller ones are desperate to make them happen. Often run by nonprofit organizations — another difference from most sports — they are a major fund-raising mechanism across small towns. |
| Volunteer fire departments might host a pancake breakfast. High schools might make proceeds from parking cars. Youth sports leagues might hold raffles or sell tacos or hot dogs. | Volunteer fire departments might host a pancake breakfast. High schools might make proceeds from parking cars. Youth sports leagues might hold raffles or sell tacos or hot dogs. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| The Santa Maria rodeo takes place over four days, but Ms. Tonascia calls it “a six-week rodeo” full of fund-raisers, golf tournaments and promotions. The biggest is the contest for the rodeo queen. Area nonprofit organizations nominate a teenage girl, and whichever organization raises the most money wins the crown. Last year, Ms. Tonascia said, four organizations collectively raised $800,000. | The Santa Maria rodeo takes place over four days, but Ms. Tonascia calls it “a six-week rodeo” full of fund-raisers, golf tournaments and promotions. The biggest is the contest for the rodeo queen. Area nonprofit organizations nominate a teenage girl, and whichever organization raises the most money wins the crown. Last year, Ms. Tonascia said, four organizations collectively raised $800,000. |
| Come rodeo week, the sold-out grandstands hold 35,000 over four days. Around 300 R.V.s fill a temporary campground on the grounds. More than 300 cowboys and cowgirls compete for about $100,000 in prizes. | Come rodeo week, the sold-out grandstands hold 35,000 over four days. Around 300 R.V.s fill a temporary campground on the grounds. More than 300 cowboys and cowgirls compete for about $100,000 in prizes. |
| The rodeo organization has 70 committees and more than 500 volunteers. When it postponed the rodeo, it changed this year’s theme. It was “Experience It.” Now it is “Hope.” | The rodeo organization has 70 committees and more than 500 volunteers. When it postponed the rodeo, it changed this year’s theme. It was “Experience It.” Now it is “Hope.” |
| “When you talk about loss, financially, you can’t even begin to add up the numbers,” Ms. Tonascia said. “What have we lost emotionally? What have we lost as a community? I mean, we’ve been doing this 77 years.” | “When you talk about loss, financially, you can’t even begin to add up the numbers,” Ms. Tonascia said. “What have we lost emotionally? What have we lost as a community? I mean, we’ve been doing this 77 years.” |
| Up the Central California coast, each July, Salinas holds the state’s biggest rodeo. “Big Week,” as organizers call it, has an annual economic impact of $11 million, according to one study, and donates about $500,000 to local charities. | Up the Central California coast, each July, Salinas holds the state’s biggest rodeo. “Big Week,” as organizers call it, has an annual economic impact of $11 million, according to one study, and donates about $500,000 to local charities. |
| When it became apparent that the coronavirus would not be just a short interruption for American culture, the 110th Rodeo Salinas looked for more time. | When it became apparent that the coronavirus would not be just a short interruption for American culture, the 110th Rodeo Salinas looked for more time. |
| Moving a rodeo is a logistical feat, a juggling of cowboys, contractors, concerts, carnivals, seasonal weather and other local events. Rodeo Salinas landed in early October. | Moving a rodeo is a logistical feat, a juggling of cowboys, contractors, concerts, carnivals, seasonal weather and other local events. Rodeo Salinas landed in early October. |
| “Without it, we’re looking at a real loss, not just for the tradition — it’s like a reunion for the whole town — but also the opportunity for the nonprofits,” said Tim Baldwin, a Rodeo Salinas board member. | “Without it, we’re looking at a real loss, not just for the tradition — it’s like a reunion for the whole town — but also the opportunity for the nonprofits,” said Tim Baldwin, a Rodeo Salinas board member. |
| Hundreds of other rodeos have flung their hopes all the way to 2021. | Hundreds of other rodeos have flung their hopes all the way to 2021. |
| In Stonyford, on the day that this year’s rodeo was supposed to start, Ms. Brandenberger stood in the rodeo office, surrounded by photos and posters of rodeos past. | In Stonyford, on the day that this year’s rodeo was supposed to start, Ms. Brandenberger stood in the rodeo office, surrounded by photos and posters of rodeos past. |
| On a table was a stack of this year’s unused poster, bright orange signs that would have been placed all over the county. | On a table was a stack of this year’s unused poster, bright orange signs that would have been placed all over the county. |
| On the announcer’s box above the rodeo arena, facing the two-lane road that cuts through town, was a beacon of uncertainty. | On the announcer’s box above the rodeo arena, facing the two-lane road that cuts through town, was a beacon of uncertainty. |
| “STONYFORD RODEO,” the large painted-red sign read in white letters, along with “MAY” and a white dash. | “STONYFORD RODEO,” the large painted-red sign read in white letters, along with “MAY” and a white dash. |
| Until this year’s rodeo was canceled, it read “MAY 1-3.” | Until this year’s rodeo was canceled, it read “MAY 1-3.” |
| Now it just says “MAY,” a fitting message of doubt and hope. | Now it just says “MAY,” a fitting message of doubt and hope. |