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Los Fresnos CDC approves tentative funding for rodeo, livestock show

  • Updated: August 13, 2020
A cowgirl rides her horse during this past February’s Los Fresnos Rodeo. The fate of next year’s event remains in question due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Tony Vindell / LFN

By TONY VINDELL
LFN

LOS FRESNOS – The Los Fresnos Community Development Corp. recently approved funding for both the 2021 Los Fresnos Rodeo and the Cameron County Livestock Fair & Livestock Show. However, it remains to be seen if the two events will be held.

The two are held simultaneously and are scheduled to take place on Feb. 19-21 of next year. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of coronavirus cases here and elsewhere in the Rio Grande Valley, having the two events are up in limbo until a decision is made later on.

At its last meeting held on Aug. 3, the CDC approved allocating $9,000 to the livestock show & fair, and $12,500 to the rodeo in sponsorship money. The amounts were the same allocated in 2019, which were recommended by City Manager Mark Milum to stay within budget and CDC guidelines.

Valerie Arizmendi, the CCLFLS president, said its event provides thousands of dollars to participating youngsters in the form of scholarships and premium money for winning show animal entries.

At the meeting, she told the board the annual event is up in the air, adding they will wait for what the Mercedes-based Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show will decide for its 2021 event in light of today’s pandemic.

As for the 32th annual rodeo also set for next year, its situation is almost identical. The CDC allocated $10,000 for the rodeo, $1,500 for the sky boxes and $1,000 for the concert.

George Gomez, a longtime member of the rodeo committee, said they welcome the money but, at the same time, they don’t know if the event will be held considering today’s heath situation.

He said the committee will meet in November and will decide then if it will have next year’s rodeo.

Enrique Juarez, the CDC board president, made a motion to approve the funding, subject to what both organizations decide to do with their respective events.

In other action, the CDC board approved a new service agreement with the local chamber of commerce. The agreement calls for allocating $800 a month. It will take effect on Oct. 1 and run through the last day of September 2021.