After much consideration, the 47th annual Windy Ryon Memorial Roping will cancel this year due to the restrictions and effects of COVID-19. The Windy Ryon Roping was founded 47 years ago to raise money to aid in scholarships for youth in agriculture. We are proud of the contributions we have made to young men and women in 4-H, FFA, and High School Rodeo to help further their education at colleges and trade schools. This year alone, we have already committed $10,000 to Tarrant County Jr. Livestock Show, $7000 to NT High School Rodeo, and $5,000 to Boswell FFA members.
State of Texas social distancing guidelines and restrictions as of this date would prohibit spectators from attending. Prior to making the decision to cancel, we had lengthy discussions with county and state officials, and weighed all of the possibilities. There are many costs associated with producing a top-notch roping (judges, secretaries, timers, arena labor, announcers, and livestock) that simply need spectator revenue to cover.
The Windy Ryon committee has been working diligently for the last year in preparation for this years event and we know that contestants are anxious to compete in this prestigious roping. We are grateful for the understanding of the sponsors, fans, contestants, vendors, and volunteers who plan their Memorial weekend at the Windy. We held our decision as long as possible hoping for a clear path from state and local officials. Even though there is a very slight possibility that things could change in the next few weeks, we as a charitable organization could not gamble with our ability to further the educations of the youth of Texas. We understand the frustration of competitors and fans alike, but no one hates this decision more than our volunteer committee.
We are committed to continue expanding our efforts to make the 2021 Windy Ryon Memorial Roping the best ever. We hope to have some weekend ropings and barrel races this fall to utilize the arena and to help cover our scholarship commitments. Once again, the Windy Ryon Roping is first and foremost a charitable organization and we hope you will continue to support the kids.
Chute Help has donated the fully automatic chute, and we will extend the Raffle deadline to December 20, so now is the chance to purchase a ticket, support the charity, and win a $4000 Chute Help fully automatic chute just in time for Christmas. Visit https://www.windyryon.com or the Windy Ryon Facebook Page.
Thank you for understanding and we hope to see you in 2021.