ABBYVILLE, Kan. — The Abbyville Frontier Days Rodeo has announced that they are still going to Kick Open the Chutes this Friday and Saturday. Based on the decision of the county commission and after consulting with the Reno County Health Department, the rodeo will go on as planned. “We recognize that feelings about COVID-19 vary greatly,” said Rod Bergkamp, Abbyville Booster Club president. “We encourage people to act responsibly. We will have hand sanitizing stations available and we encourage social distancing when possible.”
The booster club had previously announced that the Saturday noon meal and BBQ had been cancelled. The concession stand will serve pre-packaged items. The rodeo is well-known for its pie. It will continue to be served in closed plastic containers as in the past. Condiments will be available in packets instead of a bottle that everyone uses.
“We’re going to celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans this weekend,” said Bergkamp. “Face masks are welcome but will not be required. If you don’t feel comfortable in coming to the rodeo, we certainly understand and would encourage you to choose another activity where you feel comfortable or to stay home.”
The vast majority of fans attending the rodeo are Reno County residents. The Abbyville City Council has requested that the temperature be taken for all rodeo contestants since they would be coming from other areas of the state and country. “We’re going to try to make the environment as safe as possible for all those who choose to attend,” said Bergkamp.
The rodeo will start at 8:00 p.m. both nights with a goat roping and ranch rodeo during the day on Saturday. Friday night fans are asked to join the booster club in showing support for our local law enforcement by wearing blue.