Not so fast, pard!

The Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering is the latest event to fall victim to concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effects on social gatherings. The annual event, which would have celebrated its 18th year, had originally been scheduled for July 17, 18 and 19. Following a meeting of the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering Outfit committee, however, the decision was made to cancel the event on May 21.

"The Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering Outfit committee made a very heartbreaking decision to cancel the 2020 Cowboy Gathering music and poetry event," said the committee in a statement following the decision. "This determination was not something we took lightly, weighing both the pros and cons during this difficult time we are all facing."

The Grand Encampment Gathering joins the Woodchopper's Jamboree as a longstanding annual event that has seen impacts due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. It is unknown at this time if another summer event, the Sierra Madre Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous, will also be impacted by the global pandemic and public health orders.

"This outcome was based on the concerns for the safety and well-being of our community, our performers and all of our spectators," read the statement from the committee. "We give a sincere apology to the businesses in our community and how this will impact them. Happy trails to all of you, we will meet again. In the meantime, take care."

It is expected that the Grand Encampment Gathering will return on July 16, 17, and 18, 2021. In their statement, the committee said, "We will be back, better and stronger than ever."