Lake City’s largest event of the summer, the Top Rail Saddle Club’s annual rodeo, has been cancelled due to concerns regarding COVID-19, but organizers are instead planning to recognize the community’s tremendous support over the last six decades. This year’s rodeo would have been the 61st consecutive one had it been held. After much consideretion, Top Rail Treasurer, Nancy Janssen, says the club has decided it would not be in anybody’s best interest to bring thousands of fans and competitors to Lake City during a pandemic.
While Top Rail’s traditional, multi-day rodeo has been cancelled, Janssen says they are still holding some western-style events on Saturday, June 27 as a “thank you” to Lake City and the surrounding area.
While they are disappointed that these changes had to be made, Janssen says they are hoping to be back bigger and better than effort in 2021.
A large fireworks display is still planned following Top Rails’ festivities. In the six decades since its inception, the event has grown into a community-wide event with vendors, beer gardens, live music and more organized by the Lake City Betterment Association. The Betterment is schedule to meet Thursday evening to discuss if any of these extra activities will be held. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more information on their decision in upcoming newscasts.
