Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

What would have been the 16th annual Roundup Independence Day’s Extravaganza this July 2 - 5th has been cancelled due to the Global Pandemic that is Covid-19. The RIDE committee was hoping that the threat would be gone, but a decision had to be made by May 15th with acts and booking agents. After contacting the Governor’s office and Central Montana Health District office, no assurance was given that the Stages that were set up by the Trump Pandemic Committee would be gone by July 2nd. As of the committee’s meeting on May 5th the State of Montana was still in Stage 1 and the Governor’s office could not give the committee a date as to Stage 2, and surely not Stage 3.

Megan Spry with the Montana Health District explained that even in Stage 2 there would be strict requirements that would force RIDE to have patrons in groups of 50 with proper spacing between groups. Toilet facilities would have to be cleaned after each use and all band and sound equipment cleaned several times between shows. Even in Stage 3, whenever that would happen there would be strict social distancing. Also, both bands, which are coming from other state’s would have to have a 14 day quarantine time, which would have been impossible to pull off.

RIDE understands that without Sponsors it would not be able to exist. We appreciate all Sponsors. They are the lifeblood of RIDE. Theresa Doumitt will be contacting all Sponsors to see if they will be willing to carry their Sponsorship over to next year’s event, or if reimbursement is preferred. RIDE will use 2020 wristbands for next year, so if you purchased bands for this year, they will be good for 2021 RIDE. If anyone would like a refund for a purchased wristband for this year, just contact Darcy Dutton at 323-3237. Money will not be refunded without a returned band.

This year’s featured acts Joe Nichols and Hotel California have both agreed to Roundup next year for RIDE 2021. Dates will be announced at a later date as to which night they will perform. Also, RIDE will not be sponsoring Fireworks due to Insurance and safe distance rules.

It won’t be the same in Roundup without RIDE this summer, but the committee had little option. The William Morris Booking Agency in Nashville neededs to have an answer by early May. Both Joe Nichols and Hotel California have had many show’s cancelled and were very understanding of our situation. Our was in no way unique.

Another consideration for RIDE was the safety of the event goers. In fact, it was the biggest talked about issue in meetings. We are a hugging, handshaking bunch, and that happens a lot at RIDE events. It would be virtually impossible to totally social distance, and RIDE did not want anyone sick from attending an event.

Next year, we promise will be biggere than ever. And there could be a few surprises too, so hang in there. Enjoy thew summer, and just wait until what’s going to happen in the future. We’re going to be back bigger and better because you deserve it, and we promise ....It’ll be fun.