Skip to main content
Mostly Clear icon
73º

‘We’re expecting 100,000 people’: Helotes Cornyval and PRCA Rodeo organizers hopeful for successful event amid preparations

President of Helotes Festival Association said masks are recommended, but they’re not required

HELOTES, Texas – Preparations are underway for the 2021 Cornyval and PRCA Rodeo, Helotes’ biggest event, which will take place between April 29 and May 2.

“I’ve been coming to Helotes for the Cornyval and Rodeo my entire life,” said Erica Gray, a resident.

Gray said she looks forward to this every year.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind experience because it’s not like a big, huge rodeo. It’s more personable. You get to sit close to the arena,” Gray said.

Last year, organizers canceled the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Gray, president of the Helotes Festival Association, said local nonprofits took a big hit because of the cancelation.

“We support all the local nonprofits in Helotes. So a lot of the non-profits did not receive that income that they normally receive because we didn’t have an event,” Gray said.

The family-friendly event is back on this year with some distancing and mask recommendations.

“Masks are recommended. They’re not required. Keep your social distancing best you can, you know. Now it’s three feet instead of six feet,” Gray said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone, fully vaccinated or not, should keep wearing masks at crowded outdoor events.

Gray said there’s plenty of space for social distancing at the event.

“It’s 48 acres outside, and you can get a lot of people in here, and they’re not close to each other,” Gray said.

Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the grounds, and Gray said crews are disinfecting areas.

“This year, we’re expecting 100,000 people,” Gray said.


About the Authors
Tiffany Huertas headshot

Tiffany Huertas is a reporter for KSAT 12 known for her in-depth storytelling and her involvement with the community.

Sal Salazar headshot

Sal Salazar is a photojournalist at KSAT 12. Before coming to KSAT in 1998, he worked at the Fox affiliate in San Antonio. Sal started off his career back in 1995 for the ABC Affiliate in Lubbock and has covered many high-profile news events since. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at home, gaming and loves traveling with his wife.

Loading...

Recommended Videos