By Beacon Staff
The upcoming Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison announced earlier this week that its Sept. 10 headliner, the country musician Hardy, would not be able to perform during the four-day rodeo festival.
Instead, the world’s fourth best selling rap artist of all time, Nelly, will be taking the stage that night. Country music star Mark Chesnutt still is scheduled to headline Sept. 11, with Trace Adkins closing the four-day rodeo Sept. 12.
The Tri-State Rodeo has been an annual Lee County event since 1948, attracting thousands of people from throughout the country who set up tents and RVs in the campground right next to the rodeo arena.
The Lee County Board of Health, backed by the Lee County Board of Supervisors, issued a public statement several weeks ago recommending the event be canceled due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Rodeo organizers said to be safe, they have canceled all the pre-rodeo festivities from Sept. 5-8. There will be social distancing markers, and masks (which are encouraged), and will be handed out at the event. All rodeo staff and participants will undergo temperature checks.
The Tri-State Rodeo itself runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 12, and tickets can be purchased at www.tristaterodeo.org