SANDPOINT — Another treasured Bonner County tradition has been canceled as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

While the Bonner County Fair remains on schedule to start Aug. 19, the Bonner County Rodeo — set for Aug. 14-15 — has been canceled, Darcey Smith, Bonner County fairgrounds and facility director, said.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must advise our rodeo fans that the 2020 Bonner County Rodeo … will be canceled,” Smith posted to the Bonner County Fairgrounds’ Facebook page. “The Rodeo Committee did not come to this decision with ease.”

Smith said the committee and fairgrounds staff had been drafting a plan to guard rodeo patrons and participants against transmission of the COVID-19. However, in trying to make the responsible decision, Smith said “large financial factors” for the event meant that, in the end, the decision was made to cancel the rodeo.

“We hung on as long as we could to try and give our rodeo family a great event for the contestants and the fans,” Smith said in the post. “We are incredibly saddened by this decision and hope you understand.”

Smith asked for patience as they contact rodeo vendors and sponsors, and said a full refund would be offered for all tickets purchased for the rodeo.

While the rodeo has been canceled, Smith told the Daily Bee that the fair was still on.

Smith told the Bee last month that every precaution was being taken for the fair to keep it safe — and fun — for all involved. She said the fairgrounds staff will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance from the local government, Panhandle Health District, CDC and others to ensure the fairgrounds is taking the right actions.

For added safety at the Bonner County Fair, all restroom facilities will now have hand sanitizer units and most fair events and activities

The fair is scheduled for August 19-22 and the theme is “Oink! Moo! Ewe!”

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.