Louisiana Sportsman has been forced to cancel the second half of the 2020 Louisiana Sportsman Show after a proclamation by Gov. John Bel Edwards shut down all events in Ascension Parish.
“At 6 p.m. on Friday, we were informed by Ascension Parish officials that, regretfully, they were forced to cancel the remainder of the 2020 Louisiana Sportsman Show by Gov. Edwards’ proclamation,” said Tony Taylor of the Louisiana Sportsman Show.
“I’m so sorry for any inconvenience to the folks that may not have heard the devastating news and have traveled here in anticipation of attending the show this weekend, only to find that we were forced to cancel,” Taylor said. “I’m also saddened by the loss of opportunity for our loyal exhibitors, who are not only our customers, but our beloved friends.”
The Louisiana Sportsman Show, in its 41st year, is considered by many as the premier fishing and hunting event in the Gulf south and will missed by many this weekend by it’s forced closure.
The press release from Ascension Parish follows:
Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment issues Emergency Declaration
After consulting with emergency management professionals, local law enforcement officials and most importantly local medical professionals, I feel it is my duty as Parish President to issue an Emergency Declaration in response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19.
Though there is no playbook for this type of emergency and I, like most people, have more m questions than answers, I am convinced that slowing the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19 is critical. Therefore, I have decided, per Governor Edwards Proclamation 27 JBE 2020, to cancel all events in Ascension Parish with crowds greater than 250, which will include this weekend’s Lamar Dixon Sportsman Show and Bulls, Bands & Barrels events.
My staff will continue to work through the weekend to develop a plan to protect parish employees, so that critical government services can continue to be provided and the citizens of Ascension Parish are protected.