Post by Lady Glitter on Nov 23, 2020 20:53:52 GMT -8
Dearest Winter Range Shooters,
As a long-time Winter Range competitor myself, it is with an extremely heavy heart that I must write this email. After giving lengthy and serious consideration to the current national situation surrounding COVID 19, the Arizona Territorial Company of Rough Riders has made the difficult decision to cancel Winter Range 2021, our 30th and last presentation of the National Championship of Cowboy Action and Wild Bunch Shooting.
Over the last few weeks, Arizona and many other State’s COVID numbers have risen to the extent that we no longer feel we can ensure the safety of our shooters, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. In fact, in response to the increasing numbers, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has instituted numerous new conditions at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Among them are the elimination of vendors and public spectators. Additionally, we would not be allowed any social events such as the banquet dinner, swap meet, or the opening, closing and awards ceremonies. Shooting on individual stages has also been limited to groups of ten (10).
Many of our shooter’s home states are considering further travel restrictions, with many of them already imposing mandatory "quarantine upon return" restrictions. Our restaurants here in Arizona are again in threat of closing again, or further limiting capacity, or providing only take-out service.
Although the possibility of a “shooting only” Winter Range was discussed at length, it just didn’t seem a fitting end to this world-class event. Winter Range is NOT merely a shooting match, but a "circus event"! People come from all over North America and from the corners of the world to meet up with friends, wear their Victorian fineries, attend the swap meet and other social events. They want to lift a glass and perhaps smoke a cigar with their friends whom they haven't seen for months or years. We are NOT just a shooting match......we are so, so much more.
As a long-time Winter Range competitor myself, it is with an extremely heavy heart that I must write this email. After giving lengthy and serious consideration to the current national situation surrounding COVID 19, the Arizona Territorial Company of Rough Riders has made the difficult decision to cancel Winter Range 2021, our 30th and last presentation of the National Championship of Cowboy Action and Wild Bunch Shooting.
Over the last few weeks, Arizona and many other State’s COVID numbers have risen to the extent that we no longer feel we can ensure the safety of our shooters, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. In fact, in response to the increasing numbers, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has instituted numerous new conditions at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Among them are the elimination of vendors and public spectators. Additionally, we would not be allowed any social events such as the banquet dinner, swap meet, or the opening, closing and awards ceremonies. Shooting on individual stages has also been limited to groups of ten (10).
Many of our shooter’s home states are considering further travel restrictions, with many of them already imposing mandatory "quarantine upon return" restrictions. Our restaurants here in Arizona are again in threat of closing again, or further limiting capacity, or providing only take-out service.
Although the possibility of a “shooting only” Winter Range was discussed at length, it just didn’t seem a fitting end to this world-class event. Winter Range is NOT merely a shooting match, but a "circus event"! People come from all over North America and from the corners of the world to meet up with friends, wear their Victorian fineries, attend the swap meet and other social events. They want to lift a glass and perhaps smoke a cigar with their friends whom they haven't seen for months or years. We are NOT just a shooting match......we are so, so much more.