Will events like the Calgary Stampede go ahead this summer?

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The warm start to March has many people dreaming about summer, but what events will actually take place when the season rolls around?

The Calgary Stampede recently announced it racked up a $26.5 million deficit after having to cancel its event for the first time in over a hundred years in 2020.

However, many people are hopeful the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth can go ahead this year, as the province provides some clarity around large summer events.

WATCH: Reflecting on the Stampede that never was

No exact details have been released by the government yet, but Health Minister Tyler Shandro and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said they’re monitoring case benchmarks, variant cases, and hospitalizations.

“One of the absolutely critical factors in being able to consider having larger events this summer will be the number of people who we are able to offer a vaccine to and the number of people who accept that offer,” said Hinshaw.

More guidance is expected to come soon as organizers are unsure whether or not they should postpone their events.

“It might mean if we see a concern in cases rising, a third wave coming in Alberta, that might mean targeted measures, narrow measures that we would have to impose,” added Shandro. “But we have committed to working with these events and organizers.”

On Monday, Spruce Meadows announced its Summer Series would be tentatively pushed back to September as a result of the current restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Stampede’s financial report showed last year’s cancellation put the organization in a tough spot, despite receiving millions in financial aid. If COVID-19 restrictions are not eased, the Stampede said that could jeopardize the future of the event.