Less than 24 hours before the gates were set to open, one of El Paso’s biggest annual events, the MountainStar Sports Group Amigo Airsho, was abruptly canceled.

On Friday, even as performers took to the skies in preparation for the weekend event, Fort Bliss announced the cancellation, saying it was a result of the government shutdown.

Col. Michael Soyka, Fort Bliss garrison commander, said the cancellation is in accordance with the Antideficiency Act, which prevents federal agencies from spending or obligating money before Congress has appropriated it.

“Unfortunately, due to the lapse in federal appropriations, Fort Bliss and the Department of War are required to suspend all community outreach activities that are not related to national security or safety of life and property,” Soyka sa

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