Erik Dublanko at the 2021 CFR in Red Deer. (Covy Moore)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Exciting Season On Tap

2022 Canadian Professional Rodeo season is here; dates for finals in Red Deer

Mar 30, 2022 | 1:18 PM

The official start of the 2022 Canadian Professional Rodeo season is here with dates already set for the finals in Red Deer.

In three weeks, fans can enjoy the first stops of the year with pro rodeos in Dawson Creek, B.C., from Apr. 22-23, and Medicine Hat, Alberta, from Apr 22-24.

This year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) at Red Deer’s Westerner Park will run from November 2-6.

“We are excited to welcome everyone back for the 48th anniversary of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, our fourth year hosting here in Red Deer,” said Mike Olesen, CEO of Westerner Park.

“Not only do we see the best contestants in the country competing for the top prize in a national championship, but central Albertans and visitors alike also take in everything Red Deer has to offer, generating over $30 million in economic benefit for our local restaurants, retailers, and the community at large. The authentic western lifestyle lives strong here in our community, and we invite you to come to celebrate the sport of rodeo and western culture with us in November.”

4 new cases

AHS reports 30 confirmed cases of measles in central zone after recent exposures

2h ago

ANNETTE SCHEPER

City of Red Deer employee receives Bob Stollings Memorial Award for contributions to community

3h ago

March 10

RCMP charge man, issue warrant for his arrest in Red Deer homicide investigation

3h ago

With the season underway, General Manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Jeff Robson says he is looking forward to the return of virtually all Pro Rodeo Canada events, along with a few new ones.

“We have 55 events on the schedule to date, including a strong Pro Tour line-up, a full slate of Maple Leaf Circuit rodeos and some special events as well,” he said. “It’s a real testimony to the resilience of our sport and our committees to see the effort going into bringing back these events.”

One or more rodeos are scheduled almost every weekend right through to the end of September. New to the 2022 schedule in Alberta is a saddle bronc event in Gleichen in mid-June, the Rockyford Rodeo in late July and the addition of the historic Raymond Stampede on the July long weekend, known for being the province’s oldest rodeo and Canada’s oldest professional rodeo.

After a few years’ hiatus, the Lethbridge Pro Rodeo, held during the festival Whoop-Up Days, the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede Spring Rodeo are all returning as well.

For a full 2022 CPRA event schedule, visit rodeocanada.com

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the rdnewsNOW newsletter here. You can also download the rdnewsNOW mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.