(Covy Moore/CovyMoore.com)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

BIGGER AND BETTER

Canadian Finals Rodeo set for big second year in Red Deer

Sep 6, 2019 | 10:15 AM

Year two of Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer is set to be much bigger and better than the inaugural edition.

Bradley Williams, CEO at Westerner Park says they’ve put together a first-class event.

“Last year was great and we were very pleased with what happened. The biggest challenge was that we had such a short timeline to pull this all off; we had less than nine months,” says Williams.

“We’ve done many events, many rodeos here at Westerner Park over the years, but CFR is on a completely different scale. The size and scope of the event is enormous. It’s not just another rodeo. You’ve got a concert every night, plus you’re doing a trade show, so it’s a huge undertaking. That’s where our volunteers really come in.”

Around 600 volunteers are needed this year, in contrast to the 247 they had in 2018 for the event’s 45th anniversary. Those interested can sign up online or visit the Donald Administration Building at Westerner Park.

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Jeff Robson, general manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, spoke about how proud his organization is to be celebrating 75 years.

“There are very obvious differences between the two venues (previously in Edmonton). This venue is very contestant-friendly, there’s great stabling, great stalling, and Red Deer is easier to get around in. It’s a much friendlier experience,” he says. “Probably the biggest difference is that Red Deer has really gotten behind it. There were places you could go to in Edmonton that may or may not know the rodeo was going on and that was a bit disheartening.”

This week, organizers unveiled the lineup of entertainment and other activities happening in conjunction with the national competition.

There will be a full week of concerts including Doc Walker, The Road Hammers and Corb Lund, all of which are free except for Lund on the final night. Additionally, each day will have a theme, from Halloween to Military and First Responders Day to a day dedicated to celebrating diversity.

On the competition side of things, there are six new events including the Ultimate Cowboy Challenge, stock dogs, and Canadian Finals Breakaway, plus a Rising Stars Rodeo Queen will be crowned for the first time.

Organizers have also announced a daily lunch and dinner buffet in the Prairie Pavilion, plus attendees can visit the CFR Trade Show sponsored by BIG 105.

More details are at CFRRedDeer.ca.