By Troy Gillard

no go in 2020

Canadian Finals Rodeo postponed to 2021

Jun 24, 2020 | 9:57 AM

There will be no Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer this year.

Officials with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), Westerner Park and the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday morning that the ‘difficult decision’ has been made to postpone the CFR until 2021.

A media release cites the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 related health guidelines and the cancellation of many qualifying rodeos this summer as the main reasons for the cancellation.

Officials say the standard of excellence and quality of experience that fans and competitors expect from the Canadian Finals Rodeo would not be achievable this year.

“The health, safety and protection of our athletes, animals and guests is always our top priority,” says Jeff Robson, General Manager, CPRA. “During these uncertain times, and considering the pandemic, economic instability and reality of the extensive preparation that goes into a successful rodeo, we know it is the right decision to postpone this year’s event.”

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The 47^th edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo – the third to be held in Red Deer – had been slated to run November 3 – 8, 2020 at the Westerner Park Centrium.

Over 43,000 attendees were projected to watch over 100 competitors during the six-day championship event, generating an economic impact of approximately $37 million.

“Rodeo is built on community. CFR comes together through the financial and community support of our local businesses. A national event like this also brings a great economic benefit to our region,” says Rick More, Chief Executive Officer, Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce. “We understand this year has been challenging for everyone; our partners and sponsors need time to recover economically to be able to support our event on the level they are used to.”

“Our staff, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and supporters are the back bone that allows us to produce a world-class event,” says Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer, Westerner Park. “Making this decision will affect all of us. However, we are a resilient group and will use this opportunity to envision and create a week of Rodeo Untamed that engages our entire community in 2021.”