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That's A Wrap

Westerner Days 2022, ‘a success across the board’

Jul 25, 2022 | 5:31 PM

Officials with Westerner Park say the Westerner Days Fair & Exposition ended with another day of blue skies and warm weather, capping off central Alberta’s largest summer celebration.

Following a two year hiatus, officials feel Westerner Days 2022 has been a success across the board, putting smiles on the faces for tens of thousands of central Albertans over five days.

“Through the evaluation and planning for Westerner Days, we wanted to focus on the essential aspects of this event. When you take a step back, it becomes clear that the most important goal is to create an opportunity for people to reconnect with their friends, family and community, and we delivered on that,” says Mike Olesen, CEO of Westerner Park. “Seeing everyone enjoying the concerts, the midway, and all of the shows, while also ensuring the sustainability of our organization through an undoubtedly successful event.”

Westerner Days Fair & Exposition gives its sincere thanks to all sponsors, media, volunteers and staff who helped bring all of the pieces together to make Westerner Days 2022 a memorable event.

Volunteers generously contributed over 2,700 hours in all areas of Westerner Days, plus 690 full-time & casual employees, contractors, North American Midway Entertainment staff, and the trade show & food vendors.

Demonstrating true western spirit and determination, central Albertans rallied to celebrate Westerner Days community-wide by participating in the downtown parade, which ended with nearly 100 entries, as well as hosting over 11 off-site events all over the city. Hundreds of people enjoyed pancake breakfasts and charity BBQs, as well annual traditions like the BIG 105 Chili Cook-Off and Red Deer Regional Airport BBQ.

A highlight of the Fair was said to be the live music, with something for everyone on the TD Main Stage, including Billy Talent, Corb Lund, and Alan Doyle.

Partnering with Labatt Beer, Parkland Audio, and Bo’s Bar & Stage, Westerner Park was proud to launch the new Budweiser Beer Gardens, which hosted live music twice each day. Sponsored by Big 105 & 106.7 Rewind Radio, thousands of fairgoers also enjoyed dancing, playing games, relaxing around the fire pits among the trees and taking in the fireworks. Stereos, wrapped up at the festival style stage on Sunday.

Sponsored by Nova Chemicals, in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Family Day on Sunday, July 24 provided family savings with admission for a carload of up to six people at only $30, plus kids 12 and under could get an unlimited ride wristband on the midway for just $15.00. Ronald McDonald House provided milk and cookies and Nova Chemicals hosted DIY slime with their genScience program, all in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Red Deer.

Thousands also attended the entertainment included free with fair admission. At Adventure Alley, the Canine Stars and Welcome to the Jungle Reptile shows were described as huge hits, as were the cultural performances in the Servus International Pavilion, where Pow wow dancers entertained audiences with their energy and spirit of Aboriginal culture.

The North American Pony Chuckwagon Championships concluded Sunday with Reed Rosencrans, driving under The Pipe Yard tarp, taking home the Champion Buckle sponsored by Bettenson’s Sand & Gravel, with a time of 385.16. Reed Rosencrans also took home the $2,500 cash prize in the Dash for Cash, sponsored by Marshall Construction.

Savanah Big Charles, sponsored by The Wooden Shoe, won the Chariot Champion Buckle provided by Westerner Park, with a time of 380.77. Allan Bengtson, under the Lazy Dazy Transport tarp, took home the Best Dressed Wagon Buckle, sponsored by SpeedPro Signs.

Complete Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association (APCCA) Results available at:

Red Deer Wagons

Red Deer Chariots

Westerner Days Fair & Exposition will return July 19-23, 2023.