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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Over 30,000 Attended

Legends made at 48th Canadian Finals Rodeo

Nov 14, 2022 | 10:54 AM

The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) and Westerner Park are celebrating a successful CFR 48.

Officials from both organizations say it was an exceptional year, exceeding all three previous CFR Red Deer attendance numbers. Over 30,000 people took in the six performances of the rodeo itself, plus thousands more at the many free onsite and offsite activities.

Over $1.9 million in prize money and stock fees was paid out, one of the largest rodeo payouts in the world, which is fitting for the final event of the 2022 CPRA rodeo schedule, say event officials.

“CFR is where the best of the best compete to become national champions in their events,” said Denny Phipps, Acting General Manager of the CPRA. “Despite some challenging weather conditions, both the two and four-legged athletes stepped up and put on six of the best rodeo performances you will find anywhere. Records were broken and Canadian titles came down to the final ride or run in many events.”

Congratulations to the Canadian Champions, who were celebrated at the closing ceremonies Sunday afternoon:

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Ladies Barrel Racing –Taylor Manning

Bareback Riding –Ty Taypotat

Steer Wrestling –Scott Guenthner, who was also named Cowboy of the Year

Team Roping –Dawson / Dillon Graham

Saddle Bronc Riding –Zeke Thurston, who set a new CFR record of 93.25 riding Canadian Horse of the Year, OLS Tubs Get Smart.

Tie Down Roping –Ty Harris

Bull Riding –Jared Parsonage

Ladies Breakaway –Kendal Pierson

Novice Bareback –Blake Link

Novice Saddle Bronc –Colten Powell

Jr Steer Riding –Nash Loewen

All Around Cowboy was awarded to Wyatt Hayes and the Kenny McLean Award to Jake Gardner.

In addition to the rodeo, officials note an opportunity for everyone to get in on the action through the variety of free onsite and offsite activities and events.

The CFR Tradeshow sold out to over 80 vendors, and many attended the daily Cowboy Sh*t Hot Stoves and Watch Parties. Thousands came to the nightly buckle presentations and enjoyed live music at the Cabaret Corral, where the party continued well into the night.

There were also a number of special features, including the Alberta Hereford Showcase, Futurity of Fortunes Bucking Horse Sale, and the H Bar Auctions Horse Sale, to name a few.

Mike Olesen, Chief Executive Officer at Westerner Park, is pleased with the result of CFR.

“Major events are a huge undertaking. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many partners, including title sponsor ATB, and the more than 200 volunteers, plus hundreds of employees and contractors that we were able to put on such a great week for the community.”

Officials estimate CFR generated more than $35 million in economic activity for central Alberta.

Organizers say coming together as a community to host the national rodeo championship is an incredible benefit to central Alberta. Officials with Westerner Park say they are looking forward to again hosting Canada’s best rodeo contestants, along with the world-class entertainment that brings fans from across North America to central Alberta, for CFR 49 in November 2023.

For complete rodeo results, visit https://www.cfrreddeer.ca.