Canadian Finals Rodeo saying goodbye to Red Deer after Westerner Park opts not to renew
In a sudden turn of events, and just a week ahead of its 49th edition, organizers have announced the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) will be leaving Red Deer after one last hurrah, Nov. 1-5 at Westerner Park.
One of the largest rodeo competitions in Canada, CFR relocated to Red Deer from its long-time home of Edmonton in 2018, with what was billed as a 10-year pact.
However, as has come more to light today, confirmed by Westerner Park, the deal was technically for five years, with an option to renew for another five.
CPRA General Manager Denny Phipps tells rdnewsNOW it was Westerner Park who opted out of renewing. This led to a bid process, which Red Deer was a part of with a proposal that looked different than hosting for another five years. Phipps couldn’t disclose the terms of Red Deer’s proposal, but did note there were multiple other cities outside Edmonton and Red Deer who bid.