(Covy Moore/CovyMoore.com)

By Chantal Wagner

looking to 2021

Canadian Finals Rodeo cancelled for 2020

Jun 24, 2020 | 11:12 AM

With a list of events cancelled or postponed this year, the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Red Deer is another one on that list.

General Manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) Jeff Robson says after talks with their partners and government, it was not likely the event could be hosted at full capacity in November due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 related health guidelines.

It’s also pro rodeo’s marquee event. Which was to be held November 3-8 of 2020.

And they want people to come and be able to celebrate and have the same experience they know CFR to be.

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Robson says they were looking forward to 2020 as they put in a lot of work over the winter.

“The other side is we need to kick up planning for 2021 and it gives sponsors a chance to regroup from the economic impacts. Hopefully, we will come back bigger and better and have some new twists and turns for our fans and we can deliver on a first-class experience we’re committed to.”

He says it was a big move to move the CFR to Red Deer, “and in hindsight a bigger move than we anticipated”.

With two years under their belt, Robson says the first year had some bumps along the way with different personnel changes and partnerships. But adds that last year had the chance to really plan that event and they are fine-tuning each year.

According to a release from the CPRA, the world-class rodeo attracts the best contestants and stock in the land and over 43,000 attendees. This six-day event contributes an economic impact of approximately 37 million dollars.

Meantime, most rodeos this spring and summer have been cancelled or postponed.

That includes Medicine Hat’s spring rodeo, which is now moved to September.

“Our stance has been if our community wants to put on an event and we’re not going to jeopardize the longevity of their event, we would love to support them having an event. We would maybe use those events or those standings and carry them over to 2021. But we haven’t really contemplated all the moving parts yet but that would probably be the easiest thing to do.”

Robson says it’s been a tough year all around for everyone, including competitors, contractors, and pro rodeo staff.

He hopes contestants will be recharged and ready to go next spring when rodeos and events can hopefully return to communities.