October 30, 2018 | Red Deer, AB – We are rodeo, and we are here. For the first time in history the Canadian Finals Rodeo kicked off at Westerner Park in Red Deer, AB with over 5500 people in attendance to welcome CFR to its new home.
The event started Tuesday morning at 8am in the Parkland Pavilion for the daily pancake breakfast. The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association along with CFR45 contestants showcased their western spirit and hospitality by flipping pancakes, talking to community members, and welcoming everyone to CFRs new home. All donations were in support of the Rodeo Cowboy’s Benevolent Foundation.
CFR’s Off-site events also created a western buzz around Red Deer before the Tuesday night performance as Denny’s Red Deer hosted their official kick off breakfast serving over 800 people and raising $1624 for the Rodeo Cowboy’s Benevolent Foundation.
From 10:00am—7:00pm guests were welcomed into the CFR Tradeshow. The Prairie and Stockman Pavilions contain over 150 booths filled with all your western needs, autograph sessions and exhibitor draw barrels including Dynasty Spas massage chair valued at over $9000.
At 7:00pm it was all about your Canadian Final Rodeo Performance #1.
The opening ceremony, sponsored by the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County, kicked off by celebrating the new era of CFR. Jeff Robson, GM of the CPRA spread dirt collected from CFR44 at Northlands into the new arena in Red Deer. The 108 qualifying athletes were introduced as the RCMP led the flag parade during the Canadian National Anthem sung by Jamie Woodfin.
Go round winners for CFR performance #1 were Jake Vold with a score of 85.25 in the Bareback Round and Kody Dollery with a time of 3.6 in Steer Wrestling. In the Novice, Colton Ouellette won with a score of 69.0 on Bareback, Lucas Macza won Saddle bronc with a score of 72.0 and Steer Riding went to Tristen Manning with a score of 71.0. Team Ropers Riley Minor and Brady Minor took the first round with a time of 4.6, while Riley Warren and Shane Hanchey split the Tie Down Roping with a time of 7.8 . Taylor Manning finished on top of the Women’s Barrel Racing with a time of 13.772 and to finish off the night Garret Green won the first round of Bull Riding with a score of 87.75
Inside the CFR Cabaret, presented by Real Country 95.5 Alecia Aichelle, Sweet Tequila, Jamie Woodfin opened up on the TD Cabaret Stage before headliner, Captain Tractor finished the night off.
Wednesday, October 31 will start off with the free daily pancake breakfast from 8:00am—10:00 am in the Parkland Pavilion at Westerner Park. sponsored by Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual with fun & games and treats for all ages all in support of suggested donation going to Suicide Information & Education Services of Red Deer & Central Alberta.
The western style Tradeshow will be open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. With performance #2 starting at 7:00 PM.
For a full list of entertainment, sponsors and schedule of events head over to www.cfrreddeer.ca
For more information please contact:
Ashley Nelson
Marketing & Communications Assistant Manager
P 403.309.0205
E anelson@westernerpark.ca