The countdown is officially on, with just over 50 days left until the 46th Annual Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Red Deer, running from Oct. 29  to Nov. 3rd. 

Bradley Williams, CEO of Westerner Park, said it’s already come a long way from the first event that was held in Red Deer last year.  

He said they only had about nine months to prepare and bring the show to the city for the first season, but now that they’ve had a full year of preparation, he knows the show is going to be bigger and better for all involved. 

“We’ve done many events, many rodeos here in Red Deer over the years but CFR is obviously on a completely different scale. The size and scope of the event is enormous. Some people look at it and go, “Oh, it’s just another rodeo” - but it’s not,” Williams said. 

“We’re doing six days of rodeo, seven performances over six days, then a concert every night in addition to that, plus a trade show - it’s a huge undertaking and it takes a lot to pull it together.” 

In addition to the core performances, several new events have been added to the roster for the 46th year of CFR. These include the ‘Ultimate Cowboy Challenge’, the ‘Xtreme Cowboy Competition’ and a Stock Dog Trial. 

Also new this year is the Canadian Finals Breakaway, Rising Stars Mini Chuckwagon Challenge, the Bucking Horse Futurity and the first ever Rising Stars Rodeo Queen Competition. 

“Getting the feedback from the guests last year has really driven a lot of the change that’s going to be happening this year,” Williams said. 

“Gauging by last year’s response, and the show we’ve got happening this year, both in the dirt and throughout the park, we’re really excited about this year.”

This year, the purses are bigger, the grounds are full of events and there are a number of themed days taking place. 

Jeff Robson, General Manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), said it’s also an exciting year as the CPRA celebrates 75 years of action. 

“I think we did a really good job executing the rodeo last year. I’m excited to see contestants come back, it should be a great line up - it should be a great year,” he said.

“We’re a non-profit organization that relies on our members, and we’ve been able to navigate through good times and bad times. We’ve been able to continue to deliver on our own experience for our contestants. We’re driving more national sponsorships, and have been able to get more money in their hands.”

“We have a few less rodeos, but the ones we do have are getting better.” 

Approximately 450 volunteers are still needed to round out the goal of 600 to help the event thrive. Volunteer opportunities, schedules, ticket pricing and cabaret details are all available at cfrreddeer.ca.