Canadian Finals Rodeo celebrates 50th anniversary by coming home to Edmonton

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The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is celebrating its 50th anniversary by coming home to Edmonton in October.

Edmonton will host the CFR from Oct. 2-5 at Rogers Place. This will mark the first time Edmonton has hosted the CFR in seven years, and to commemorate its return to its home city, Edmonton will have a week-long celebration, Rodeo Week, starting Sept. 28 and ending Oct. 6.

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“We are thrilled to welcome the Canadian Finals Rodeo back to Edmonton for its 50th anniversary,” said Traci Bednard, president and CEO of Explore Edmonton. “CFR 50 is going to be an incredible experience, and we can’t wait to see Edmonton come alive with the energy and excitement of Rodeo Week. Thank you to all our board members, partners, local businesses, and everyone who has made CFR’s return to Edmonton possible.”

“We are so proud to be welcoming the Canadian Finals Rodeo back to our city,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi at a Tuesday news conference. “Edmonton knows how to throw a party. We have a long and celebrated history of hosting top-quality sports and cultural events, and I’m confident this will be the best CFR yet. Throughout CFR and Rodeo Week, Edmonton’s streets will be alive with visitors from across the country and around the world, bringing excitement and millions of dollars in economic impact across the city.”

Bednard said Rodeo Week will feature a variety of events each day, including a Canadian Country Expo, a Black Tie Bingo fundraiser for the Rodeo Cowboy’s Benevolent Fund, a chili cook-off, daily tailgate parties, nightly all-ages parties, and more.

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“Beyond the excitement of the rodeo itself, this event generates tremendous value for Edmonton’s economy, with a projected $30 million in total economic impact, supporting more than 5,500 jobs, and filling more than 12,000 hotel rooms,” Bednard said.

The CFR began in Edmonton in 1974 and was hosted here until 2018 when it was moved to Red Deer under a 10-year contract. It was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2021.

“Edmonton has been known as the city of champions and we are excited to crown Canadian rodeo champions here and add to the legacy of athletic greatness in this city,” said Denny Phipps, general manager of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. “It is exciting to return to Edmonton for CFR 50, back where it all began in 1974.”

rostad@postmedia.com

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