The West Turns Wild in Edmonton!

Friday, October 30, 2009

36th Canadian finals rodeo set to thrill fans

The 2009 edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) rides into Edmonton November 11-15.

Six action-packed performances over five days at Rexall Place will thrill young and old fans alike, as the best rodeo athletes from Canada, United States and New Zealand compete against the best bucking stock and the clock for bragging rights and prize money.

CFR is considered the pinnacle of the rodeo season and is one of the biggest tourism draws in the fall. Edmonton will be bustling with activity as thousands of fans and guests take in both CFR and Farmfair International which runs November 6-15th at the Edmonton EXPO Centre at Northlands.

Northlands and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) also announced today, a contract extension that will keep the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton until 2016.

CPRA President Dale Leschiutta said, “We have worked with Northlands for many years and have really found our home in Edmonton. The team always puts on a great show and our athletes look forward to the event all year.”

Ken Knowles, Northlands President said “We are delighted to continue our excellent working relationship with CPRA and keep CFR in Edmonton long term. The event provides significant economic impact to the City and an incredible amount of excitement for rodeo fans from all over. ”

Under the new agreement, Northlands announced that the overall prize money for contestants has reached $1.27 million making this year’s CFR the largest purse in its history.

The increase in prize money is a collaborative effort between Northlands and Edmonton Destination Hotels. “With the support of the Edmonton Destination Hotels group, we have been able to increase the prize money and create more incentive for the contestants,” said Knowles.

In addition to the rodeo events, fans will be treated to entertainment by big names such as George Canyon, Crystal Shawanda and Aaron Pritchett. Fan favourites, Cowboy Poker and Wild Pony Racing return along with performances by Strathcona Mounted Troop and Northern Cree.

Tickets for Canadian Finals Rodeo are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (780) 451-8000. A limited number of six-pack tickets are still available. For more information on Canadian Finals Rodeo, mosey through the website at www.canadianfinalsrodeo.com.

  • Due to a unclaimed 50/50 ticket at last year’s CFR, the prize money has been carried over and will be awarded at the opening night performance on November 11. One lucky fan will win a minimum of $16, 662. All proceeds from 50/50 will go the Cowboy Benevolent Fund.
  • Bullfighting cousins Scott and Jesse Byrne, Saskatoon, SK, are in the arena together for the first time at CFR. For Scott, of Wainwright, AB, this is his eighth consecutive CFR appearance. This year’s alternate is bullfighter David Sandilands of Esterhazy, Sask.
  • Joining them in the arena for the seventh year in a row is barrelman Ash Cooper of Senlac, Sask.
  • Also in the dirt, pick-up men Gary Rempel of Fort Shaw, MT, makes his record-breaking 12th appearance at CFR, and Jason Resch of Fort Assiniboine, AB, makes his third straight appearance.

Entertainment and Specialty Acts

 

  • November 11 - George Canyon
  • November 12 - Aaron Pritchett and Northern Cree
  • November 13 - Brett Kissel and Strathcona Mounted Troop
  • November 14 – Victoria Banks and Wild Pony Races (matinee – BMO family day)
  • November 14 – Lisa Hewitt and Cowboy Poker (evening)
  • November 15 – Crystal Shawanda with guests Niki Cammaert and Tess Thurston