Westerner Park announced the addition of quarter million in funding, the first round of sponsors, as well as hosting a junior qualifier over the weekend in preparation for the 2018 Canadian Finals Rodeo. At the Enmax Centrium Arena in Red Deer, Alberta—the new home of the CFR—a press conference was held to announce the new updates to the inaugural event in the city. 

The first announcement of the day was the addition of $250,000 in funding from the Major Fairs Program, administered by Alberta’s Culture and Tourism Department. The event from October 30 to November 4 is expected to bring a $20-$25 million economic impact and 75,000 rodeo fans to the area, according to the venue and Alberta Tourism.

“We’re proud that rodeo is part of our culture and the CFR is one of the premier sporting events in Canada, attracting top athletes and fans from across Canada and beyond,” minister of culture and tourism, Ricardo Miranda said in an Alberta Culture and Tourism press release. “Our government’s support of the CFR in Red Deer will help spur growth in rural tourism, build strong local economies, and make life better for families living in central Alberta.”

The first round of sponsors was also announced for the professional rodeo’s pinnacle event in Canada, including CFR’s presenting sponsor Ram Rodeo. Ram Rodeo has been a long-time sponsor of the event in Edmonton and will also be the official vehicle of the event.

Other sponsors include:

• 2W Livestock Equipment, the Official Steel Supplier
• MNP, Presenting Sponsor of the Rising Stars Canadian Junior Finals Rodeo
• Kubota, the Official Equipment Supplier
• Lammles Western Wear and Tack, Official Western Wear and Merchandise Supplier
• Wrangler, the Official Jean and Shirt
• Red Deer Ironworks, the Steer Wrestling Event Sponsor

Along with the press conferences, the venue hosted a qualifier for the 2018 Rising Star’s Canadian Junior Finals Rodeo. Dubbed the “Wild Card Rising Stars Rodeo,” it offered an opportunity for those not already qualified for the Junior CFR to earn a spot to compete on Saturday, November 3 in the same arena as their rodeo heroes.

The Rising Star’s Canadian Junior CFR Qualifiers from the Wild Card event are:

Bareback: Blake Link

Steer Wrestling: Pacean Deleeuw

Saddle Bronc: Tyrel Roberts

Team Roping: Wylie Squair/Kyle Wanchuk

Tie-Down Roping: Jason Smith

Barrel Racing: Macy Auclair

Bull Riding: Blake Smith

The junior event has also invited winners from the High School Rodeo Association finals across the country, truly making it a Canada-wide showcase of junior talent.