Experience the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton
Get ready to saddle up for an unforgettable weekend coming up in Edmonton, Alberta with the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR). It’s an annual event that’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Edmonton will be buzzing with excitement as the CFR brings together the best Canadian rodeo athletes for an action-packed event. Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo fan or a newcomer to the sport, the CFR features four days of bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and steer wrestling. Make sure to save some time to check out the Canadian Country Expo with expansive trade show exhibits, dynamic stage shows, a Western Art Show and something for the whole family. With Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA conveniently located just a short 10-minute walk from the CFR, it’s the perfect place to call homebase for the weekend.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) is celebrating its 50th year at Rogers Place in the heart of the ICE district in Edmonton. It’s an exciting time for the city, as the event is returning to downtown Edmonton where it all began in 1974 and continued to be held until 2017, when it moved to Red Deer, Alberta. Not only is the CFR the ultimate showcase of rodeo talent featuring top competitors from across Canada, but it’s also a celebration of rodeo culture and community. It brings together the best in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and breakaway roping.
Rough Stock Events
In Rough Stock events, the winner is determined by the highest score. Up to 50 points can be awarded; 25 points for the rider’s technique and 25 for the horse’s or bull’s performance. Riders must remain on the bull or horse for 8 seconds. In the Rough Stock events, there is Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc and Bareback. In the Bull Riding event, watch as daring cowboys attempt to stay on top of some of the fiercest bulls in the sport. They must stay on for eight seconds while being thrown, spun, and tossed around. Witness brave cowboys in the Bareback event as they ride a horse bareback while trying to stay on without touching the horse, equipment or himself with their free hand. Doing this will result in receiving a “no time”. Finally, check out the Rodeo’s classic event, the Saddle Bronc, where the bronc rider sits on a specialized saddle and tries to stay on the bucking bronco for 8 seconds.
Timed Events
In the Timed events, the winner is determined by the fastest time. Timed events demonstrate the skills of both the rider and their horse and their ability to work well together. In the Timed events, there is Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping and Breakaway Roping. Experience the speed and agility of talented cowgirls in the Barrel Racing event as they navigate their horses around barrels in a thrilling race against the clock. They have to be careful not to knock over a barrel or they’ll incur a 5-second penalty that’s added onto their time. Witness the raw power, high speed, and skill of competitors as they dismount their horses and wrestle steers to the ground in a test of strength and precision in the Steer Wrestling event. Check out the Team Roping event and experience teamwork and coordination as two ropers, the header and the heeler both on horseback, work together to capture and tie a steer in record time. In the Tie-Down Roping event, marvel at the finesse of cowboys on horseback as they rope and tie calves in a high-speed race to secure a fast time. And finally, check out the athleticism of cowgirls as they rope a calf as fast as possible while seated on their horse in the Breakaway Roping event.
Other Rodeo Activities and Events
Beyond the rodeo action, there are many other events and activities taking place throughout Rodeo Week! Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and many different vendors. Be sure to check out the Canadian Country Expo at the Edmonton EXPO Centre where you can catch Stage Shows featuring CFR highlights, insights from leading figures and competitors, performances by Country Music Alberta artists, daily Western fashion shows, podcast discussions and much more. Throughout the Expo, experience Tradeshow Exhibits with a diverse array of Western lifestyle products and services from local and regional businesses, attend Educational Workshops and learn about horsemanship, roping techniques, livestock care and more, or take your kids to the Kids Zone featuring a free petting zoo where kids can interact with a variety of animals and even go on a pony ride.
If art is more your thing, make sure to check out the Western Art Show where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity of Western art including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces. With this year’s rodeo celebrating its 50th Anniversary, be sure to check out the Historical Exhibits which commemorate the Anniversary. The Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame offers a dive into the legacy of Canada’s rodeo heritage.
To ensure your rodeo experience is smooth and you don’t have to worry about parking, book your stay at Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA, which is close to the thrilling Rodeo action and just a 10-minute walk away from Rogers Place, located in the ICE District in downtown Edmonton. After a busy day, unwind in their modern rooms with welcoming origami cranes and fabulous TOTO® Washlets. These high-quality amenities are signature features of APA Hotel in Japan and unique to APA’s Urban-style Hotel concept. Some of our rooms & suites offer city views, and all include free wi-fi and a mini-fridge. This hotel also offers covered secured parking, onsite dining, an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a sauna! Coast Hotels invites you to pack your cowboy boots and hat and prepare for an unforgettable weekend at the rodeo!