{"id":930174,"date":"2026-10-12T11:26:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T11:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/930174\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T11:26:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T11:26:20","slug":"edmonton-lassoes-big-crowds-best-rodeo-athletes-as-gate-shuts-on-cfr-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/930174\/","title":{"rendered":"Edmonton lassoes big crowds, best rodeo athletes as gate shuts on CFR 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hoof \u2013 that was some rodeo, Edmonton.<\/p>\n

The city hosted the 52nd Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) Oct. 7 to Oct. 11, drawing 43,903 guests to Rogers Place, Explore Edmonton announced Sunday.<\/p>\n

CFR highlights include:
\u2022 Twelve elite rodeo athletes walked away with National Championship titles;
\u2022 120 volunteers between the ages of 15 and 85 filled more than 400 shifts across the CFR and the Cinch
Canadian Country EXPO and the Edmonton EXPO Centre;
\u2022 1,300 people were served pancakes at the CFR Premier’s Pancake Breakfast presented by
Direct Energy;
\u2022 15 families were supported through the Golden Circle of Champions, giving children facing
pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses a special rodeo experience, including
time with cowboys and cowgirls in a dedicated event space;
\u2022 40 local businesses took part in the CFR Week Feature Partner Program, offering 122 western inspired experiences, menu items and specials that encouraged visitors and Edmontonians to
explore more of the city.<\/p>\n

“There was a real energy across Edmonton during CFR Week. The city showed up, the arena was
buzzing, and we welcomed visitors who came to see the best rodeo athletes in the country compete
while experiencing everything Edmonton has to offer,” Arlindo Gomes, vice-president and executive producer of CFR, Explore Edmonton, said in the Sunday news release.<\/p>\n

First held in Edmonton in 1974, CFR generated $32.4 million in total economic impact and more than 18,000 hotel room nights in 2025 alone.<\/p>\n

The CFR was hosted in Edmonton 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 to Edmonton in 2021.<\/p>\n

\"Cowboys<\/p>\n

Cowboys surround Rogers Place, making their way to the matinee performance of the Canadian Finals Rodeo on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Photos by Shaughn Butts \u2013 Postmedia<\/p>\n

CFR champs<\/p>\n

Rodeo athletes competed for Canadian championship titles, capping off the professional rodeo season in Edmonton. The 2026 Canadian champions include:
\u2022 Bareback presented by Class: Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba
\u2022 Steer Wrestling presented by CVS Controls: Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta
\u2022 Ladies Breakaway Roping presented by Cook County: Bradi Whiteside, Longview, Alberta
\u2022 Ladies Barrel Racing presented by RAM: Karli Cowie, Mankota, Saskatchewan
\u2022 Saddle Bronc presented by Calgary Stampede: Ben Andersen, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
\u2022 Team Roping Heading presented by Century Mile: Kavis Drake, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
\u2022 Team Roping Heeling presented by Century Mile: Denim Ross, Botha, Alberta
\u2022 Tie Down Roping presented by CVS Controls: Austin Hines, Marwayne, Alberta
\u2022 Bull Riding presented by Explore Edmonton: Grady Young, Leader, Saskatchewan
\u2022 Novice Bareback presented by UFA: Quaide Skjonsberg, Bluffton, Alberta
\u2022 Novice Saddlebronc presented by UFA: Sawyer Hutchinson, Grasmere, British Columbia
\u2022 Junior Steer Riding presented by UFA: Ryder Topolinski, Grande Prairie, Alberta<\/p>\n

“As we wrap CFR 2026, I want to congratulate all of the Canadian Champions but also all of our two
and four legged athletes; it takes a lot of dedication to be one of the top in Canada. Rodeo has
amazing fans and I am very proud to see the excitement on the faces in the crowd as we continue to
grow year after year both inside Roger’s Place and throughout the city,” Denny Phipps, CEO, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, said in the release.<\/p>\n

\"Cowboys<\/p>\n

Cowboys and rodeo fans surround Rogers Place, making their way to the matinee performance of the Canadian Finals Rodeo on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Photos by Shaughn Butts \u2013 Postmedia<\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

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