The pockets of a few lucky wrangler-wearing cowboys and cowgirls are $1.27 million fuller in total with the close of the Canadian Finals Rodeo yesterday at Rexall Place.
With another year of the CFR under Northlands’ belt, just under 84,000 adrenaline-junkie fans took in the six performances over five days.
“CFR was a tremendous success,” said Sandra Pysklywyc, manager of public relations for Northlands.
Numbers were down from last year’s attendance, but the slight drop in numbers was anticipated by Northlands.
“With out-of-city travel decreasing and the way the economy is right now, we are pleased with the numbers,” said Pysklywyc.
The CFR was able to draw one big Canadian name down to the corral to check out the show.
Comedian Rick Mercer of The Rick Mercer Report was spotted in and around Rexall yesterday, filming some of the rodeo fun.
“He is on a top-secret mission,” said Pysklywyc. “You will have to wait and watch to see what he does.”
For participants like steer wrestling champion Cody Cassidy from Donalda, Alta., his mission was no secret.
With his father having won the title four times, Cassidy had some big cowboy boots to fill, but with his second win in a row, Cassidy well on his way.
“Everything just fell into place, it feels good,” said Cassidy.
As Cassidy looks ahead to achieving the same feat as his father, rodeo fans can hang up their hats until next year.
“Mark your calendar — Nov. 10 to 14, 2010, the West will be wild again in Edmonton,” said Pysklywyc.
