Organizers of the 42nd annual Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farmfair International are calling the events a success.
Farmfair International drew a record of 94,387 people to the Edmonton EXPO Centre, including a 33 per cent increase in beef exhibitor entries over 2014.
The numbers for the rodeo, however, were slightly lower than last year. In 2015, 89,177 people attended the rodeo over the course of the five-day event compared to 90,049 in 2014.
Overall, about 2,000 more people attended the events combined over last year.
Despite a successful week, the events are only guaranteed to be hosted in Edmonton for one more year as the city’s contract ends in 2016.
In an effort to continue hosting the events, the City of Edmonton, Northlands and the Oilers Entertainment Group have partnered to present the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association with a future plan for CFR.
The plan would ensure that Northlands keeps Farmfair International and houses the animals, while Rogers Place would host the rodeo events.
“CFR is very important” said Councillor Ed Gibbons on Tuesday. “Red Deer wants it. Vancouver wants it. Calgary, they're cowboys and they want it. But we want it to stay here.”
Next year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo and Farmfair International will run from November 9-13 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
With files from CTV's Breanna Karstens-Smith
