Canadian Finals Rodeo puts local businesses back in the saddle

The latest edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo just rode out of town, leaving behind some much needed cash for local businesses feeling pinched by asoft economy.

For the past five days, Northlands played host the 43rdannualCFR, drawing more than 87,000 people to the Coliseum.

TheFarmfairInternational drew a record95,500guests to the Edmonton EXPO Centre.

Those throngs of visitors provided an up-tick in sales for businesses.

"Therodeo is very important to us," saidBarry Lammle,president ofLammle's Western Wear&Tack. "That's the heart of our business. We count on the rodeo. It's like Christmas to Lammle's."

CFR puts local businesses back in the saddle

8 years ago

Duration 1:44

The Canadian Finals Rodeo rode into town at the perfect time for local retailers.The annual event is a boon for local businesses dealing with the downturn.Though official 2016 estimates have yet to be released, the rodeo and Farm Fair are said to pump about $80 million a year into the local economy, according to previous reports by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.

Thosethrongs of big spenders will likely be riding back into the city next year.In late October, the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and Northlandsmade a surprise announcement, confirming they had signed a short-term deal ensuring the rodeo will return to Edmonton until at least 2018.

"Once again this event acted as a strong bridge between rural and urban,"Tim Reid, president and CEO ofNorthlands, said in a statement.

"As an agricultural society, we are proud to see the continued strength and activation while respecting the fact that many farmers and ranchers are still having to spend time in the fields harvesting their crops."