Canadian Finals Rodeo | 2021
Lots of entertainment and excitement is happening at Westerner park with the Canadian Finals Rodeo this weekend. Head on down for the rodeo; there are still tickets available or take in the free entertainment with a different Headliner every night. Check out their first-class tradeshow, the very best in western fashion, with products and demonstrations from some of Canada’s top vendors. Be there for the Buckle presentations, Contestant Hot-Stoves or get an autograph from one of your favourite rodeo stars. Also, free this year is parking, so you can come and go as you please, whether you take in the events on or off-site. Remember Westerner Park has implemented the Restrictions Exemption Program, and masks will also be required in compliance with Alberta Health Services guidelines.
It’s First Friday, a great time to head downtown and meet the artists or enjoy some live music. Take in the Children in Nature by Leah Bergen at the Marjorie Wood Gallery, Kerry Wood Nature Centre, artist reception from 4 pm - 6 pm. Or maybe head to the Red Deer Museum & Art Gallery between 5 pm - 8 pm for their opening reception and see the exhibition World War Women; informal tours are available. The A+ Art Gallery is celebrating its 5Th Anniversary with a “Celebration” Group Artist Exhibition with their opening reception happening from 12-4 pm.
Check out the history of the Rodeo display at The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame; so much history and a lot of fun interactives like the bubble hockey game or a Linden Rush Experience.
Explore the Waskasoo trail system over 110km of trails, connecting to various parks like Maskepetoon; an ecological gem tucked away in the west end of Red Deer.
The City of Red Deer’s Heritage Walking Tours are a great way to discover the downtown with its multitude of lovely shops and restaurants; you might even run into a ghost or two.
High tea at the Cronquist House is always fun to do. Take in the history of this magnificent Victoria-styled farmhouse with its Queen Anne tower looking over the beautiful Bower Ponds. It is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Take a drive up to Ponoka and check out their Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame opened during CFR. They have over 300 inductee memorabilia on display, along with a library of information available to browse through in their lounging area.
If you are a bird enthusiast, the Ellis Bird Farm is a beautiful place to explore, and they are open this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm for your viewing pleasure.
For the 18 and over, try your luck at Jackpot Casino in downtown Red Deer, with gaming tables, slot machines and VLTs. Did you know they offer a $3.99 breakfast every day from 10 am-12 pm? Such a good deal, come on down!
Head down to Parkland Garden Centre for their first Holiday Craft & Market Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. This market provides local craftspeople with the opportunity to showcase their handmade crafts and foods. Admission is free, but a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank is appreciated.
For more information and things to do as you explore Red Deer’s backyard, go to our Events Calendar or check us out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
