WEST OF THE ROCKIES FINALS TO REMAIN IN PRINCE GEORGE

By Darell Hartlen Editor Canadian Rodeo News
Posted Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The West of the Rockies rodeo committees and the Wild West “5” Rodeo Group (WW5) are pleased to announce that the West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo Championship Finals will be held in Prince George, B.C. for a minimum of three more years, with the WW5 acting as hosts.
After analyzing their inaugural efforts at hosting a pro rodeo in their city, the WW5 have decided to stay their current path and continue to bring the provincial finals back to their city for the foreseeable future.
“We had hoped that the rest of the various B.C. rodeo committees, along with the West of the Rockies board of directors would endorse what we had done for the 2006 finals,” said Glen “Moose” Scott, president of the WW5. “But, to have the accolades heaped upon us and then—more importantly—a unanimous decision to grant the Wild West “5” Rodeo Group the West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo Championship Finals for the next three years is just unbelievable.”
The finals, which are sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA), were created in 2004 to help promote pro rodeos that take place annually within Canada’s westernmost province.
During each of the B.C. rodeos held during the CPRA’s regular rodeo season, points are awarded and tracked, with 10 spots being open for the top contestants at the finals.
The top two spots in each event are reserved for British Columbian residents.
In 2006, the finals moved from Penticton to Prince George, where the WW5 took over production of the event.
In its first year in Prince George, the event was a complete success, with $25,000 in proceeds being donated to the Northland Dodge Healthy Children’s Fund, among various other charitable donations.
The rodeo paid out over $42,000 in prize money to the contestants and plans are already underway to increase that amount for 2007.
The Honourable Pat Bell, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture and Lands, was at this year’s event, and came away quite impressed.
“The Prince George rodeo was one of the feature events this year in Prince George with great audiences,” said the Minister. “Rodeo has its roots in our ranching industry and reintroducing city folk to the sport helps to support our entire agriculture industry.
“The direct economic impact to Prince George was really positive. Hotels and Restaurants were full all weekend.
“Having Rodeo back in B.C. is great for the ranching business and I would love to see more events around the province.”
Next year’s event will take place October 12-14. More information is available at www.westoftherockiesprorodeo.com.
The Wild West “5” Rodeo Group consists of five members. President Glen “Moose” Scott is joined by his wife Patricia (executive assistant), financial officer Ron Edgar, Ron’s wife Brenda (trade show co-ordinator), and rounding out the group is Patti Gerhardi (rodeo & event co-ordinator)—the only member of the group with a rodeo background. Gerhardi works with the BC Rodeo Association, as their marketing manager.