The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) is excited to announce the winners of its year-end personnel awards and the personnel selected for the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in 2023.These prestigious awards are determined by votes from the top 20 contestants in all major rodeo events and CPRA contract members. Event-specific awards are decided by the top 20 individuals in each event, while junior steer riders vote exclusively for the Steer Riding Contractor of the Year.

 

In the field of rodeo announcing, Brett Gardiner, a highly skilled and well-known announcer at major events across Canada, has been named the 2023 Announcer of the Year. Brett's extensive knowledge, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and positive attitude have earned him this coveted award. Hailing from Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Gardiner has now received this honor for an impressive 12th consecutive year.

 

The Janet Vold Memorial Award, named in memory of the late Janet Vold, recognizes women who have made exceptional contributions to rodeo. Janet Vold, a rodeo secretary for three decades, was known for her genuine interactions with every cowboy and cowgirl, earning immense respect in the rodeo community for her love and knowledge of the sport. This year's recipient of the award, for the third consecutive year, is rodeo timer and secretary, Karry Krystal.

 

The Specialty Act, Dress category award acknowledges athletic prowess, horsemanship, and dedication to practice. This year's winners, Shelby Pierson and Piper Yule, known as the Full Throttle Trick Riders, have demonstrated these qualities and have received this award for the fourth time.

 

In the Specialty Act, Comedy category, the 2023 honoree, for the second consecutive year, is Sherwood Park, Alberta's Rick (Ricky Ticky) Wanchuk.

 

CFR Personnel Selections

 

Among the 48 positions selected for this year's Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), taking place from November 1-5, 2023, notable personnel include:

 

Judges: Lane Peterson, Larry Adams, Perry Gurski, Wayne Resch, Corey Prutton, Bernie Rivet, Cam Morris (Video replay)

 

Timers: Brenda Vold (in her 18th year) and Karry Krystal (making her first appearance).

 

Pickup Men: Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager Tyler Kraft, participating in his fourth CFR, alongside former Bull Riding Champion of Canada, Tyler Thomson, attending his third CFR.

 

Bullfighters: Brett Monea, marking his 12th Canadian Finals appearance, will be joined by Ty Prescott, attending his sixth CFR, and Tanner Byrne, a part of a distinguished bullfighting lineage, returning for a second consecutive CFR.

 

Announcer: Brett Gardiner, making his tenth appearance behind the microphone at Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer.