Cloverdale Rodeo shatters records with 82,000 visitors

The 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair delivered the biggest weekend in the organization's history, with more than 82,000 fairgoers flooding the grounds over five days of expanded programming.

The milestone came as the event expanded from its traditional format to a full five-day celebration during the May Long Weekend, adding new attractions and nearly doubling live entertainment. Across seven stages, 104 artists performed — headliners included k-os, Tony Stevens, The Strumbellas, Gord Bamford, and The Road Hammers.

Record-breaking numbers peppered the event. Sunday set an all-time daily admission record, while the Longhorn Saloon sold out Saturday night for the first time. More than 10,000 fairgoers danced across the Longhorn and Showbarn on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

The food scene moved serious volume: 142,000 mini donuts sold, 5,700 lemonades consumed. Sixty-two food trucks and vendors served global flavours, with fan-favorite awards going to Dirty Sodaz (best drink) among others.

The 96 professional rodeo competitors — cowboys and cowgirls — competed for over $300,000 in prize money across five performances. Beyond the arena, more than 100 games, exhibits, and rides filled Buckaroo Kids Corral and other family zones.

The 50/50 jackpot hit $64,790 — a record for the second year running. All proceeds from that draw, plus revenue from roller skate rentals, trout fishing, the mechanical bull, and climbing wall, went to the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation and the Storehouse Society.

The Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association described the expanded weekend as a turning point: the fair is now ranked among the province's most anticipated annual events. Next year will tell if the five-day model becomes the new standard.