British Columbia

Rodeo at Abbotsford Agrifair cancelled for 2016

The rodeo at the Abbotsford Agrifair is being cancelled for 2016 because of budget shortfalls, say organizers.

Other cost-cutting measures include reducing the fair down to three days, from four

The rodeo is one of many events and attractions at the Abbotsford Agrifair. (Vancouver Humane Society)

The 21-year-old rodeo at the Abbotsford Agrifair is being cancelled for 2016 because of budget shortfalls, say organizers. 

"The Abbotsford Agrifair is doing a little restructuring," said vice-president Stephanie Nelson. 

The fair lost $51,000 in 2015, said Nelson, and organizers are trying to make up for the loss. 

"Looking back, I think we did a little too much trying to please everybody," she said.  

Nelson also blamed the summer heat for keeping people in their homes last year. She said this year they plan to have cooling stations to help counteract that problem. 

The fair's board of directors also decided not to renew general manager Pamela Brenner's contract in order to save about $70,000. 

"That [decision] was made for financial reasons only, and was made with a great deal of difficulty," she said. 

Other cost-cutting measure include reducing the fair to three days, from four. 

The fair runs from July 29 to 31.

With files from Kamil Karamali