Cypress County OKs $2K to help 20 Mile Irvine Rodeo celebrate milestone

By medicinehatnews on March 4, 2026.

Cypress County has committed to supporting the 20 Mile Irvine Rodeo for its 40th Anniversary.

Council received a request Tuesday from the 20 Mile Rodeo Committee for a one-time $2,000 sponsorship.

Recreation & community association co-ordinator Jody Phillips explained that as the rodeo is often a break-even event for the society, it lacks additional funds to make the anniversary stand out from previous years, despite anticipating heavier traffic due to the special occasion.

Council raised some concerns that this may set a precedent for “anniversary” type events to receive additional funding over what is already allocated to its community associations, but Phillips assured there is a framework being developed to address the potential loophole, and Coun. Garry Procter stated he believes such projects should instead be judged individually “on their own merit.”

Coun. Blaine Brost added the 20 Mile Rodeo Committee has consistently been proactive in securing other funding in addition to what it receives from the county.

The funding would be used to add music, special signage, extra port-a-potties, a larger winner’s purse to attract special talent to participate and to re-paint all posts and wood in the arena to refresh its appearance.

Funding will come out of the 2026 REC 2 Operating Grants budget.

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