Council approved a total of $95,000 in sponsorship funding for three events — including a new air race event coming to the Red Deer Regional Airport next year.
Using funds from The City’s Event Hosting and Outgoing Event Sponsorship Fund, Council approved $20,000 to sponsor the 2022 Canadian Men’s Senior Golf Championship, $25,000 for the 2022 Red Deer International Powwow, and $50,000 to the Canadian International Air Race Championship.
The latter would be a world-class aviation festival that will showcase Red Deer on the international stage in July 2023, while the first two events are slated for later this year. Councillors heard this event would be much like a road race — but in the sky.
“We are glad to support these events as they showcase our community on the national and international stage,” said Mayor Ken Johnston.
He added these events highlight the point of the Major Event Strategy and Destination Development Framework in supporting and encouraging diverse events of all sizes to be brought to the community in sport, festival and culture.
These three events are anticipated to generate nearly $95 million in total economic stimulus for the Red Deer region. Council heard that the majority of revenues would be coming from the Canadian International Air Race Championship — but the powwow is expected to draw more participants than last year because the COVID-related U.S. border closure has been lifted.
Johnston said, “events like these serve to develop a strong local connection… illustrate what Red Deer can offer, support the recovery of hard-hit industries, and showcases the strong volunteer leadership local citizens offer to events.”
The Second Annual International Red Deer Powwow will return to Westerner Park this year, offering an educational experience for Central Albertans by teaching about Indigenous culture, arts and language, as well as Truth and Reconciliation. The event will again present traditional Indigenous activities such as dancing and drumming.
The Canadian Men’s Senior Golf Championship will welcome participants from across the country to the Red Deer Golf and Country Club.
The City’s Event Hosting and Outgoing Event Sponsorship Fund was established in 2020 to support events in Red Deer. The fund is intended for sponsorship and activation, supporting such past events as the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Pickleball Canada National Championship, Men’s AAA National Championship and the WHL Cup.