The Canadian Rockies International Rodeo has been cancelled for this year.

In a statement, the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association, says it was an "extremely difficult" decision.

But it doesn't say why it's cancelling the event.

Strathmore Mayor Michael Ell says he's surprised and disappointed.

"I think it'll have a big financial impact, especially with the downturn in the economy," Ell said. "I think our businesses benefit hugely from the tourist dollars that come in during the rodeo and music festival."

The rodeo was due to take place from June 30 to July 3. In its statement online, the ARGRA said the decision was "not made lightly."

"We sincerely apologize to all the people this decision affects: the fans, artists, competitors, industry partners, vendors, corporate partners, suppliers and all of our supporters within the community," the statement said.

Ell said he has no idea why the rodeo and music festival — which was supposed to feature Canadian country music stars Terri Clark, Dean Brody, Cory Marquardt and Drew Gregory — was axed.

"I think most of us in the community thought that everything was going well and things were progressing very well and we were looking forward to the rodeo and music festival," he said.

Bruce Gros, the president of the International Gay Rodeo Association, said the Strathmore rodeo is currently the biggest one on the circuit.

But even he doesn't know why the event was cancelled.

"It's an event we all look forward to participating and look forward to going to," he said. "Clearly we all understand that it's a difficult decision for any organizing group to make to cancel a rodeo, particularly this close to the event. It saddens us that they had to be faced with that choice."

The Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Organizers have not yet been available for comment and information about refunds has not been distributed.