Calgary, Alberta is home to the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day rodeo and agricultural exhibition held each July that bills itself as “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
The first stampede was held in 1912 and attracted almost 40,000 visitors, far more than anyone expected. Attendance at recent stampedes has topped 1.25 million people. Stampede organizers suggest anyone who wants to attend reservations well in advance.
The stampede is famous for its chuck-wagon race, reminiscent of the races cowhands would have in celebration at the end of long trail rides.
Other rodeo events include: pro and novice bareback competitions; bull riding; saddle bronco riding; barrel racing; wild pony racing; and several roping events.
Not even nightfall slows down the stampede. When the sun sets, visitors enjoy the nightly Grandstand Show, a pageant that features Canadian performers and changes every year.
Each evening, stages all over Calgary light up with performances from country music stars, comedians, dancers and more.
The Stampede’s midway keeps growing, too, and now features more than 30 adult rides and 20 kids-only rides. Midway guests can test their skill in one of 20 or more games.
If you get hungry, you can find refreshment at one of the dozens of food and beverage vendors on the midway.
Agricultural events have been part of the Stampede since it merged with the Calgary (Agricultural) Exhibition in 1932. Aggie Days is a family-friendly look at how milk gets from cow to table, and wool from sheep to sweater ,plus other fun activities for kids.
One of the stampede’s best-known events is the Caravan Breakfast. Each morning of the Stampede, a group of dedicated volunteers puts out a free breakfast for Stampede attendees, a tradition dating back more than 80 years.
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